This week on the Policy and Medicine Podcast, we unpack a range of timely and impactful stories that highlight critical changes and discussions in healthcare policy and regulation. Available on Spotify and other podcast platforms, tune in to hear our expert analysis and insights. Here’s a snapshot of the stories covered in this episode:
Hospital Price Transparency Compliance Drops to 38% A recent analysis shows a significant drop in hospital compliance with price transparency regulations, now at just 38%. This decline raises concerns about consumer access to price information and the potential impact on healthcare costs. Continued enforcement and increased penalties are being discussed as potential solutions to ensure hospitals meet transparency requirements. Read more
Generic Drugmakers Reach $50 Million in Antitrust Settlements In a major development, generic drug manufacturers have agreed to nearly $50 million in settlements related to antitrust violations in multidistrict litigation. This settlement addresses the alleged price-fixing schemes that affected the cost of several widely used medications, highlighting ongoing issues within the pharmaceutical industry. Read more
OPDP Issues Untitled Letter to Merz Pharmaceuticals The Office of Prescription Drug Promotion (OPDP) has issued an untitled letter to Merz Pharmaceuticals concerning a recent social media post that allegedly promotes an approved drug in a misleading manner. This action underscores the FDA’s continued focus on digital marketing practices and the importance of compliant promotional communications. Read more
Stakeholders Provide Feedback on FDA Misinformation Draft Guidance The FDA’s recent draft guidance on health misinformation has received extensive feedback from various stakeholders. Industry leaders, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups are contributing insights, aiming to shape a balanced approach that addresses misinformation without stifling scientific discourse. Read more
Steward Health CEO Held in Contempt of Congress In an unprecedented move, the CEO of Steward Health has been held in contempt of Congress for refusing to testify regarding allegations of misconduct. This legal confrontation highlights the growing tensions between healthcare executives and regulatory authorities. Read more
Necessary Disruption 2.0: A Continuing Education Call to Action The “Necessary Disruption 2.0” initiative calls for transformative changes in continuing medical education (CME). It aims to better align educational practices with current healthcare challenges, emphasizing innovative learning methods and increased accountability in CME programs. Read more
For more details on these topics, visit PolicyMed.com. Tune into our This Week in Policy and Medicine Podcast on Spotify and other podcast platforms to hear more in-depth discussions on these crucial issues.