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.

A survey conducted by the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found more than 75% of parents are generally receptive to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the management of children with respiratory illnesses in the emergency department (ED). However, some demographic subgroups, including non-Hispanic black and younger age parents, had greater reservations about the use of these technologies.

FDA workshop to explore AI’s impact on imaging

AI’s impact on medical imaging continues to be one of the most significant trends of the last several years, and now the FDA has announced a public workshop focused on that very subject.

December 11, 2019

Wyden, Booker share concerns about the use of AI in healthcare

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Cory Booker want to know what government agencies and insurance providers are doing to make sure health systems avoid the use of biased algorithms.

December 11, 2019

Top 10 cities with the highest demand for physicians

Physicians are in high demand, with a 5% increase in job opportunities in the U.S. since 2018, according to a new research study on the 2019 labor market for doctors by Doximity.

December 10, 2019

Some patients with certain autoimmune diseases in some states are finding it difficult to obtain their prescriptions for methotrexate as a result of changing abortion care laws.

Optum buys specialty pharmacy for $300M

OptumRx, the pharmacy care services business of UnitedHealth Group’s Optum, is acquiring a specialty pharmacy and infusion services provider, Diplomat.

December 10, 2019

Surprise billing ban agreement reached in Congress

Lawmakers have come to an agreement to stop surprise medical billing in new legislation that would also enact a number of other healthcare initiatives. The bipartisan agreement could put an end to the legislative stalemate on Capitol Hill in light of President Trump's impeachment proceedings.

December 9, 2019

Consumers think AI will be good for patient care—but some worries persist

A majority of U.S. consumers are confident AI will have a positive impact on both patients and healthcare providers, according to a new report from Blumberg Capital.

December 6, 2019

US healthcare spending grew 4.6% in 2018

National healthcare expenditures rose 4.6% in 2018, according to new figures from the CMS Office of Actuary.

December 6, 2019

ACOs saved $3.5B over 5 years

Accountable care organizations (ACOs) saved Medicare more than $3.53 billion from 2013 to 2017, according to a report from industry group the National Association of ACOs (NAACOS).

December 5, 2019

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.