82_FR_61168 82 FR 60922 - Center for Devices and Radiological Health; Medical Devices and Combination Products; Voluntary Malfunction Summary Reporting Program for Manufacturers

82 FR 60922 - Center for Devices and Radiological Health; Medical Devices and Combination Products; Voluntary Malfunction Summary Reporting Program for Manufacturers

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 246 (December 26, 2017)

Page Range60922-60929
FR Document2017-27650

The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA, Agency, or we) Center for Devices and Radiological Health and Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, is announcing a proposed program for manufacturer reporting of certain device malfunction medical device reports (MDRs) in summary form--the Voluntary Malfunction Summary Reporting Program. This proposed voluntary program reflects goals for streamlining malfunction reporting outlined in the commitment letter agreed to by FDA and industry and submitted to Congress, as referenced in the Medical Device User Fee Amendments Act of 2017 (MDUFA IV Commitment Letter). These goals include permitting manufacturers of devices in certain product codes to report malfunctions on a quarterly basis and in a summary format. In addition, this proposed program reflects FDA's findings from a pilot program the Agency conducted to study summary reporting formats for malfunction MDRs.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 246 (Tuesday, December 26, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 246 (Tuesday, December 26, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60922-60929]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-27650]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Food and Drug Administration

21 CFR Part 803

[Docket No. FDA-2017-N-6730]


Center for Devices and Radiological Health; Medical Devices and 
Combination Products; Voluntary Malfunction Summary Reporting Program 
for Manufacturers

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION: Notification; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA, Agency, or we) Center 
for Devices and Radiological Health and Center for Biologics Evaluation 
and Research, is announcing a proposed program for manufacturer 
reporting of certain device malfunction medical device reports (MDRs) 
in summary form--the Voluntary Malfunction Summary Reporting Program. 
This proposed voluntary program reflects goals for streamlining 
malfunction reporting outlined in the commitment letter agreed to by 
FDA and industry and submitted to Congress, as referenced in the 
Medical Device User Fee Amendments Act of 2017 (MDUFA IV Commitment 
Letter). These goals include permitting manufacturers of devices in 
certain product codes to report malfunctions on a quarterly basis and 
in a summary format. In addition, this proposed program reflects FDA's 
findings from a pilot program the Agency conducted to study summary 
reporting formats for malfunction MDRs.

DATES: Submit either electronic or written comments on this 
notification by February 26, 2018. Submit comments on information 
collection issues under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 by February 
26, 2018. See section IV of this document, the ``Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995.''

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments as follows. Please note that late, 
untimely filed comments will not be considered. Electronic comments 
must be submitted on or before February 26, 2018. The https://www.regulations.gov electronic filing system will accept comments until 
midnight Eastern Time at the end of February 26, 2018. Comments 
received by mail/hand delivery/courier (for written/paper submissions) 
will be considered timely if they are postmarked or the delivery 
service acceptance receipt is on or before that date.

Electronic Submissions

    Submit electronic comments in the following way:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Comments submitted 
electronically, including attachments, to https://www.regulations.gov 
will be posted to the docket unchanged. Because your comment will be 
made public, you are solely responsible for ensuring that your comment 
does not include any confidential information that you or a third party 
may not wish to be posted, such as medical information, your or anyone 
else's Social Security number, or confidential business information, 
such as a manufacturing process. Please note that if you include your 
name, contact information, or other information that identifies you in 
the body of your comments, that information will be posted on https://www.regulations.gov.
     If you want to submit a comment with confidential 
information that you do not wish to be made available to the public, 
submit the comment as a written/paper submission and in the manner 
detailed (see ``Written/Paper Submissions'' and ``Instructions'').

