Consumers Union Testifies for Stronger Oversight of Medical Implants and Devices

In a February 15, 2012, hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, Consumers Union (CU) urged Congress to strengthen medical device safety oversight, citing recent safety problems with metal hip implants and surgical mesh. According to CU, such safety issues prove that current federal oversight levels are too lax to protect patients.

Represented by senior health policy analyst Lisa Swirsky, CU called on Congress to demand more rigorous testing from FDA before approving medical implants for use. CU also called for the establishment of an improved system for monitoring devices once they reach...