Valerie Foushee (D-NC)
To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to conduct a study to assess the potential for expanding the safe and effective use of reprocessed single-use devices, and for other purposes.
A Democratic bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, via the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to conduct a study regarding the expansion of reprocessed single-use devices. The study aims to assess the potential for safe and effective use of these devices. It requires the Secretary to focus on patient safety and infection prevention as primary criteria. Additionally, the study will evaluate the roles of third-party reprocessors and hospital in-house reprocessing. The Secretary must also examine operational feasibility, financial and environmental impacts, and liability issues. Finally, a report detailing the findings and recommendations must be sent to Congress within one year.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +3
Does this lower what a hospital stay costs?
The bill aims to identify cost savings through the potential expansion of reprocessed single-use devices.
- Scored +2
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
The study explores ways to improve device safety and accountability through better reprocessing standards.
- Scored +1
Would business owners be better off under this?
The study explores expanding the use of third-party reprocessors, which could benefit industry stakeholders.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Cost Savings and Waste Reduction: The study will examine the financial and environmental return of reprocessing, which includes looking at cost savings and waste reduction (Section 1(d)(4)).
-
Expansion of Device Use: The Secretary will identify single-use devices that have the potential for reprocessing, including those supported by sufficient evidence (Section 1(h)(1)).
-
Improved Industry Knowledge: The study will evaluate opportunities for and barriers to the expanded use of qualified third-party reprocessors (Section 1(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Increased Burdens: The study will examine if there are any added labor, capital, or compliance burdens associated with reprocessing single-use devices (Section 1(d)(4)).
-
Risk of Harm: The study will address issues related to liability and accountability in cases where a reprocessed device fails or contributes to patient harm (Section 1(d)(5)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Does this lower what a hospital stay costs? — The bill aims to identify cost savings through the potential expansion of reprocessed single-use devices.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The study explores ways to improve device safety and accountability through better reprocessing standards.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The study explores expanding the use of third-party reprocessors, which could benefit industry stakeholders.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The study evaluates the environmental return of reprocessing, which includes waste reduction.
- 8/13/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Introduced in House