Please use this checklist to use and maintain your medical device safely and effectively in your home |
As a homecare medical device user, you should know how your device works. |
Take care of your device and operate it according to the manufacturer's directions. |
Always have a back-up plan and supplies. |
Educate your family and caregivers about your devices. |
Include them in hospital planning meetings or any device demonstrations.
Ask them to do a hands-on demonstration to show they can effectively use
the device.
Keep children and pets away from your medical device. |
Contact your doctor and home healthcare team often to review your health condition. |
Report any serious injuries, deaths, or close calls. |
American Association for Home Care: http://www.aahomecare.org
National Association for Home Care: http://www.nahc.org
National Patient Safety Foundation: http://www.npsf.org
National Family Caregivers Association: http://www.nfcacares.org
For additional government sources and information visit:
CDRH Home Healthcare Committee http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/cdrhhhc/
A medical device is any product or equipment used to diagnose a disease or other conditions, to cure, to treat or to prevent disease. The Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health regulates medical devices to provide reasonable assurance of their safety and effectiveness.
A home healthcare medical device is any product or equipment used in the home environment by persons who are ill or have disabilities. These persons, or their providers of care, may need education, training, or other healthcare-related services to use and maintain their devices safely and effectively in their homes or in other places such as work, school, and church. Examples of some home healthcare devices are ventilators and nebulizers (to help breathing); wheelchairs; infusion pumps; blood glucose meters, apnea monitors, and other home monitoring devices.
The contents of this brochure is not copyrighted and may be republished or reprinted without permission from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Credit to FDA as the source is appreciated.
Updated August 28, 2003
CDRH Home Page | CDRH A-Z Index | Contact CDRH | Accessibility | Disclaimer
FDA Home Page | Search FDA Site | FDA A-Z Index | Contact FDA | HHS Home Page
Center for Devices and Radiological Health / CDRH