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. 

HHS, ONC finalize interoperability rules, mandating health record access

Patients will soon have free digital access to their health records thanks to the finalization of two new interoperability rules finalized by HHS and the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). The rule also dictates how patient information is exchanged across the healthcare system.

March 9, 2020
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Aetna, Cigna waive costs of coronavirus testing for members

Health insurers are jumping on board to provide free diagnostic and telemedicine services to members at high risk of having the new coronavirus, COVID-19.

March 6, 2020

Net prices of drugs have jumped 60% since 2007

The prices of prescription drugs have risen 60% over an 11-year period, as have discounts that widen medical gaps, according to a new study published in JAMA.

March 5, 2020
Medical societies are asking Congress to be involved in Medicare reform efforts.

$8.3B package for coronavirus approved

Congress approved an $8.3 billion package to fight the spread of coronavirus and respond to the growing crisis.

March 5, 2020
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FTC receives support––and pushback––for interfering in hospital merger

The healthcare industry has voiced its support and pushback after the FTC sued to block a merger between two hospital systems in Philadelphia.

March 3, 2020

Supreme Court will take up ACA lawsuit

The Supreme Court will listen to the legal challenge to the Affordable Care Act that has been working its way through the lower courts. The court made its decision to hear the case Monday, March 2.

March 2, 2020

FTC plans to kill a hospital merger

The FTC is moving to block a proposed merger between Jefferson Health and Einstein Healthcare Network, two Philadelphia-based health systems. The two entities have a combined annual revenue of $5.9 billion.

February 28, 2020

HHS mitigates coronavirus risks, asks for $2.5B in funding

The Trump administration recently asked Congress for $2.5 billion in funding to address the outbreak of the disease as the number of cases continues to grow worldwide.

February 26, 2020

Around the web

More than 5,000 U.S. physicians joined forces to launch the new group. They say they are focused on limiting private equity's involvement and influence in healthcare. 

Just 10.5% of U.S. physicians said they view private equity ownership in healthcare in a positive light. 

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

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