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.

Advocacy group asks Congress for $377M increase in funds for the FDA
The Alliance for a Stronger FDA said the increase is necessary to pay salaries and cover the organization's ballooning operational expenses.
FDA clears advanced AI model for predicting heart failure risk
The new algorithm from Implicity evaluates implantable device data and monitors patients for changes that suggest they could experience severe heart failure symptoms in the near future. It was designed to alert clinicians up to weeks in advance.
Maryland enacts sweeping ban on noncompetes for all healthcare professionals
The new law will ban noncompetes in the state for all healthcare workers who provide care, including veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
About that bipartisan $32B ‘roadmap’ for AI policy: What’s in it for healthcare?
This week Washington took a major step toward nailing down a solid game plan on federal AI spending for everything outside of defense.
FDA set to evaluate use of ‘ecstasy’ for treating PTSD
The party drug could soon be prescribed, in conjunction with psychological interventions, as a treatment for mental health disorders.

Justice Dept. takes down ransomware group targeting hospitals

The group targeted 1,500 victims in over 80 countries and received more than $100M since June 2021.

January 27, 2023

Majority of Americans believe healthcare is a government responsibility

More than half of Americans (57%) believe healthcare should be ensured by the federal government, according to a recent poll from Gallup.

January 24, 2023

FDA proposes major shift to COVID vaccine schedule

Under the new proposal, the FDA would conduct an assessment of prevalent strains circulating each year, likely beginning around June, with the aim of new vaccines being ready by September.

January 24, 2023

Uninsured rate dropped during COVID-19 pandemic

The uninsured rate in the United States saw a drop from 11.1% in 2019 to 10.5% in 2021, according to a new report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

January 17, 2023

Animal testing no longer required for all new drugs approved by FDA

The bill was first introduced by Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) in the Senate, and it was approved unanimously.

January 13, 2023

COVID-19 PHE extended to mid-April

The renewal comes as the country is facing another wave of COVID-19 infections, this time from a new variant identified as XBB.1.5.

January 12, 2023

cardiologist doctor physician patient black diverse hypertension

Cardiologists push for a more diverse, inclusive healthcare workforce

A recent roundtable discussion focused on how today's healthcare leaders can "begin to dismantle the systems that perpetuate inequities in medicine and build new systems that promote diversity, equity and inclusive excellence."

January 12, 2023

FDA announces recall of adrenaline lots

Spectrum Laboratory Products is voluntarily recalling the lots after customer complaints found the adrenaline to be discolored.

January 11, 2023

Around the web

AI in Healthcare

About that bipartisan $32B ‘roadmap’ for AI policy: What’s in it for healthcare?

This week Washington took a major step toward nailing down a solid game plan on federal AI spending for everything outside of defense.

Cardiovascular Business

FDA announces new recall of delivery catheters after patient’s death

The recall includes specific lots of five different medical devices used to treat stroke and other neurovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular Business

FDA warns against use of troubled heart devices, citing ‘continued concerns’ after multiple recalls

The agency is urging healthcare providers to transition away from these devices and seek out alternatives. It is even working with other manufacturers to try and get similar products on the market as quickly as possible.