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. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a new warning against the use of watches, rings and other devices that claim to measure blood glucose levels without piercing the skin. These unapproved devices come from “dozens of companies” and are sold “under multiple brand names.”

FDA warns against use of unauthorized smartwatch, smart ring devices to measure blood glucose levels

Any devices that claim to make blood glucose measurements without piercing the user's skin are associated with a heightened risk of error, the agency said. 

February 22, 2024
bipartisan house task force on artificial intelligence

In the House, a new bipartisan push to get arms around AI

The move will bring together 24 representatives—12 from each party—who will work to stimulate American AI innovation while mitigating AI-related threats.  

February 21, 2024
medical billing_1.jpg

Providers prevail in 77% of No Surprises Act payment disputes, new CMS data show

Emergency (58%) and radiology (17%) services made up most non-air ambulance payment determinations, the agency reported. 

February 20, 2024
Rapt drug trial halted

FDA halts Rapt drug trial after patient complication

Shares in the drugmaker took a hit after a case of liver failure in one study participant resulted in regulators putting an immediate pause on further dosing or enrollment in the trials. 

February 20, 2024
wheelchair

Prominent radiology practice accused of refusing imaging services to wheelchair user

The dispute dates to August, when Suzanne Garraffa first contacted Connecticut-based Jefferson Radiology seeking X-rays. 

February 16, 2024
Video of Patricia Keegan, NP, Emory, explains value of the ACC TVT NCDR registry for TAVR and why it is important from both a quality monitoring standpoint and for attracting patients to your program.

Data registries have been a huge success for U.S. structural heart programs

ACC/STS National Cardiovascular Data Registry metrics reporting for TAVR is important for marketing and care quality, explains Patricia Keegan, NP, with the Emory Heart and Vascular Center.

February 16, 2024
Telehealth can provide significant value when it comes to managing and monitoring patients with CVD or suspected CVD. A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association explores the latest details on this evolving treatment option. 

American College of Radiology asks CMS to permanently allow remote supervision of diagnostic tests

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services started allowing this perk in 2020 amid the pandemic, but it is slated to go away by the end of 2024. 

February 16, 2024
artificial intelligence regulation legislation

Physician congressman hopes to address ‘appalling’ inaction on Medicare pay fix by March

Rep. Larry Bucshon, MD, R-Ind, spoke during the American Medical Association’s National Advocacy Conference, which took place from Feb. 12-14 in Washington. 
 

February 15, 2024