On January 13, 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a discussion paper concerning an updated proposed framework for oversight of laboratory developed tests (LDTs). According to FDA, the updated proposal is the result of ongoing engagement with industry stakeholders. Under the proposal, the FDA generally stands by its position that a complementary risk-based … Continue Reading
On February 9, 2016, the Obama Administration released its proposed fiscal year (FY) 2017 budget, which contains significant Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement and program integrity legislative proposals – including $419 billion in Medicare savings over 10 years. These proposed policy changes would require action by Congress, and Republican Congressional leaders have already voiced general opposition … Continue Reading
FDA and CMS have announced that they are establishing an interagency task force to reinforce their collaboration regarding the oversight of laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) - tests intended for clinical use and designed, manufactured, and used within a single lab. According to an FDA blog post, the goals of the FDA/CMS task force include identifying areas of similarity between the FDA quality system regulation and requirements under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA); working together to clarify responsibilities for laboratories that fall under the purview of both agencies; and leveraging joint resources to avoid duplication and maximize efficiencies.… Continue Reading
On February 6, 2014, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Office for Civil Rights jointly published a final rule amending the HIPAA Privacy Rule and the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 regulations to provide patients with direct access to laboratory test reports. HHS believes that patients should have the right to access these test reports in order to gain vital information, allowing them to better manage their health and take action to prevent and control disease. The amendments to both regulations become effective April 7, 2014, and HIPAA-covered laboratories must comply by October 6, 2014.… Continue Reading
On January 16, 2009, the FDA published a notice announcing “Draft Guidance for Industry on Submission of Laboratory Packages by Accredited Laboratories,” which is intended to enhance the quality and reliability of test results submitted by importers to demonstrate that their products meet the FDA’s requirements. The guidance advises importers how to use accredited laboratories and … Continue Reading
