What This Bill Does · Plain English
Summary · Congress.gov
Medical Device Electronic Labeling Act This bill expands the permitted use of electronic labeling of medical devices to allow directions for use and warning labels for all medical devices to be provided electronically, rather than physically (i.e., affixed to or accompanying the device or its container). (Under current law, direction and warning labels may be provided electronically only for (1) prescription devices intended for use in health care facilities or by health care professionals, and (2) in vitro diagnostic devices intended for use in blood establishments or by health care professionals.) Under the bill, direction and warning labels may be provided solely electronically for all medical devices so long as (1) the electronic label is readily accessible to the device’s intended users, (2) intended users may request a paper label at no additional cost, and (3) the label affixed to the device or its packaging contains all information required under current laws and regulations. The Food and Drug Administration may issue regulations establishing additional requirements or exceptions to these provisions.
Action Timeline
2025-02-24
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
2025-02-24
Introduced in House
2025-02-24
Introduced in House
Frequently Asked Questions
Did HR.1539 pass?
HR.1539 is still alive. Current stage: COMMITTEE. Pass likelihood: 40%.
What does HR.1539 do?
Medical Device Electronic Labeling Act This bill expands the permitted use of electronic labeling of medical devices to allow directions for use and warning labels for all medical devices to be provided electronically, rather than physically (i.e., affixed to or accompanying the device or its container). (Under current law, direction and warning labels may be provided electronically only for (1) prescription devices intended for use in health care facilities or by health care professionals, and (2) in vitro diagnostic devices intended for use in blood establishments or by health care professio…
Who sponsored HR.1539?
HR.1539 was sponsored by Jay Obernolte (R-California).
Full Bill Text
119 HR 1539 IH: Medical Device Electronic Labeling Act U.S. House of Representatives 2025-02-24 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I 119th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 1539 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 24, 2025 Mr. Obernolte (for himself, Mr. Mullin , Mr. Crenshaw , and Ms. Craig ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce A BILL To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to expand the types of devices for which required labeling may be made available solely by electronic means, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Medical Device Electronic Labeling Act . 2. Allowing required labeling of devices to be made available solely by electronic means Section 502(f) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 352(f) ) is amended to read as follows: (f) (1) Unless its labeling bears (A) adequate directions for use; and (B) such adequate warnings against use in those pathological conditions or by children where its use may be dangerous to health, or against unsafe dosage or methods or duration of administration or application, in such manner and form, as are necessary for the protection of users, except that where any requirement of clause (A) of this subparagraph, as applied to any drug or device, is not necessary for the protection of the public health, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations exempting such drug or device from such requirement. (2) Subject to subparagraph (3), required labeling for devices (including in vitro diagnostic devices) may be made available solely by electronic means, provided that— (A) such required labeling is readily accessible to intended users of such devices; (B) the manufacturer affords intended users of such devices the opportunity to request the required labeling in paper form, and upon such request, promptly provides the requested information in paper form without additional cost; and (C) the label affixed to the device or its immediate container includes all information in compliance with this Act and the regulations thereunder or any applicable order of the Secretary under subparagraph (3)(A). (3) (A) With respect to devices for which labeling is made available solely by electronic means, the Secretary may issue an order establishing requirements in addition to, or exceptions from, the requirements under subparagraph (2) for the label affixed to a device type. (B) Notwithstanding subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, such order shall be published in the Federal Register, following publication of a proposed order in the Federal Register and consideration of comments to a public docket. (C) Such order may require the label of a device to contain certain information or comply with certain conditions only if the Secretary determines such requirement is necessary to provide a reasonable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of the device. .
Loading intelligence layer…