FTC to Launch Health Care Task Force
The FTC issued a memorandum directing the FTC’s Bureaus of Competition, Consumer Protection and Economics, and the Office of Planning and Office of Technology to form a Health Care Task Force. The Health Care Task Force will seek to share knowledge, resources, and market intelligence with other agencies and stakeholders. The Health Care Task Force will also identify and lead targeted enforcement and advocacy initiatives; institute a proactive and strategic approach to identify amicus and statement of interest opportunities; and conduct exercises to identify emerging issues for enforcement and advocacy.
CMS Issues Final Rule to Adopt Standards for Electronic Exchange of Clinical Documentation
CMS issued a Final Rule titled “The Administrative Simplification: Adoption of Standards for Health Care Claims Attachments Transactions and Electronic Signatures” establishing national standards for the electronic exchange of clinical documentation used to support health care claims, including secure, verifiable electronic signature standards to authenticate transactions and ensure compliance with federal regulations. The standards adopted in the Final Rule apply to HIPAA‑covered entities. The Final Rule becomes effective May 26, 2026. HIPAA-covered entities must comply by May 26, 2028.
HHS-OIG Issues Favorable Opinion to Proposal Subsidizing Cost-Sharing Obligations for Clinical Trial
HHS-OIG issued a favorable opinion to a medical device company regarding a proposal to subsidize certain Federal health care program cost sharing obligations in the context of a clinical trial of a device manufactured by the Requestor.