Politics

Lawmakers are pushing legislation that would impose new criteria to participate in a program allowing hospitals to buy medications at lower prices.

The ruling allows Idaho’s hospitals and clinicians to provide stabilizing care, but doctors and nurses say the high court hasn’t clarified that federal law supersedes state abortion laws.

President Biden and Donald Trump met onstage for the first time, and clashed on abortion rights and drug prices.

The nation’s high court allows providers to act in emergency cases, but bigger questions remain unsettled.

While there is debate about how much social media is harming young people, clinicians say it’s worthy of attention in understanding the mental health crisis in kids.

A group of lawmakers are pushing a measure to require faster approval from insurers. Healthcare organizations are imploring Congress to approve the legislation.

Rhode Island officials have given conditional approval of the sale of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, provided some key provisions are met.

Lawmakers are seeking to create a Senate commission on mental health to examine ways to make it easier for Americans to get the help they need.

Thousands of skilled doctors and nurses are awaiting visas to come to the U.S. to deliver much-needed care. They would provide welcome relief to the overburdened healthcare workforce.

Advocates are confident that Congress will ultimately agree to continue virtual health flexibilities, but lawmakers may not seal the deal until after the election.

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.