U.S. Access Board to Charter Advisory Panel on Medical Diagnostic Equipment | March 2012

The U.S. Access Board is organizing an advisory committee to advance its development of new standards for medical diagnostic equipment and seeks applications from interested parties to serve as committee members. This committee will provide assistance to the Board in finalizing standards for diagnostic equipment it released for public comment in February.

The advisory committee will be structured to represent a balanced cross section of stakeholders, including medical device manufacturers, health care providers, disability groups, standard-setting organizations, and others interested in or affected by the standards. The committee will be responsible for developing consensus recommendations on how the standards should be finalized based on the information received from the public on the proposed version. The proposed rule, which remains available for comment until June 8, includes design criteria for independent access to diagnostic equipment, including types that require transfer from wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Through its proposal, the Board also posed questions to the public and highlighted areas where additional information is sought. The committee will make specific recommendations on the technical criteria of the standards according to an analysis of the information received from public comments.

A notice published by the Board provides further details, including application instructions. The deadline for applications is April 27. The committee is expected to meet at least four times over the course of two months beginning in September. Committee meetings will be open to the public and will provide opportunities for all interested parties to provide information. Its work will be conducted in accordance with regulations governing Federal advisory committees. Committee membership is voluntary, and members will not be paid or reimbursed for their services.

For further information, visit the Board's website or contact Rex Pace at pace@access-board.gov, (202) 272-0023 (v), or (202) 272-0052 (TTY).

Link for info on Medical Diagnostic Equipment:
http://www.access-board.gov/medical-equipment.htm