Bridging the Gap in National Health Equity and Ensuring Patient Safety

Earlier this month, Safe Repair Project partner National Health IT Collaborative (NHIT) joined the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMMS) at their annual “HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition”.

From groundbreaking applications of artificial intelligence to remarkable advancements in telehealth and robust cybersecurity measures, the conference highlights future-forward technology created to enhance efficiency and elevate patient outcomes.

NHIT CEO Luis Belen hosted a reception at the conference, highlighting an ongoing commitment to harnessing technology for health equity and enhancing patient safety.

Unfortunately, policies stretching nationwide are posing significant risks to patients, particularly in underserved communities. Including medical devices in right to repair legislation, creates increased risk. The equipment manufacturers are subject to FDA safety regulations to ensure proper functioning of machines, this is not the case with third party repairs. 

Improper repairs can have dire consequences; misdiagnoses, treatment failures, and increased hospitalization rates are just a few of the risks involved.

Underserved communities are already grappling with significant barriers, such as a lack of provider shortages and limited digital literacy. Introducing the right to repair policies to medical devices will only widen the distrust these communities have with the healthcare industry.

Access and patient protection must go hand in hand. When states recognize that not all products are created equal, medical device exemptions protect vulnerable populations from the possible repercussions of incorrectly repaired medical equipment.

As we look ahead in the evolving landscape of healthcare, it is imperative to balance innovation with patient safety. Exempting medical devices from right-to-repair laws goes beyond preserving technological integrity; it is essential for ensuring that every patient—regardless of income or geographic location—receives safe and effective care they can trust.

After all, when it comes to healthcare, the stakes can be a matter of life and death.