Antitrust Enforcers Intensify Scrutiny of Healthcare Algorithmic Pricing

At the ABA Antitrust Spring Meeting, a panel discussed the intensifying scrutiny of algorithmic pricing tools in healthcare and data-driven industries. The Department of Justice Antitrust Division continues to file Statements of Interest emphasizing the 'starting point' theory, asserting that competitors may coordinate simply by agreeing to use the same algorithm to generate benchmark prices. California Assembly Bill 325 (AB 325), effective January 1, 2026, prohibits the use of 'common pricing algorithms' that use competitor data to stabilize prices or wages, introducing potential criminal liability for coercive conduct.

Healthcare & Life Sciences: Drug Pricing Digest - April 2026

President Trump issued a proclamation under Section 232 imposing 100% ad valorem tariffs on imported patented pharmaceuticals and associated ingredients. Companies with approved onshoring plans receive a reduced 20% rate (rising to 100% after 4 years), while those negotiating Most Favored Nation pricing agreements with HHS may qualify for exemptions. Reduced rates of 10-15% apply to products from EU, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and the UK under existing trade commitments.

CMS Finalizes CY 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rule

Holland & Knight LLP summarizes CMS final rule for CY 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D, effective June 1, 2026. The rule codifies Inflation Reduction Act-driven Part D redesign including out-of-pocket caps and manufacturer discount programs, while finalizing Star Ratings reforms and TPMO oversight updates. CMS also clarifies that cannabis products illegal under federal or applicable state law cannot be offered as SSBCI.

$3.2M DEA Settlement Should Caution Hospitals on Controlled-Substance Recordkeeping

The DEA reached a $3.2 million settlement with Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento and Sutter Fairfield Surgery Center to resolve 628 alleged violations of Controlled Substances Act recordkeeping and security requirements. SMCS faced 360 violations including failures to link CSOS records and notify DEA of theft/loss; SFSC faced 268 violations spanning recordkeeping, inventory, and security failures. The settlement underscores federal enforcement focus on holding healthcare providers accountable for safeguarding controlled substances against theft and diversion.

Xendit Trademark Published for Opposition - Class 36 Financial Services

The USPTO published Xendit's Class 36 trademark application (TM79438973) for opposition, covering financial services including payment gateway, payment processing, digital wallet services, cryptocurrency transactions, and electronic fund transfer services. The publication initiates a standard opposition period during which third parties may challenge the registration.

Contempt Motion Against NW Metals Owner for Environmental Violations

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield filed a contempt motion in Multnomah County Circuit Court against Moyata Anotta, President of NW Metals Inc., for alleged violations of a 2021 permanent court injunction requiring compliance with Oregon environmental law. The state alleges NW Metals has operated without required air quality, solid waste, and stormwater permits at its current Portland location and illegally disposed of solid waste at its former site. DEQ previously issued a $357,461 civil penalty on November 4, 2025. A contempt hearing is scheduled for April 29, 2026.

Graymont Reclamation Permit 0459 - Beacon Hill Exploration Project

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection has issued Reclamation Permit 0459 to Graymont Western U.S. Inc. for the Beacon Hill Exploration Project located in Elko County, Nevada. The permit authorizes the company to reclaim the exploration project site in accordance with Nevada Revised Statutes and Nevada Administrative Code 519A. The Division's decision ensures the permittee will leave the project site safe, stable, and capable of supporting productive post-mining land use.

Office of Rural Health Transformation and Sustainability established

Governor Jeff Landry signed an executive order establishing the Office of Rural Health Transformation and Sustainability within the Louisiana Department of Health. The new office will oversee implementation of Louisiana's Rural Health Transformation Program with over $208 million in federal funding, potentially drawing down more than $1 billion over five years. An advisory council will guide implementation and ensure efforts align with statewide priorities.

Welcome to the Boom Belt: A Return to First Principles in Public Markets

SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins delivered a policy speech at the Texas Stock Exchange Event in Florida outlining his regulatory philosophy and three-pillar plan to revitalize public markets and IPO activity. The speech addresses disclosure modernization, limiting federal overreach into state-level corporate governance, and reducing regulatory burden on public companies. While not a formal rulemaking, the speech signals the SEC's policy direction under its new leadership.

US Signs Health Cooperation MOU with Tajikistan under America First Strategy

The U.S. Department of State announced the signing of a bilateral health cooperation MOU with Tajikistan on April 6, 2026, under the America First Global Health Strategy. The $78 million agreement provides $38 million in U.S. assistance over five years to support Tajikistan's efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis while strengthening disease surveillance and outbreak response capabilities.