Written/Paper Submissions

    Submit written/paper submissions as follows:
     Mail/Hand delivery/Courier (for written/paper 
submissions): Dockets Management Staff (HFA-305), Food and Drug 
Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.
     For written/paper comments submitted to the Dockets 
Management Staff, FDA will post your comment, as well as any 
attachments, except for information submitted, marked and identified, 
as confidential, if submitted as detailed in ``Instructions.''
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the Docket No. 
FDA-2017-N-6730 for ``Voluntary Malfunction Summary Reporting Program 
for Manufacturers.'' Received comments, those filed in a timely manner 
(see ADDRESSES), will be placed in the docket and, except for those 
submitted as ``Confidential Submissions,'' publicly viewable at https://www.regulations.gov or at the Dockets Management Staff between 9 a.m. 
and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
     Confidential Submissions--To submit a comment with 
confidential information that you do not wish to be made publicly 
available, submit your comments only as a written/paper submission. You 
should submit two copies total. One copy will include the information 
you claim to be confidential with a heading or cover note that states 
``THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.'' The Agency will 
review this copy, including the claimed confidential information, in 
its consideration of comments. The second copy, which will have the 
claimed confidential information redacted/blacked out, will be 
available for public viewing and posted on https://www.regulations.gov. 
Submit both copies to the Dockets Management Staff. If you do not wish 
your name and contact information to be made publicly available, you 
can provide this information on the cover sheet and not in the body of 
your comments and you must identify this information as 
``confidential.'' Any information marked as ``confidential'' will not 
be disclosed except in accordance with 21 CFR 10.20 and other 
applicable disclosure law. For more information about FDA's posting of 
comments to public dockets, see 80 FR 56469, September 18, 2015, or 
access the information at: https://www.thefederalregister.org/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-09-18/pdf/2015-23389.pdf.
     Docket: For access to the docket to read background 
documents or the electronic and written/paper comments received, go to 
https://www.regulations.gov and insert the docket number, found in 
brackets in the heading of this document, into the ``Search'' box and 
follow the prompts and/or go to the Dockets Management Staff, 5630 
Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Isaac Chang, Center for Devices and 
Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire 
Ave., Bldg. 66, Rm. 3114, Silver Spring, MD 20993, 301-796-6670, 
[email protected]; or Stephen Ripley, Center

[[Page 60923]]

