• District of Columbia: FTC is currently investigating two of the country's largest dialysis providers, DaVita and Fresenius Medical Care, over allegations that they illegally curtail competition from smaller competitors. According to three people familiar with the situation, the investigation is focusing on how the two companies make it difficult for physicians who work in their clinics to leave for competitors and start new businesses. FTC is also investigating whether the companies' noncompete agreements make it more difficult for rival companies to make it easier for dialysis patients to receive care at home. "We are cooperating with the commission staff to answer their questions and demonstrate the advantages of our structure in serving the kidney care community," said DaVita spokesperson Karen Modlin. "We are confident the analysis will show that we have enhanced competition and that our practices promote valuable investments for the betterment of physicians, clinic staff, and patients." (Sisco, Politico, 7/13)
• District of Columbia: President Joe Biden on Sunday announced that he is dropping his re-election bid and stepping aside as the presumptive Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential race. "It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President," Biden wrote in a letter announcing the decision. "And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term." After the announcement, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee. Harris also released a statement thanking Biden for his leadership and said that she plans to "earn and win" the nomination and "do everything … to unite the Democratic Party" and country. According to STAT, progressive and reproductive rights groups have been supportive of Harris for her record on abortion policy and maternal healthcare. Separately, Emily Gee, from the Center for American Progress Action, said she believes Harris would continue the Biden's administration healthcare agenda, which includes expanding drug price negotiations and limiting drug price increases. (Doherty, Axios, 7/21; Shear, New York Times, 7/22; Owermohle/Zhang, STAT, 7/21)
• Texas: Oracle recently introduced a new artificial intelligence (AI) clinical documentation tool for its ambulatory care customers. The tool is integrated into the Oracle Health EHR system and uses automation and voice commands to help physicians transcribe patient conversations and create draft notes. The goal of the tool is to automate the entire documentation process and record it directly in the EHR. According to Oracle, providers can review, modify, and approve notes and next step actions with the tool, which allows them to maintain oversight and control. So far, physicians at 13 adopter organizations, including Billings Clinic and Covenant Health, are using the tool. They have reported saving an average of 4.5 minutes per patient and reducing their daily documentation time by 20% to 40%. (Diaz, Becker's Health IT, 6/24)

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