Politics

The government must go beyond voluntary compliance, says U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden. He cited the disruption from the Change Healthcare cyberattack, which has hurt hospitals nationwide.

The Biden administration has established minimum staffing levels for long-term care facilities. Nursing homes have sued to block the rule, but the AARP is launching a campaign to defend the federal requirement.

The state attorney general signed off on UPMC’s plans to acquire the Washington Health System, and officials say the deal is done. Washington says the deal is crucial to the system’s survival.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has provided more than $5.7 billion to vets under the PACT Act. Veterans fought for years for assistance.

A federal appeals court ruled in favor of two drug companies in a dispute over a federal program offering lower prices on outpatient drugs. Hospitals say drug companies are improperly curbing discounts.

Several groups representing hospitals sent a joint letter to CEO Andrew Witty to take responsibility for reaching out to those affected. He has said many Americans are likely affected.

More health systems have introduced programs to offer acute care at home, and two lawmakers want to ensure those programs continue.

The potential elimination of non-compete agreements could add to labor costs, but it also could boost the pool of talent, Fitch says.

Lawmakers criticized Andrew Witty for insufficient cybersecurity protection and the lack of clarity on how many have been affected by the data breach.

The head of the Department of Veterans Affairs said this week that notifications were sent out to veterans and families. The VA says there’s no reports of patient harm.

The Federal Trade Commission says barring such agreements will help workers. The American Hospital Association says it’s bad policy and that the agency has ‘run amok.’

The justices heard arguments Wednesday stemming from a law in Idaho. Healthcare groups fear the court could restrict emergency care in cases going beyond abortion rights.

The federal government has finalized the first staffing standards for nursing homes. Long-term care facilities say the rule is unrealistic, and hospitals say it could limit post-acute care options.

During a discussion at the Hospital + Healthcare Association of Pennsylvania Leadership Summit, NPR's senior political editor discussed the presidential race and key health issues.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is aiming to create a voluntary program for hospitals to share information about their impact on the environment.

In the wake of the Change Healthcare attack, regulators may look more closely at protections for data privacy as they examine deals, experts say.

At a hearing in Washington, House members posed many questions in the attack that has hurt hospitals, physician practices and providers of all kinds.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released plans for a bump in payments of inpatient services, but hospitals and health systems say the proposal is inadequate.

The parent company of Change Healthcare has sent more money to providers, and members of Congress want to know more about the incident. Nearly all hospitals have been affected.

Leaders from groups representing physicians and nurses went to Capitol Hill to draw attention to the dangerous incidents in hospitals.

Congressman Greg Murphy has introduced a bill that would cut off federal funds for medical schools with offices aimed at improving diversity. Medical colleges say improving diversity leads to better care.

Lawmakers should lift restrictions on the federal government to help providers get assistance more quickly, the American Hospital Association says.

Lawmakers crafted a package to fund the government through the fall. Health systems gained some wins, but physicians bemoaned cuts in Medicare payments.

President Biden outlined some healthcare priorities in his annual address to Congress, including lower prescription costs and expanding research.

Hospitals are facing ‘a financial cliff’ from the attack on the UnitedHealth Group subsidiary. Officials warn the crisis threatens the solvency of some providers.