Sweeping Executive Order Puts Hearing Aids Over The Counter; Cracks Down On Internet Providers

The Biden administration wants to make hearing aids less expensive and more readily available – and seeks the same for internet service and prescription drugs.

PICTURE OF HEARING AID.
• Source: Alamy

US President Joe Biden signed an executive order today that could make hearing aids less expensive and easier to purchase. The comprehensive action from the White House, which includes 72 initiatives, directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue proposed rules for over-the-counter hearing aids within 120 days.

Momentum to switch hearing aids from prescription to OTC has been growing for some time. In 2017, President Trump signed...

Medtech Insight Podcast

Keep up with the top medtech business and regulatory news.

Medtech Insight brings you interviews and analysis, on the go.

More from United States

Global Medtech Guidance Tracker: September 2024

 
• By 

Stay current on regulatory guidelines from around the world with Medtech Insight's Guidance Tracker. Over 40 documents have been posted on the tracker since its last update.

Senseonics Readies For US Launch Of 'World’s First One-Year CGM'

 

US FDA has greenlighted Senseonics’ Eversense 365 continuous glucose monitor, which must be replaced just once a year. Capable of being integrated with compatible insulin pumps as part of an automated insulin delivery system, the fully implantable device lasts 185 days longer than the Eversense E3 sensor and far outstrips competing CGMs, which last only for 10-14 days.

Does SCOTUS Chevron Decision Tip The Scales In Favor Of Industry?

 

With the reversal of the Chevron doctrine in June, lower courts will now have more say in deciding regulatory statutes when the language is murky. But will that open the door to more legal challenges from the healthcare industry against government regulations it finds unfavorable? A pair of legal experts recently discussed the potential implications of the Court’s decision.

FDA Releases Six More De Novo Summaries

 
• By 

The US FDA released six more device classifications in early September, including products from Edwards, Interscope, and Baxter Healthcare.

More from North America

News We’re Watching: $1B Judgement Against J&J Recalls For Abbott, Baxter, More; Karl Storz Announces Fujifilm Partnership

 

This week, a Delaware court awarded Auris Health shareholders $1bn in a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson; Abbott recalled some FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors; and McKesson purchased a controlling interest in a Florida cancer care chain.

Global Medtech Guidance Tracker: August 2024

 
• By 

Stay current on regulatory guidelines from around the world with Medtech Insight's Guidance Tracker. Nearly 80 documents have been posted on the tracker since its last update.

Final Guidance Sets Date For Mandatory De Novo Electronic Submissions

 

The Food and Drug Administration’s final guidance outlines the agency’s thinking for sponsors submitting de novo requests electronically, which they must starting in October 2025.