Public Policy

A federal jury found that Medtronic, which plans to appeal the ruling, unlawfully monopolized the bipolar surgical device market through anticompetitive bundling and exclusive-deal practices that harmed rival Applied Medical.

The minibus package also funds HHS and extends acute hospital care at home.

"It's a positive moment," says Kyle Zebley, ATA's CEO and executive director of ATA Action, in a conversation about health tech policy advances and the organization's strategies for 2026.

Michael Abrams of Numerof and Associates says that oversight for AI used in mental health care should mirror that of pharmaceuticals, with clear standards, safety testing and ongoing monitoring.

Private rheumatologist Dr Anandita Santosa in Singapore notes how current AI in healthcare priorities practically leave autoimmune and rheumatic diseases behind and shares what can be done to build a more comprehensive AI-driven preventive care ecosystem.

Janus Health's Carol Howard says the WISeR model's AI-driven reviews of specific Medicare services may trigger denials. To avoid this, hospitals must align clinical documentation with local and national coverage determination rules.

Ceribell received breakthrough device designation for its LVO stroke detection monitor, and Naox Technologies secured 510(k) clearance for its in-ear EEG device.

The state is piloting a program with Doctronic that allows AI to legally participate in medical decision-making for patients with chronic conditions in need of prescription renewals.

While HIMSS Media editors anticipate that AI will be used in every layer of healthcare's tech stack in 2026, they stress that governance and human oversight are essential to ensure AI works safely at scale.

All 50 states were awarded funding to launch their proposals to achieve sustainable rural healthcare over a 10-year timeframe. See how much each stated received.