Tag: healthcare legislation

Legislation proposes to halt Medicare physician payment cuts

Editor's Note A January 31 statement from the American Medical Association (AMA) announces the organization’s support for bipartisan legislation aiming to reverse steep Medicare reimbursement reductions threatening physician practices and patient care access. Introduced by a coalition of 10 House members, the "Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act" would…

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By: Matt Danford
February 4, 2025
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Medical school diversity declines after Supreme Court ruling

Editor's Note The Supreme Court’s 2023 decision limiting race in college admissions has triggered an overzealous response from many medical schools, leading to a sharp decline in enrollment for underrepresented groups, according to an article published January 23 in STAT.  As detailed in the article, Legal advisors have pushed schools…

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By: Matt Danford
January 29, 2025
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VA exempts over 300,000 healthcare jobs from federal hiring freeze

Editor's Note More than 300,000 healthcare positions within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have been exempted from a federal hiring freeze ordered by President Donald Trump on January 20, ensuring continuity in care for veterans. Military.com reported the news January 23. According to the article, acting VA Secretary Todd…

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By: Matt Danford
January 24, 2025
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Medical device shortages present pediatric patient challenges, FDA warns

Editor's Note Although medical device shortages threaten all patients, a recent FDA announcement highlights particular risks for pediatric populations who require size-appropriate equipment. “From ventilators and neonatal breathing tubes to hemodialysis catheters, the scarcity of these critical devices poses a growing threat to patient care – especially for our youngest…

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By: Matt Danford
January 21, 2025
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Healthcare M&A activity set to rebound in 2025 amid stricter state oversight

Editor's Note Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) on the part of hospitals and health systems are expected to increase in 2025, rebounding from a 13% dip over the past year, Modern Healthcare January 7 reports. However, newly empowered state oversight laws are likely to temper the scale and pace of activity,…

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By: Tarsilla Moura
January 8, 2025
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Senate report: Private equity endangers patient care in underserved hospitals

Editor's Note A bipartisan Senate Budget Committee report accuses private equity firms of prioritizing profits over patients, compromising care in underserved communities, CBS News reported January 7. The investigation scrutinized the operations of Leonard Green & Partners and Apollo Global Management, alleging widespread financial mismanagement and underinvestment in hospitals they…

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By: Matt Danford
January 8, 2025
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Proposed tariffs, stricter immigration policies threaten healthcare workforce, supply chain

Editor's Note Immigration and trade policies proposed by President-elect Donald Trump could exacerbate challenges with healthcare staff and medical supply chains, according to recent reporting from Modern Healthcare and The Hill. As detailed by Modern Healthcare, stricter immigration policies could impede efforts to recruit skilled international workers, exacerbating gaps in…

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By: Matt Danford
January 2, 2025
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Surgical legislation advocacy focuses on safety, access

“Surgeons are the only people trained to provide surgery—life-saving care," says Carrie Zlatos, chief of legislative and political affairs at the American College of Surgeons (ACS). "They are an essential element of a community-based healthcare system. Regardless of where you live, everyone should have access to full quality surgical care.”…

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By: Brita Belli
January 1, 2025
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Anthem’s anesthesia time limit policy, reversal sparks new legislation

Editor's Note Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield recently reversed its controversial plan to impose time limits on anesthesia coverage after intense backlash from the medical community, including anesthesiologists and patient advocates. The policy, aimed at curbing alleged overbilling, would have restricted payments based on average surgery times, a move critics…

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By: Tarsilla Moura
December 18, 2024
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AMA letter expresses opposition to CRNA use of 'nurse anesthesiologist' title

Editor's Note The American Medical Association (AMA) expressed “strong opposition” to a proposed regulation in Washington, DC, that would allow certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) to use the title “nurse anesthesiologist.” As detailed in a December 2 announcement, a letter to the DC Department of Health from AMA CEO James…

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By: Matt Danford
December 3, 2024
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