for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Food and Drug 
Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 71, Rm. 7301, Silver 
Spring, MD 20993, 240-402-7911; or CBER, Office of Communication, 
Outreach, and Development (OCOD), 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 71, 
Rm. 3128, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002; or by calling 1-800-835-4709 or 
240-402-8010; or email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Every year, FDA receives hundreds of thousands of MDRs of suspected 
device-associated deaths, serious injuries, and malfunctions. The 
Agency's MDR program is one of the post-market surveillance tools FDA 
uses to monitor device performance, detect potential device-related 
safety issues, and contribute to benefit-risk assessments. Malfunction 
reports represent a substantial fraction of the MDRs FDA receives on an 
annual basis.
    The regulations contained in part 803 (21 CFR part 803) and issued 
under section 519 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C 
Act) (21 U.S.C. 360i) set forth medical device reporting requirements. 
Among other things, part 803 requires the submission of an individual 
MDR when a manufacturer becomes aware of information, from any source, 
which reasonably suggests that one of its marketed devices 
malfunctioned and the malfunction of the device or a similar device 
marketed by the manufacturer would be likely to cause or contribute to 
a death or serious injury if the malfunction were to recur (see 
Sec. Sec.  803.10(c)(1) and 803.50(a)(2) (21 CFR 803.10(c)(1) and 
803.50(a)(2))). Under Sec.  803.19, FDA may grant exemptions or 
variances from, or alternatives to, any or all of the reporting 
requirements in part 803, and may change the frequency of reporting to 
quarterly, semiannually, annually, or other appropriate time period. 
FDA may grant such modifications upon request or at its discretion. 
(See Sec.  803.19(c).)
    FDA has historically granted exemptions, variances, and/or 
alternatives under Sec.  803.19 to allow a variety of summary reporting 
methods for select types of MDRs. For example, in October 2000, FDA 
issued guidance on the Alternative Summary Reporting (ASR) Program 
(Ref. 1). Through the ASR program, FDA has granted an exemption from 
individual reporting requirements of Sec. Sec.  803.50 and 803.52 to 
certain manufacturers, allowing them to efficiently submit reportable 
events in a compact manner. As a condition of exemptions, variances, or 
alternatives that FDA has granted in the past, device manufacturers 
were required to submit certain MDR reportable events to FDA in a 
``line item'' spreadsheet format consisting mainly of event codes (Ref. 
2). Although the summary reports contained this abridged data, as part 
of the request for an exemption, variance, or alternative, FDA also 
received a narrative description of the types of events that would be 
summarized in these reports.
    While FDA had sufficient understanding of the summary reports using 
the ``line item'' spreadsheet format, the Agency noted that the absence 
of a narrative in summary reports would make it more difficult for the 
public to interpret the coding in the summary reports and understand 
the context of the MDR using the publicly accessible MDR database. For 
example, a report with codes indicating corrosion and electrical issues 
may be difficult to interpret because this could be interpreted as: (1) 
Corrosion leading to an electrical issue, (2) an electrical issue 
leading to corrosion, or (3) an indeterminate relationship between the 
corrosion and electrical issue. However, with the inclusion of event 
narratives, this information is more easily understood. As a result, 
FDA believes it is important to include narratives in summary reporting 
to facilitate public understanding of the information and promote 
transparency in the publicly accessible MDR database.
    The Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 (FDAAA) 
(Pub. L. 110-85) amended section 519(a) of the FD&C Act related to the 
reporting of device malfunctions. FDAAA did not alter the malfunction 
reporting requirements for class III devices and those class II devices 
that are permanently implantable, life supporting, or life sustaining. 
Under section 519(a)(1)(B)(i) of the FD&C Act, as amended by FDAAA, 
manufacturers of those devices must continue to submit malfunction 
reports in accordance with part 803 (or successor regulations), unless 
FDA grants an exemption or variance from, or an alternative to, a 
requirement under such regulations under Sec.  [thinsp]803.19. However, 
FDAAA amended the FD&C Act to require that malfunction MDRs for class I 
and those class II devices that are not permanently implantable, life 
supporting, or life sustaining--with the exception of any type of class 
I or II device that FDA has, by notice, published in the Federal 
Register or by letter to the person who is the manufacturer or importer 
of the device, indicated should be subject to part 803 in order to 
protect the public health--be submitted in accordance with the criteria 
established by FDA. The criteria must require the malfunction reports 
to be in summary form and made on a quarterly basis (section 
519(a)(1)(B)(ii) of the FD&C Act).
    In the Federal Register of March 8, 2011 (76 FR 12743), FDA 
explained that, pending further notice from the Agency, all class I 
devices and those class II devices that are not permanently 
implantable, life supporting, or life sustaining would remain subject 
to individual reporting requirements under part 803 in order to protect 
the public health, pursuant to section 519(a)(1)(B)(i)(III) of the FD&C 
Act. Consequently, unless granted an individual exemption, variance, or 
alternative, manufacturers of those devices have continued to be 
required to submit individual malfunction reports under part 803, as 
was required pre-FDAAA.
    To facilitate exploration of an appropriate format for collecting 
malfunction reports in summary form, FDA announced in the Federal 
Register of August 18, 2015 (80 FR 50010), a ``Pilot Program for 
Medical Device Reporting on Malfunctions.'' In that document, FDA 
solicited volunteers for participation in the pilot program for the 
submission of MDRs in summary format on a quarterly basis for 
malfunctions of class I devices and those class II devices that are not 
permanently implantable, life supporting, or life sustaining. The 
announcement provided a comprehensive description of the pilot, the 
guiding principles, conditions, and examples of how to fill out the 
summary reports in different situations. The summary reporting format 
used in the pilot was an adaptation of the full electronic Form FDA 
3500A, which included event and manufacturer narratives (Ref. 3). In 
the pilot summary reporting format, one line was appended to Section B5 
(``event narrative'') that identified the number of events represented 
by the report. Reports were summarized for each model/catalog number of 
the device for each device problem type.
    The pilot demonstrated several important findings. First, 
participants were able to reduce the volume of reports by over 87 
percent using the pilot format, while preserving the essential 
information regarding the context around malfunction events. This 
increased efficiency in reporting and in the Agency review and 
processing of malfunction reports. The format also allowed for simple, 
transparent, and cost-effective reporting through existing electronic 
reporting processes for submission of electronic MDRs (eMDRs)

[[Page 60924]]

