Reps urge mandatory device bar coding
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
"A compelling patient safety interest...lies in requiring bar codes for certain medical devices, including implantable items like hip/knee prosthetics, stents and CRM pacers, which could be subject to recalls," Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Tex.) states in FDL-1May 24 letter to FDA Acting Commissioner Lester Crawford. The letter is signed by six other representatives. Meanwhile, AdvaMed advises Crawford in a May 19 letter to keep bar coding voluntary for devices. Hospital groups recently issued a letter urging FDA to extend bar coding requirements to devices under a February 2004 rule (1"The Gray Sheet" May 16, 2005, In Brief)...