Policy and Politics News

The FDA approved Mircera for the treatment of pediatric patients 5 to 17 years of age on hemodialysis who are converting from another erythropoiesis-stimulating agent after their hemoglobin level was stabilized with an ESA.

The California Attorney General has approved placement of a question on the Nov. 8 ballot asking voters if they believe profits at dialysis centers should be restricted.

A California bill with union support that would restrict groups like the American Kidney Fund from helping patients on dialysis pay health care insurance premiums passed the state Senate on May 30 and is heading for a vote in the assembly later this month.

The FDA granted clearance for a broader indication of Pursuit Vascular Inc.’s ClearGuard HD caps to include reduction in the incidence of central-line-associated bloodstream infection in patients on hemodialysis with central venous catheters. The expanded clearance was based on post-market clinical surveillance data.

On May 30, President Donald J. Trump signed “right to try” legislation, which allows terminally ill patients to seek investigational drugs that have passed the first phase of FDA approval but have not received final approval, into law.

A ballot initiative that would limit the profits of dialysis providers in California goes before a joint hearing of two state Senate Committees today.

The National Kidney Foundation expressed “great concern” that a Trump administration plan to reduce the cost of drugs might lead to changes in Part D classes that include immunosuppressive drugs for patients who receive transplants.

The Colorado legislature recently passed HB1202. According to a press release from the National Kidney Foundation, the legislation provides paid leave for employees who would like to become a living organ donor and gives private employers a voluntary tax credit of 35% of an employee’s salary to cover up to 10 business days of paid leave.

End-stage renal disease seamless care organizations that participate in the Comprehensive ESRD Care Model demonstration can use telehealth services at a patient’s home or in the dialysis clinic starting Oct. 1.

National health insurer United Healthcare has filed a lawsuit against dialysis provider American Renal Associates, claiming that the company offered joint venture agreements to lure nephrologists out of United Healthcare’s network so that American Renal Associates could then bill United higher rates for dialysis care.