to FDA, in accordance with the Medical Device Reporting: Electronic 
Submissions Requirements Final Rule (eMDR Final Rule) published in the 
Federal Register of February 14, 2014 (79 FR 8832). Based upon 
observations from the pilot experience, this summary format was usable 
for both large and small firms with varying numbers of marketed 
devices. Lastly, summary reports collected in this format could be more 
easily shared publicly, facilitating transparency of malfunction 
reporting.
    Consistent with these findings, FDA believes that bundling ``like 
events'' together into a single summary report description would have 
benefits for manufacturers, FDA, and the public. For many 
manufacturers, this approach would greatly reduce the volume of reports 
that they would need to submit to FDA. For FDA, information would be 
received in a streamlined manner that would facilitate more efficient 
understanding of malfunction issues. For the public, summary reports 
could make malfunction event trends for a particular device more 
readily transparent. In the MDUFA IV Commitment Letter (Ref. 4), FDA 
and industry agreed to certain goals for streamlining malfunction 
reporting that would help achieve these benefits. These goals include 
permitting manufacturers of devices in certain product codes to report 
malfunctions on a quarterly basis and in a summary format. FDA also 
agreed to publish a list of device product codes for which 
manufacturers would be eligible to submit malfunction reports on a 
quarterly basis and in a summary MDR format. As explained in the MDUFA 
IV Commitment Letter, this list is to include product codes for class 
II implantable devices and class III devices, as appropriate, and 
reflect FDA's consideration of a list proposed by industry 
representatives.

II. Principles for Malfunction Summary Reporting

    Informed by the findings from the Pilot Program for Medical Device 
Reporting on Malfunctions, FDA has identified several overarching 
principles for summary reporting of malfunctions:
    1. The collection of information in summary format should allow FDA 
to collect sufficient detail to understand reportable malfunction 
events.
    2. To increase efficiency, summary malfunction reporting should 
occur in a common format for the electronic reporting system used.
    3. Information about reportable malfunctions should be transparent 
to FDA and to the public, regardless of whether the information is 
reported as an individual MDR or a summary report. Information 
contained in a summary malfunction report that is protected from public 
disclosure under applicable disclosure laws would be redacted prior to 
release of the report.
    4. Manufacturers should communicate information regarding an 
imminent hazard at the earliest time possible.
    5. Summary reporting is meant to streamline the process of 
reporting malfunctions. It does not change regulatory requirements for 
MDR-related investigations or recordkeeping by manufacturers. (For 
example, manufacturers participating in the proposed Voluntary 
Malfunction Summary Reporting Program would remain subject to 
requirements for establishing and maintaining MDR event files under 
Sec.  803.18). In addition, under the Quality System (QS) Regulation, 
manufacturers must evaluate, review, and investigate any complaint that 
represents an MDR reportable event (see Sec.  820.198 (21 CFR 
820.198)).
    6. Summary reporting information should not be duplicative of 
information received through other MDR reporting processes.

III. Proposed Voluntary Malfunction Summary Reporting Program

    Based on the findings from the 2015 Pilot Program, the Agency's 
experience with summary reporting programs, and its experience with MDR 
reporting generally, FDA has determined it is appropriate to expand the 
opportunity to participate in summary malfunction reporting, consistent 
with the principles identified above. The Agency believes that for many 
types of reportable malfunctions, submission of summary reports on a 
quarterly basis would allow FDA to collect sufficient detail to monitor 
devices effectively. Currently, however, there are still situations in 
which submission of individual malfunction reports on a more prompt 
basis than quarterly is necessary to protect the public health--for 
example, when remedial action is needed to prevent an unreasonable risk 
of substantial harm to the public health. Those situations may involve 
class I devices and class II devices that are not implantable, life 
supporting, or life-sustaining, and it is not feasible for FDA to 
provide notice in the Federal Register or by letter to individual 
manufacturers, pursuant to section 519(a)(1)(B)(i)(III) of the FD&C 
Act, each time one of these situations arises. For example, FDA may not 
become aware of the situation until it receives an MDR from a 
manufacturer. Thus, the Agency has determined that, at this time, all 
devices should remain subject to the reporting requirements at part 
803, to protect the public health.
    To expand the opportunity to participate in summary malfunction 
reporting, FDA is proposing that under Sec.  803.19, manufacturers of 
devices within eligible product codes would be granted an alternative 
to the reporting requirements at Sec. Sec.  803.10(c)(1), 
803.20(b)(3)(ii), 803.50(a)(2), and 803.52 with respect to reportable 
malfunction events associated with those devices. FDA is also 
considering how this proposed alternative may apply to combination 
products, and seeks comment on this issue (see 21 CFR 3.2(e) for 
definition of combination products and 21 CFR part 4, subpart B, for 
postmarketing safety reporting requirements for combination products). 
This proposed alternative would permit manufacturers to submit 
malfunction reports for devices within eligible product codes in 
summary format on a quarterly basis, subject to certain conditions. The 
proposed Voluntary Malfunction Summary Reporting Program would not 
apply to importers or device user facilities. Therefore, requirements 
under part 803 for importers and device user facilities would be 
unaffected. For example, importers will continue to submit individual 
MDRs to the manufacturer under Sec.  803.40.
    The remainder of this section describes the following aspects of 
the proposed program: (1) The conditions of participation in the 
program, (2) the format for summary malfunction reports, (3) the 
schedule and other logistics for submission of summary reports, (4) 
FDA's proposed implementation strategy for the program, and (5) adding 
to the list of product codes eligible for the program.

