Panel Examines Device Preemption Bill

A Capitol Hill hearing held yesterday examined the Medical Device Safety Act (MDSA) of 2009, a bill that would overturn a 2008 Supreme Court decision Riegel v. Medtronic, which bars common-law claims challenging the safety and effectiveness of PMA approved medical devices. The Medical Device Manufacturers Association has concerns that the MDSA would significantly stifle innovation in the industry and limit patient access to medical technologies.