Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Senate Health Committee Failed To Broker Deal On Health IT
A late push by Senate health committee staff earlier this month to win over two senators who have stalled progress on a health information technology bill over privacy and federal funding issues failed in an effort that culminated in a legislative maneuver that left senators just 20 minutes to register a hold on the bill, according to Washington insiders.
In FDA’s Absence, FTC Ends Supplement’s Cold Prevention Claims
The Federal Trade Commission last week forced the maker of Airborne to stop claiming the popular line of dietary supplements prevents or treats the common cold.
State, Local Health Officials Weigh In On GRAS Status For Salt
Some prominent state and local health officials are telling FDA it should revoke the “generally recognized as safe” classification for salt.
Generally, Everyone Seems To Like Durbin’s New Food Safety Bill
Key stakeholders on both sides of the debate over food safety legislation say they support Sen. Richard Durbin’s latest bill, adding even more consensus to a measure that already enjoys bipartisan support in the Senate.
FDA Examines Industry Use Of ‘May Contain’ Allergen Label
FDA has scheduled a public meeting in September on cautionary allergen statements on food packages.
Medicare Welcomes Speech-Language Pathologists Into The Tent
The passage into law of H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, ushered a sea-change for providers who care for those with communications disorders by adding speech-language pathologists to Medicare and by allowing audiologists to take part in the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI).
FDA, Risk Panel Agree On Intra-Agency Risk Research Agenda
FDA agreed with its risk advisory panel last Thursday (Aug. 14) that the agency should establish a cross-agency risk communication research agenda.
MIPPA Gives Anesthesiology Teaching Programs Full Payment
The inclusion in H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, of language from two-year-old legislation will mean considerably more money for anesthesiologists beginning in January 2010.
Appeals Court Ruling May Drive Up Drug, Device Development Costs
A federal appeals court ruling earlier this month will likely make researching FDA-regulated products more expensive and developing research tools more lucrative.
