Here are seven things for ASC leaders to know for Monday, Feb. 13, 2017.
Senate confirms Rep. Tom Price as HHS secretary; Party lines remain uncrossed
The Senate confirmed Rep. Tom Price, MD, (R-Ga.), as HHS secretary in a 52-47 vote. Despite winning 52 total votes, not one Democrat voted in favor of Dr. Price. Many Democratic legislators have voiced concern over Dr. Price's alleged trading practices and his opposition to the ACA.
Current antibiotic guidance may be misguided
Providers often tell patients to take the full script of prescribed antibiotics, even if symptoms subside prior to that time. However, many healthcare experts say this methodology is misguided.
350+ organizations voice concern to Trump over vaccination views
More than 350 organizations sent a letter to President Donald Trump regarding their support for vaccines. The American Academy of Pediatrics organized the effort after concern arose over Trump's "discredited claims about vaccine safety."
Antitrust suit against Takeda revived
The second circuit court in New York reviewed claims that Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceuticals delayed a competitor from releasing a generic version of Actos.
GOP wants ACA repeal to pick up the pace
Many Republican legislators are not satisfied with the timeline of the ACA repeal. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) told the media he would like to see the ACA gone within two or three months. Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) had said he wants legislators to repeal and replace the health law by the end of March.
Analysts: Cigna, Humana could merge
Industry analysts are speculating that Bloomfield, Conn.-based Cigna and Louisville, Ky.-based Humana could merge after two judges recently blocked their previous mergers. Cigna could possibly acquire Humana because of its smaller Medicare Advantage business. If combined with Cigna, the companies' joint assets wouldn't be as monopolistic as the failed mega-mergers, according to analysts.
Kansas takes 1st steps towards Medicaid expansion
Kansas legislators took the first steps towards expanding the state's Medicaid program when Rep. Dan Hawkins (R-D. 100) agreed to have a debate and committee vote on the issue this week.