Headlines: July 16, 2010
by Meg Larkin
In health reform news,health plans will have to provide some preventive services to consumers free of charge under new regulations. Pursuant to new rules put forth by the Obama Administration, health plans will have to eliminate co-pays and deductibles for certain types of health care services aimed at keeping patients healthy. According to the New York Times, “The rules will eliminate co-payments, deductibles and other charges for blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol tests; many cancer screenings; routine vaccinations; prenatal care; and regular wellness visits for infants and children.” Although the screenings are free, patients will still have to pay for necessary treatment under the law if the screening reveals they have a condition that requires further care.
In regulatory news, an FDA advisory panel has recommended that controversial diabetes drug Avandia be allowed to stay on the market. Although the FDA is not bound to follow the panel’s decision, it has historically implemented the panel’s recommendations. A number of panel members who voted in favor of allowing the drug to stay on the market also recommended that restrictions be placed on its use. Concerns emerged about the drug after it was linked to a high rate of cardiac adverse events. The Boston Globe reported that, “The vote followed an intense two-day round of debate by agency officials and panel members who were groping for the right response to signs of danger in a drug with $1 billion in global sales last year, $500 million of that in the United States.”
Finally, in other FDA news, the agency has ordered Baxter to recall a number of IV pumps. The pumps, used mostly in hospitals, contained a defect that could cause them to shut down or deliver an inappropriate dose of medication. The FDA ordered the recall because it was unsatisfied with Baxter’s response to the pumps’ defects. Many pumps will be able to be replaced by a different model of Baxter pump that does not have the defect, but the company is unsure of whether it will have enough replacements to meet demand. Organizations who bought the pumps will be able to receive a refund of some of the cost of the pump or a replacement pump. According to the New York Times, “The company said it would execute the recall over the next two years and provide service and support for customers still using a [recalled] pump during the transition period.”
Meg Larkin is a law student at Boston University. Please feel free to email her with any questions, comments, suggestions or concerns.
