In a new draft guidance document, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that it does not intend to enforce compliance with general regulatory controls that apply to Medical Device Data Systems (MDDS), medical image storage devices and medical image communications devices.
MDDS refers to hardware and software that transfers, stores, converts format and displays medical device data, but that does not modify the data or control the functions or parameters of any connected medical device. In 2011, MDDS were classified by FDA as Class I medical devices subject to general regulatory controls under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. FDA has since determined that MDDS pose a low risk to the public and play an important role in advancing health. The agency has therefore decided not to enforce compliance with the controls that apply to MDDS, medical image storage devices and medical image communications devices (e.g., registration and listing, premarket review, postmarket reporting and quality system regulation).
The draft guidance also proposes changes to FDA's draft guidance titled "Mobile Medical Applications" issued on September 25, 2013 to conform with the new draft guidance.
Comments regarding the draft guidance should be submitted to FDA by August 25, 2014.
This article is presented for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.