Democrats Planning VA EHR Reorganization, GoodRx Fined $1.5M by FTC
Democrats in Congress are preparing to unveil a new VA EHR modernization reform bill that could change the project’s trajectory, and the FTC fined GoodRx for its data practices.
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By - In healthcare policy news this week, a new report discovered that Democrats are preparing their answer to VA EHR modernization issues in response to a Republican proposal released recently. Meanwhile, GoodRx reacted to its $1.5 million Federal Trade Commission (FTC) fine, admitting no wrongdoing and announcing no plans to change its practices.
Congress Seeks to Reform VA EHR Modernization
House Democrats have a reform bill in the works that aims to solve several problems plaguing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) EHR modernization program. According to reporting from FedScoop, the proposed legislation will provide a framework for solving performance issues with the new EHR without resorting to the VA’s legacy HIT systems. GOP legislators are seeking a different path that would either scrap the Oracle Cerner EHR modernization project altogether or substantially amend it. FedScoop reported that the Democrats’ legislation will be unveiled in the coming weeks. READ MORE.
GoodRx Fined $1.5M for Failure to Report Breach
GoodRx is facing a $1.5 million fine after allegedly sharing sensitive personal information with advertising companies, including Facebook, Google, and other third parties. In a statement, GoodRx denied any wrongdoing, stating that they complied with the FTC, and made proactive updates consistent with their commitment to safeguarding users’ privacy.
“Digital health companies and mobile apps should not cash in on consumers' extremely sensitive and personally identifiable health information,” Samuel Levine, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in an announcement. “The FTC is serving notice that it will use all of its legal authority to protect American consumers’ sensitive data from misuse and illegal exploitation.” READ MORE.
Planned Redesign of the Human Foods Program
FDA Commissioner Robert Califf announced planned changes to the Human Foods Program based on the results of an internal study and an external review by the Regan-Udall Foundation, a not-for-profit created by Congress.
“I believe this proposed approach addresses the recommendations outlined in both reports and considers feedback from stakeholders, as well as the voices of employees working in the Human Foods Program who had an opportunity to share input through numerous interactive and listening sessions over the past month. Creating a Human Foods Program under a single leader who reports directly to the Commissioner unifies and elevates the program while removing redundancies, enabling the agency to oversee human food more effectively and efficiently,” stated Califf in a recent press release. READ MORE.
Senator Warren’s Letter to the FTC
Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts targeted two large mergers for antitrust action in her recent letter to the FTC. In the Letter, Warren called out Amgen’s proposed acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics and Indivior’s acquisition of Opiant, claiming both were anticompetitive industry consolidations. The letter encouraged FTC officials to address the two mergers and apply antitrust law where applicable. READ MORE.
White House Proposes New Patient Navigation Plans
President Joe Biden announced his plan to support patient navigation on the one-year anniversary of the Cancer Moonshot’s renewal. The new strategy includes partnering with the National Cancer Institute to pair pediatric cancer patients with clinical and navigational support.
“This means families facing childhood cancer can reach out for support and get connected to excellent care and the opportunity to participate in research through clinical trials and data sharing initiatives,” the White House said in a fact sheet. READ MORE.