A. Program Conditions

    The proposed Voluntary Malfunction Summary Reporting Program would 
not apply to reportable death or serious injury events, which are still 
required to be reported to FDA within the mandatory 30-calendar day 
timeframe, under Sec. Sec.  [thinsp]803.50 and 803.52, or within the 5-
work day timeframe under Sec.  [thinsp]803.53. Thus, if a manufacturer 
participating in the proposed program became aware of information 
reasonably suggesting that a device that it markets has malfunctioned, 
and that the malfunction may have caused or contributed to a death or 
serious injury, then the manufacturer would need to submit an 
individual MDR for that event because it involves a reportable death or 
serious injury.

[[Page 60925]]

    Manufacturers of devices in eligible product codes could continue 
submitting individual, 30-day malfunction reports in compliance with 
Sec. Sec.  803.50 and 803.52 if they choose to do so. However, under 
the proposed program, those manufacturers would be permitted to submit 
all reportable malfunction events for devices in eligible product codes 
in the summary format and according to the schedule described below in 
section III.B and C of the document, unless one of the following 
individual reporting conditions applies:
1. A Reportable Malfunction Is Associated With a 5-Day Report
    The reporting requirements at Sec.  803.53 would continue to apply 
to manufacturers participating in the proposed program. Under Sec.  
803.53(a), a 5-day report must be filed if a manufacturer becomes aware 
of an MDR reportable event that necessitates remedial action to prevent 
an unreasonable risk of substantial harm to the public health. 
Manufacturers participating in the proposed Voluntary Malfunction 
Summary Reporting Program must continue to submit reportable 
malfunction events that meet this standard as 5-day reports. In 
addition, after you submit a 5-day report, all subsequent reportable 
malfunctions of the same nature that involve substantially similar 
devices must be submitted as individual MDRs in compliance with 
Sec. Sec.  803.50 and 803.52 until 90 days past the date that the 
remedial action has been resolved to FDA's satisfaction. Summary 
reporting of malfunctions may then resume on the regularly scheduled 
summary reporting cycle.
    If FDA has made a written request for the submission of a 5-day 
report, you must submit, without further requests, a 5-day report for 
all subsequent reportable malfunctions of the same nature that involve 
substantially similar devices for the time period specified in the 
written request. FDA may extend the time period stated in the original 
written request if the Agency determines it is in the interest of the 
public health (see Sec.  803.53(b)).
    Submission of reportable malfunctions associated with 5-day reports 
in this manner would allow FDA to monitor the time course and 
resolution of the issue presenting an unreasonable risk of substantial 
harm to the public health (see section II, summary reporting principle 
4).
2. A Reportable Malfunction Is the Subject of an Ongoing Device Recall
    When a device is the subject of a recall involving the correction 
or removal of a marketed product to address a malfunction, all 
reportable malfunction events of the same nature that involve the same 
device or a similar device marketed by the manufacturer must be 
submitted as individual MDRs to FDA until 90 days past the date the 
recall is terminated. Summary reporting may then resume on the 
regularly scheduled summary reporting cycle. This would allow FDA to 
monitor the frequency of reportable malfunctions associated with the 
recall and effectiveness of the recall strategy.
3. FDA Has Determined That Individual MDR Reporting Is Necessary To 
Address a Public Health Issue
    If FDA has determined that individual malfunction reports are 
necessary to provide additional information and more rapid reporting 
for an identified public health issue involving certain devices, 
manufacturers must submit reportable malfunction events for those 
devices as individual MDRs in compliance with Sec. Sec.  803.50 and 
803.52. Under these circumstances, FDA would provide written notice via 
letter to manufacturers of relevant devices that individual MDR 
submissions are necessary. FDA would provide further written notice 
when manufacturers of those devices may resume participation in summary 
malfunction reporting. If necessary to protect the public health, FDA 
may also revoke or modify in writing an exemption, variance, or 
alternative reporting requirement, pursuant to Sec.  803.19(d).
4. FDA Has Determined That a Device Manufacturer May Not Report in 
Summary Reporting Format
    FDA may determine that a specific manufacturer is no longer allowed 
to participate in the proposed Voluntary Malfunction Summary Reporting 
Program for reasons including, but not limited to, failure to comply 
with applicable MDR requirements under part 803, failure to follow the 
conditions of the program, or the need to monitor a public health 
issue. In that case, FDA would provide written notification to the 
device manufacturer to submit individual malfunction reports in 
compliance with Sec. Sec.  803.50 and 803.52.
5. A New Type of Reportable Malfunction Occurs for a Device
    If a manufacturer becomes aware of information reasonably 
suggesting a reportable malfunction event has occurred for a device 
that the manufacturer markets and the reportable malfunction is a new 
type of malfunction that the manufacturer has not previously reported 
to FDA for that device, then the manufacturer must submit an individual 
report for that reportable malfunction in compliance with Sec. Sec.  
803.50 and 803.52.

