• District of Columbia: The Federation of American Hospitals (FAH) has named Charlene MacDonald as its next CEO, effective Jan. 1. MacDonald succeeds Chip Kahn as FAH's CEO. Kahn, who served as FAH's CEO for almost 25 years, announced his retirement last year. MacDonald first joined FAH in 2023 and served as its EVP of public affairs. Before joining FAH, MacDonald was the chief government affairs officer at CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield and has worked as a healthcare communications consultant and in senior policy positions in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. "This is a pivotal time for tax-paying hospitals – one that requires strategic partnership with stakeholders across the industry and with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to address today's complex challenges," MacDonald said. "As President and CEO, I will focus on pragmatic, bipartisan solutions that advance our members' ability to deliver high-quality, affordable patient care to communities in every part of this country." (Pifer, Healthcare Dive, 12/17/25; Eastabrook, Modern Healthcare, 12/16/25; Hurley, Federation of American Hospitals, 12/16/25)
• Maryland: FDA has qualified the first artificial intelligence (AI)-based development tool to help support clinical trials for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, a type of liver disease. The AI tool, which is called AI-Based Histologic Measurement of NASH (AIM-NASH), helps pathologists assess liver biopsy images by scoring steatosis, hepatocellular ballooning, lobular inflammation, and fibrosis. Although AIM-NASH uses AI to analyze images of liver tissue, human pathologists are responsible for the final interpretation. The tool's qualification was supported by studies finding that AI-assisted assessments were comparable to expert consensus. According to FDA, the tool could help standardize histologic scoring and decrease the time and resources needed for drug development. (Jeffries, Becker's Health IT, 12/9/25)
• Virginia: DEA has temporarily extended COVID-era telehealth prescribing flexibilities through the end of 2026, making it the fourth time the flexibilities have been extended. The rule, which was originally implemented at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, allows clinicians to remotely prescribe Schedule II-V controlled medications, such as Adderall and Xanax. Previously, DEA under the Biden administration proposed a rule that would implement a special registration process for prescribing Schedule II-V controlled substances, but it has not been finalized by the Trump administration. According to DEA, the fourth extension will give the agency time to create a final rule on telehealth prescribing of controlled substances and allow patients and providers time to adjust to new requirements. "DEA supports telehealth access for patients who need medication, but not at the expense of public safety," said Cheri Oz, DEA assistant administrator in the diversion control division. "These rules aim to protect patients, expand access to care, and close the door on diversion into the illicit drug market." (Famakinwa/Dubinsky, Modern Healthcare, 12/30/25; Beavins, Fierce Healthcare, 12/31/25)

Telehealth was once seen as a pandemic-era measure, but it's here to stay. Despite initial skepticism, patients continue to embrace telehealth for its convenience and accessibility — and healthcare leaders are investing in virtual care models to support the workforce and improve care coordination. After five years of experimenting with telehealth, we now have a better idea of what it can do.