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 In this section:

                Home Use Devices

Home Use Devices

                        Home Use Devices Initiative
          Unique Considerations in the Home
          Specific Devices for Home Use
          Frequently Asked Questions About Home Use Devices
          FDA's Role in Regulating Medical Devices
          FDA Activities:  Home Use Devices
          Additional Resources on Home Use Devices Home
          Medical Devices
          Products and Medical Procedures
          Home Health and Consumer Devices
          Home Use Devices
          Frequently Asked Questions About Home Use DevicesHome Use Devices Frequently Asked Questions About Home Use Devices
  
  	
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What devices does FDA recommend for home use?
	I have a patient who lives in a rural area and is being discharged from the hospital. She will be two hours from the nearest clinic. What medical device associated risks should I consider?
	Where can I buy home use devices?
	Who do I contact if my device breaks or doesn’t work properly?
	Who can write a prescription for a medical device?
	Do I need a prescription for my device?
	How can I find out if my medical device has been recalled?
	I can't find the instructions for use. Where can I find the information?
	Where do I report a serious injury, death or medical device malfunction?
	How do I clean my device?
	Where do I dispose hazardous waste, such as needles or tubing?
	Is my home wiring compatible with the medical device?Q: What devices does FDA recommend for home use?

FDA is responsible for regulating companies that manufacture, repackage, re-label, and import medical devices sold in the United States. This is accomplished through scientific review of premarket data submitted by a medical device manufacturer to establish a device’s safety and efficacy and then once on the market, monitoring medical device adverse event reports to detect and correct device-related problems in a timely manner.

It is important to note because the FDA’s scope of work is to regulate the medical device industry, the FDA cannot and does not recommend specific medical devices for use in any setting. Review the instructions for use for a device you plan to use in the home before deciding on the one best for a particular patient population.

Q: I have a patient who lives in a rural area and is being discharged from the hospital. She will be two hours from the nearest clinic. What medical device associated risks should I consider?

There are many risks to consider when caring for a patient who requires a medical device in their home environment, especially in rural areas. It is important to consider:

What the device needs to operate safely and effectively, (for example:  electricity, running water, computer connections, back up supplies)
	Power sources and outlets, (for example:  are they compatible with one another?)
	Patient capabilitiesFDA has developed a checklist with important questions to ask when considering home use medical devices titled, "Home Healthcare Medical Devices: A Checklist" [PDF] [Text]

Q: Where can I buy home use devices?

Home Use devices are often sold to patients who have a prescription for that given device at hospitals or at pharmacies. Medical devices are also cleared or approved for sale directly to the consumer and these are called Over-the-Counter (OTC) products. Medical devices are also available at many online retailers. If you buy a home use device online, make sure you are buying from a reliable source. Also check the store’s return policy and customer support statement before you place an order.

Q: Who do I contact if my device breaks or doesn’t work properly?

Make sure you have phone numbers for your homecare agency, doctor, or the device manufacturer to call if your device is not working properly. You should also report the problem to your doctor, to the manufacturer of your medical device and to FDA through the MedWatch Reporting Program.

Q: Who can write a prescription for a medical device?

Each state has laws and regulations that determine who can write a prescription for a medical device in that state. FDA defers to the states on determining who can write a valid prescription.

Q: Do I need a prescription for my device?

Not all medical devices require a prescription; however, many medical devices do require a prescription (for example, contact lenses).

Q: How can I find out if my medical device has been recalled?

You can search FDA’s online public recall database.

Q: I can't find the instructions for use. Where can I find the information?

If you do not have the instructions, contact your healthcare provider.

Q: Where do I report a serious injury, death or medical device malfunction?

You may report a problem by phone, fax, online or mail:

Phone: 1-800-332-1088
	Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178
	MedWatch Online
	**Regular Mail:** Use postage-paid FDA Form 3500**Mail to:** MedWatch 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20852-9787

Q: How do I clean my device?

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you do not have the instructions, contact your healthcare provider.

Q: Where do I dispose hazardous waste, such as needles or tubing?

Dispose of your medical device according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You may also wish to contact your pharmacist, nearest hospital, solid waste company, or state or local government for additional information about proper disposal.

Q: Is my home wiring compatible with the medical device?

FDA has developed a checklist with important questions to ask when considering home use medical devices titled, "Home Healthcare Medical Devices: A Checklist" [PDF] [Text]. Discuss these issues with your healthcare provider.

**For more information about FDA and for answers to other commonly asked questions, visit FDA Basics.**

                                                                                  Content current as of:
      02/04/2018
              
              
Regulated Product(s)
		 Medical DevicesHome Use Devices

          
                        Home Use Devices Initiative
          Unique Considerations in the Home
          Specific Devices for Home Use
          Frequently Asked Questions About Home Use Devices
          FDA's Role in Regulating Medical Devices
          FDA Activities:  Home Use Devices
          Additional Resources on Home Use Devices
 
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