WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), Greg Murphy (NC-03), Kim Schrier (WA-08), and Angie Craig (MN-02) today introduced the Better Interoperability for Devices (BID) Act, legislation to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review the interoperability, safety, and effectiveness of medical devices. Text of the bill may be found here.
“With constant research, development, and innovation within the medical technology field, it’s imperative new devices are compatible with one another and capable of safely sharing patient data,” said Representative Miller-Meeks, M.D. “Our legislation will ensure the Department of Health and Human Services is reviewing medical device interoperability to offer patients top notch care in an efficient manner. As a physician and former Iowa Director of Public Health, I understand the importance of maintaining high medical standards and I will continue my efforts to provide patients with the best possible care.”
“The American people deserve to have the highest medical device standards for home-based care, telemedicine, clinical care, and data sharing,” said Representative Murphy, M.D. “I am proud to once again partner with my colleagues on this bill. As a physician I know that streamlined interoperability standards are essential for timely, efficient, and cost-effective care, and I look forward to reviewing the Department of Health and Human Services’ direct report on the state of interoperability of medical devices.”
“As a doctor, I know first-hand how important medical devices are in patient care. And as someone with type 1 diabetes, I share the frustration of many that there is such limited interoperability between different continuous blood glucose monitors and insulin pumps, which together create an “artificial pancreas.” This bill assesses and helps improve the degree to which medical devices operate together, connect to systems, and enhance the electronic medical record,” said Representative Schrier, M.D. “We should always strive to ensure that these tools are as safe, efficient, and useful as possible. Doing so will lead to better outcomes for patients, lower costs, and greater medical innovation.”
“Medical technology is advancing every day, and we must hold these new devices to the highest standards so patients can get the care they need. I’m partnering with Rep. Miller-Meeks on this bipartisan legislation to ensure new medical devices are safe, effective and compatible with one another, and I’ll keep working to streamline our health care system,” said Representative Craig.
“Doctors and nurses need real-time information in the emergency room. The Better Interoperability for Devices Act correctly focuses attention on interoperability in medical devices which could save up to $30 billion each year and countless patient lives. We thank Congresswoman Miller-Meeks and look forward to working with her to advance this policy and accelerate interoperability in healthcare,” said Brett Meeks, Executive Director of the Health Innovation Alliance.
Background:
The Better Interoperability for Devices Act would require HHS to submit a report to Congress on the state of medical device interoperability and the implications of safety and effectiveness. Specifically, the report would include:
• A review of existing interoperability standards
• Recommendations to improve standards, including needed guidance, regulatory, or statutory changes
• A summary of recommendations submitted to HHS by stakeholders