Policy & Regulations

This channel includes news coverage of healthcare policy and regulations set by Congress, the states, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and medical associations and societies. 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) sign.

HHS, RFK sued by medical associations over COVID policy shift

Multiple professional groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Physicians, challenge recent policy changes to vaccine recommendations for COVID-19, which end routine inoculations for minors and pregnant women.

What’s in the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’—and what was left out?

Sweeping tax cuts and reduced spending on Medicaid and SNAP were signed into law by President Donald Trump. However, a key provision that would have paused new AI regulations was removed by the Senate.

Farapulse Boston Scientific Pulsed Field Ablation PFA fda approval

FDA expands approval of Boston Scientific’s Farapulse PFA system

The FDA's 2024 approval of the Farapulse system covered patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Now, however, the technology is officially approved for patients with more persistent symptoms. 

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President Trump finalizes spending bill with 2.5% rad pay bump, but no inflation-based Medicare reform

The bill also includes some $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts, with nearly 12 million kicked off insurance, drawing criticism from the American Medical Association and hospital lobbying groups. 

Congress Senate Washington D.C. DC

Massive spending bill passes final vote in Congress with Medicaid cuts intact

The 940-page document passed the House of Representatives in a 218 to 214 vote, and now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk. It contains a 20% cut to federal Medicaid funding, something Trump said he opposes. 

Radiation in the cath lab: Tracking state-level regulations for cardiologists

Researchers hope these policies can be standardized in the future to help avoid confusion and improve clinician safety.

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Doc groups say payer promises not enough to address care denials

MGMA and others who are part of the “Regulatory Relief Coalition” are urging Congress to continue pushing forward with the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act. 

Russia China AI in healthcare

Russian researcher strategizes on collaboration with China over healthcare AI

Have you ever wondered what China and Russia would talk about if they were to discuss AI in healthcare? It turns out they do just that—and a newly published academic paper straight out of the Russian Federation offers a glimpse into the dialogue.