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CDRH Advisory Committees - Overview

Like other components of FDA, the Center for Devices and Radiological Health has established advisory committees to provide independent, professional expertise and technical assistance on the development, safety and effectiveness, and regulation of medical devices and electronic products that produce radiation. Each committee consists of experts with recognized expertise and judgment in a specific field. Members have the training and experience necessary to evaluate information objectively and to interpret its significance. These persons are not regular employees of FDA, but are paid as "special government employees" for the days they participate as members of a panel. This is time they take from their daily occupations to provide their professional skills to FDA. The committees are advisory -- they provide their expertise and recommendations -- but final decisions are made by FDA.

The Center has four advisory committees, including a Medical Devices Advisory Committee which consists of 18 panels that cover the medical specialty areas. These advisory committee meetings are open to the public, and time is provided for public comment on the topic under consideration. Persons who wish to present their views must contact the executive secretary (listed here as the contact) and request time in advance. For additional information, call the FDA Advisory Committee Information Hotline at 1-800-741-8138 (in the Washington, D.C. area, call 301-443-0572).