FDA Issues Final Rule on Reclassification of Devices

The FDA issued a final rule streamlining its classification procedures for medical devices and allowing for changing classifications by administrative orders rather than the rulemaking process

The final rule follows up on a proposal issued in 2014 that uses authority granted under the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act of 2012. The agency makes clear it can reclassify any higher-risk class III device to either class I or class II.

In the case of reclassification proceedings based on new information and proceedings calling for PMAs for a pre-FDASIA class II device, the agency must convene a classification panel and obtain panel recommendations on classifications.