B. Malfunction Reporting Summary Format

    Manufacturers of devices in eligible product codes who participate 
in this proposed voluntary program would submit summary malfunction 
reports in the format described below.
1. Format Rationale
    The proposed format for summary reporting largely adopts the format 
that was tested in the Pilot Program for Medical Device Reporting on 
Malfunctions.
    FDA considered several approaches to summarizing information, given 
the summary reporting principles identified in section II. Since 
contextual information is needed to sufficiently understand reported 
malfunctions, FDA considered formats in which narrative text fields 
would provide sufficient context (see section II, summary reporting 
principle 1). In addition, summary text narratives without patient-
specific information can often be shared publicly with fewer 
redactions, which may provide greater transparency of device-related 
malfunction information (see section II, summary reporting principle 
3).
    The QS regulation requires manufacturers to review, evaluate, and 
investigate any complaint that represents an event which must be 
reported to FDA under part 803, including reportable malfunction events 
(see Sec.  820.198). In situations where several malfunction complaints 
are similar, FDA has found that many manufacturers aggregate 
information at the device model and device problem level in their 
investigation process. While this does not reduce the investigation 
requirements for manufacturers under part 803 or part 820 (see section 
II, summary reporting principle 5), aggregating malfunction reports by 
product and device problem would significantly reduce the number of 
reports. Likewise, FDA generally evaluates malfunction information at 
the product and device problem level, which streamlines the processing 
of malfunction reports and accelerates FDA's understanding of device 
issues. Therefore, FDA has determined that it would be mutually 
beneficial to organize summary malfunction

[[Page 60926]]

