FDA to review its human testing protocols
The FDA hired a research firm to find out if its current process for approving or denying human testing request needs to be revamped.
Medicare
CMS unveils new nursing home safety effort
The CMS is seeking to improve quality of care at nursing homes via a new safety training effort.
Medicaid
New York pilot program expands Medicaid coverage to doulas
New York state's health department is launching a pilot program expanding Medicaid coverage to doula services in an effort to reduce childbirth complications for women and babies.
Politics & Policy
CMS tells Congress federal law inhibits use of telehealth for seniors
Federal laws are preventing greater use of telehealth, according to a CMS report sent to Congress on Thursday.
Public Health
CMS may allow hospitals to pay for housing through Medicaid
The CMS might allow hospitals and health systems to pay directly for housing, healthy food or other solutions for the "whole person" through the Medicaid program, according to HHS Secretary Alex Azar.
Military Health
Former VA chief Shulkin tapped to lead innovation at Sanford Health
Dr. David Shulkin, whose departure from the VA was announced through Twitter this past spring, will be chief innovation officer at Sanford Health in South Dakota.
Law & Regulation
Atrium Health accused of cheating staffers on health, pension benefits
A group of former Atrium Health employees are suing the system, claiming it has cheated thousands of employees out of pension benefits and caused them to pay more for services it rendered through the network established by the health plan it co-owns.
Enforcement & Compliance
MACPAC calls for pause on Arkansas Medicaid work requirement
MACPAC expressed concern to HHS about the number of Arkansans who have lost health coverage by failing to comply with the work requirement.
Veterans Administration
New VA ban on clinicians' union work spurs litigation threats
The Veterans Affairs Department's decision Thursday to prohibit medical workers from doing union work on salaried time has roiled unions.
