EPA Imposes New Limit on Medical Sterilization Chemical, Citing Cancer Risk
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule on Thursday that aims to markedly reduce cancer risks for those living near commercial sterilization facilities by lowering toxic emission standards for ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide, the most commonly used sterilant for medical devices in the U.S., is used for everything from wound dressings to endoscopes […]
Q&A: Talking Prior Authorization With Rep. Suzan DelBene
Although the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule on prior authorization, there is more that can be done to ease clinician burdens in this area, according to Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.). DelBene sponsored the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, which would, among other provisions, require affected plans to […]
AI Transparency Rule Has Benefits, but Is Limited, Experts Suggest
The final rule from HHS on transparency in artificial intelligence (AI) has some positive points, but it won’t solve all the challenges posed by this new technology, according to a legal expert. “I’m glad to see that there is rulemaking that is timely,” Meghan O’Connor, JD, a partner in the Quarles & Brady law firm […]
Medicare Finalizes 3.4% Payment Cut for Physician Fees in 2024
Physicians would receive a 3.4% cut in their Medicare reimbursement under a final rule released Thursday by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Overall, the finalized calendar year 2024 physician fee schedule conversion factor is $32.74, a decrease of $1.15, or 3.4%, from 2023, CMS said in a press release. CMS’s Positive Spin […]
Vascular Conditions Offer No Clarity on Pollution-Dementia Link
Investigators appeared to rule out vascular dysfunction mediating the previously reported link between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and dementia. Contrasting with prior studies, their nationally representative U.S. cohort study found no significant association between greater long-term exposure to PM2.5 and a higher dementia risk 10 years later (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.98-1.11). Sensitivity analysis suggested […]
Healthcare Closely Watching FTC’s Proposed Ban on Non-Competes
A newly proposed rule from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that would ban non-compete clauses is being watched closely by the healthcare industry, already strained by staffing shortages and affected by changes in ownership structure even before the pandemic. The rule, if finalized after public comments are received for the next 2 months, would prevent […]
Opinion | We Get What We Incentivize
We get what we incentivize. This is a basic rule. I’d love to say it’s a basic rule of humanity, but unfortunately, I have a background in psychology, so I know it goes a lot deeper than that — it’s a basic rule of every living creature. Humans are, in many ways, just very big […]
Maternal Health, Equity Key Factors in Proposed CMS Rule for Hospitals
In a new proposed payment rule for inpatient and long-term hospitals, CMS suggested the establishment of a “birthing-friendly” hospital designation in an effort to promote better health outcomes among mothers. In addition to addressing the nation’s maternal health crisis, the proposed rule includes three equity-focused measures as a way to improve care among underserved and […]
What Is the 3-3-3 Rule for Anxiety?
Young children and anxiety Parenting a young child can be tough. The 3-3-3 rule is a mindfulness technique that’s simple enough for young children and it asks them to name three things they can see, identify three sounds they can hear, and move three different parts of their bodies. Parenting a young child can be […]
Too Much, Too Late: Health Groups Pan OSHA Rule on COVID Precautions
Too much, too late: that’s what healthcare groups are saying about a new rule from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) designed to protect healthcare workers from COVID-19. “This rule is long and complex, and would require changes in hospital policies, procedures, and structures,” Stacey Hughes, executive vice president of government relations and public […]