ATA Encouraged by FDA Issuance of Guidance on Mobile Medical Apps
Washington, DC (PRWEB) September 24, 2013 -- The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) is encouraged by the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) release of guidance on mobile medical apps.
"The FDA has chosen wisely to target its strict regulatory efforts on mobile applications that could pose a significant risk to consumers if used improperly." said Jonathan Linkous, chief executive officer of ATA. “Their regulation will help reassure patients and consumers that mobile health applications are not only convenient, but safe.”
The FDA has tailored their risk-based oversight to regulate mobile medical apps that:
• Are intended to be used as an accessory to a regulated medical device – such as an application that would allow practitioners to diagnose a patient via images viewed through picture archiving systems or mobile devices; or
• Have the ability to transform a mobile device into a regulated medical device – such as an application that turns a smartphone into an electrocardiography machine to detect abnormal heart rhythms or a heart attack.
“This regulation is critical to the growth in the use of wireless devices and software. Providing the FDA's stamp of approval will provide needed assurance to providers and consumers that telemedicine can help improve quality, access and affordability of care,” said Linkous.
The FDA issued a first draft of the mobile medical application guidance in July 2011 and received over 130 comments. ATA submitted comments and suggestions to the agency on the draft, and is pleased that the final regulation supports risk-based oversight that will not hinder market growth and consumer adoption.
The American Telemedicine Association is the leading international resource and advocate promoting the use of advanced remote medical technologies. ATA and its diverse membership work to fully integrate telemedicine into healthcare systems to improve quality, equity and affordability of healthcare throughout the world. Established in 1993, ATA is headquartered in Washington, DC. For more information visit http://www.americantelemed.org.
Mimi Hubbard, American Telemedicine Association, http://www.americantelemed.org, +1 (202) 664-9680, [email protected]
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