reporting information according to product and device problem.
    A malfunction report may describe more than one device problem, and 
FDA believes that summary reporting information should not be 
duplicative (see section II, summary reporting principle 6). Therefore, 
FDA has developed a methodology to help ensure that summary malfunction 
reports are non-overlapping. Consider a hypothetical situation in which 
a manufacturer reports 100 malfunction events for a device, where 70 of 
those 100 reports represent device problem A, and 50 of those 100 
reports represent device problem B. Reporting device problems A and B 
separately would create confusion regarding the total number of events 
received. Thus, in this example, device problem A, device problem B, 
and the subsequent overlap A+B, would be reported as three separate 
MDRs: A report describing 50 occurrences of device problem A, a report 
describing 30 occurrences of device problem B, and a report describing 
20 occurrences involving both device problems A and B. In this way, the 
three separate MDRs would be mutually exclusive and unambiguous.
    In consideration of the least burdensome means of reporting, FDA 
has developed a format that is compatible with the Form FDA 3500A (Ref. 
3), which allows manufacturers to submit MDRs using the same electronic 
submission form that they use to submit individual MDRs, in accordance 
with the eMDR Final Rule (79 FR 8832). This would streamline the 
process of reporting (see section II, summary reporting principle 5). 
Because summary malfunction reports represent a grouping of malfunction 
events for a specific model of a device, the proposed summary reporting 
format would require an additional element in the summary text 
narrative to identify the number of reportable malfunctions that each 
report represents. As described below in section III.B.2., the XML tags 
``'' and ``'' are placed on both sides of the number of 
events (NOE) to make the number extractable from the report.
    FDA believes that submission of summary reports in the format 
described below would provide the most compact and efficient reporting 
mechanism for streamlining malfunction reporting that still provides 
sufficient detail for FDA to monitor devices effectively.
2. Format Instructions
    Separate summary malfunction reports would be submitted for each 
unique combination of device model and problem code(s). (See Appendix A 
for case examples of how to report (Ref. 5).) Each summary malfunction 
report would be required to include at least the following information 
collected on Form FDA 3500A and to be submitted in an electronic 
format:
     SECTION B.5: Describe Event or Problem--To distinguish 
this report as a summary malfunction report, the first sentence of the 
device event narrative must read: ``This report summarizes  XXX  malfunction events,'' where XXX is replaced by the number of 
malfunction events being summarized.
    The device event narrative must then include a detailed description 
of the nature of the events and, if relevant and available, a range of 
patient age and weight and a breakdown of patient gender, race, and 
ethnicity.
     SECTION D.1: Brand Name.
     SECTION D.2 and D.2.b: Common Device Name and Product 
Code. Include the common name of the device and Product Classification 
Code (Procode).
     SECTION D.3: Manufacturer Name, City, and State.
     SECTION D.4: Device Identification--Enter the model and/or 
catalog number and lot number(s) for the devices that are the subject 
of the MDR. Include any device identifier (DI) portion of the unique 
device identifier (UDI) for the device version(s) or model(s) that are 
the subject of the MDR.
     SECTION G.1: Contact Office (and Manufacturing Site for 
Devices)--Enter the name, address, and email of the manufacturer 
reporting site (contact office), including the contact name for the 
summary report being submitted. Enter the name and address of the 
manufacturing site for the device, if different from the contact 
office.
     SECTION G.2: Phone Number of Contact Office.
     SECTION G.5: Combination Products--If applicable, indicate 
that the report involves a combination product (see section III.B.3).
     SECTION H.1: Type of Reportable Event--Check 
``Malfunction'' in this box.
     SECTION H.6: Event Problem and Evaluation Codes--
    [cir] Enter the device problem code(s) (See Appendix A for case 
examples of how to report (Ref. 5).)
    [cir] Enter the evaluation code(s) for the following categories: 
Method, Results, Conclusion.
    [cir] Enter a Conclusion Code even if the device was not evaluated.
     SECTION H.10: Additional Manufacturer Narrative--Provide a 
summary of the results of your investigation for the reported 
malfunctions, including any followup actions taken, and any additional 
information that would be helpful in understanding how you addressed 
the malfunction events summarized in the report. Enter a breakdown of 
the malfunction events summarized in the report, including the number 
of devices that were returned to you, the number of devices that were 
labeled ``for single use'' (if any), and the number of devices that 
were reprocessed and re-used (if any).
3. Combination Product Considerations
    As noted above, FDA is considering how the alternative that would 
be granted under Sec.  803.19 to permit summary malfunction reporting 
may apply to combination products that contain a device constituent 
part and seeks comment on this issue. FDA anticipates that 
modifications may be needed to the above format instructions for 
purposes of addressing combination product considerations. 
Additionally, if such combination products that received marketing 
authorization under a biological product or drug marketing application 
are included in the proposed alternative that would permit summary 
malfunction reporting, FDA anticipates that such reporting would be 
made through the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research's or CBER's 
electronic reporting system with adjustments made to the above format 
instructions for purposes of reporting through these systems. FDA seeks 
comment on these issues.

C. Submission Schedule and Logistics

    Under the proposed program, manufacturers submitting summary 
malfunction reports would be required to use electronic reporting (Ref. 
6) to submit those reports on a quarterly basis according to the 
schedule in table 1.

[[Page 60927]]



             Table 1--Summary Malfunction Reporting Schedule
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reportable malfunctions that you become
   aware of during these timeframes:       Must be submitted to FDA by:
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 1-March 31.....................  April 30.
April 1-June 30........................  July 31.
July 1-September 30....................  October 31.
October 1-December 31..................  January 31.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The summary malfunction report would be required to include the MDR 
Number, which consists of the registration number of the manufacturer, 
the year in which the event is being reported, and a 5-digit sequence 
number.
    With respect to combination products that include a device 
constituent part and that received marketing authorization under a 
biological product or drug marketing application, FDA seeks comment on 
whether a different reporting schedule would be more appropriate.

