Unanimous Committee Vote Shows Medical Right to Repair Is Surging

In a landmark victory, California’s Senate Health Committee unanimously advanced SB 605, the Medical Device Right to Repair Act, by a 10-0, bipartisan vote.

SB 605, which would require medical device manufacturers to provide critical parts, tools, and diagnostic materials to hospital and independent biomeds, has drawn hospital support in a big way. The bill was cosponsored by CALPIRG, iFixit, and the American College of Clinical Engineering. The California Hospital Association, which represents more than 400 in-state medical centers, submitted a letter of support. Dignity Health, Sutter Health, Cedars Sinai, and their combined 60 California hospitals also endorsed the bill. 

“Hospitals are realizing the dire effects that manufacturer-imposed barriers to repair can be,” said U.S. PIRG Right to Repair Advocate Kevin O’Reilly. “Their support and the big win in California shows that the urgent calls of biomeds are being heard.”

Read the full article at U.S. PIRG.