Policy & Legislation
News on government policy and legislation impacting life science and diagnostics.
Rand Paul Reintroduces Bill Aimed at Blocking FDA Regulation of LDTs
First introduced in March of 2020, the VITAL Act would have LDTs regulated by the US Health and Human Services secretary under the Public Health Services Act.
USPSTF Now Recommends Colorectal Cancer Screening Beginning at Age 45
The US Preventive Services Task Force had previously recommended that average-risk adults begin colorectal cancer screening at age 50.
MedPAC Exploring Simpler Ways for Labs to Report PAMA Data
The third-party consulting group used for the analysis recommended using a survey to set Medicare payment rates to reduce the reporting burden on laboratories.
While the reforms ease some providers' shift to value-based care, their exclusion of labs could hamper the industry's move into population health and other areas.
CDC to Provide $2.25B to Improve COVID-19 Testing in High Risk, Underserved Areas
The center also released updated guidance about how testing can be used as screening intervention, particularly in specific congregate settings.