D. Implementation Strategy

    The goal of the Voluntary Malfunction Summary Reporting Program is 
to permit manufacturers of devices under certain product codes to 
report malfunctions on a quarterly basis and summary format, as 
outlined in the MDUFA IV Commitment Letter (Ref. 4), in a manner that 
provides for effective monitoring of devices and is beneficial for FDA, 
industry, and the public. An important part of this proposed voluntary 
program is providing clarification to manufacturers regarding the 
product codes eligible for the program. FDA is currently in the process 
of evaluating device product codes to determine which ones should be 
eligible. The Agency is requesting comments on the product codes that 
should be eligible for this proposed Voluntary Malfunction Summary 
Reporting Program, including for combination products. FDA will 
consider the proposed list of eligible product codes submitted by 
industry along with any comments received on this proposal in 
determining the product codes that would be included in the proposed 
alternative granted to permit summary malfunction reporting.
    Consistent with the MDUFA IV Commitment Letter (Ref. 4), when this 
proposed voluntary program is finalized through publication of a 
Federal Register document granting the alternative under Sec.  803.19, 
FDA will identify on its website a list of device product codes that 
are eligible for the Voluntary Malfunction Summary Reporting Program as 
part of granting the alternative. Manufacturers that choose to 
participate in quarterly summary reporting through the proposed program 
would remain responsible for complying with applicable MDR requirements 
under part 803 (such as requirements to establish and maintain MDR 
event files under Sec.  803.18) and QS requirements under part 820 
(such as the requirement to evaluate, review, and investigate any 
complaint that represents an MDR reportable event under Sec.  820.198).
    If FDA determines that individual malfunction reports are necessary 
from a specific manufacturer or for specific devices, FDA would notify 
relevant manufacturers that they must submit individual reports and 
provide an explanation for that decision and the steps necessary to 
return to summary, quarterly reporting. The Agency also notes that, 
under Sec.  803.19(d), it may revoke or modify in writing an exemption, 
variance, or alternative reporting requirement if it determines that 
revocation or modification is necessary to protect the public health.

E. Addition of Product Codes to the Program

    FDA recognizes that new product codes will be created after the 
date that the Agency would grant the proposed alternative under Sec.  
803.19 to initiate the Voluntary Malfunction Summary Reporting Program. 
In general, FDA does not intend to consider devices under product codes 
in existence for less than 2 years to be eligible for the proposed 
program, unless the new product code was issued solely for 
administrative reasons. However, FDA proposes to evaluate new product 
codes after they have been in existence for 2 years to determine 
whether they should be added to the list of product codes eligible for 
the Voluntary Malfunction Summary Reporting Program.
    If FDA determines that a new product code is eligible, then it 
would grant manufacturers of devices within that product code the same 
proposed alternative under Sec.  803.19 for malfunction events 
associated with those devices. Manufacturers could also submit a 
request under Sec.  803.19(b) for a product code to be added to the 
list of eligible product codes and for manufacturers of devices within 
that product code to be granted the same proposed alternative for 
malfunction events associated with those devices.
    FDA believes that for many devices, the proposed quarterly summary 
reporting described above would be as effective as the current MDR 
reporting program for purposes of identifying and monitoring potential 
device safety concerns and device malfunctions. The proposed Voluntary 
Malfunction Summary Reporting Program would allow manufacturers to 
submit summary reports with event narratives that would help FDA more 
efficiently process malfunction reports and identify malfunction 
trends. In addition, FDA's determination of product code eligibility 
and the proposed conditions of participation in the program would 
require submission of individual 30-day or 5-day malfunction reports in 
circumstances where such reports are necessary to protect public 
health.

IV. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-
3520), Federal Agencies must obtain approval from the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they 
conduct or sponsor. ``Collection of information'' is defined in 44 
U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes Agency requests or 
requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, 
or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the 
PRA (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)) requires Federal Agencies to provide a 
60-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed 
collection of information, including each proposed revision of an 
existing collection of information, before submitting the collection to 
OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, FDA is publishing 
notice of the proposed collection of information set forth in this 
document.
    FDA invites comments on the following topics: (1) Whether the 
proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper 
performance of FDA's functions, including whether the information will 
have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of FDA's estimate of the

[[Page 60928]]

burden of the proposed collection of information, including the 
validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance 
the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; 
and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
respondents, including through the use of automated collection 
techniques, when appropriate, and other forms of information 
technology.

Medical Device Reporting: Electronic Submission Requirements--21 CFR 
part 803

OMB Control Number 0910-0437--Revision

    The information collection associated with part 803 is approved 
under OMB control number 0910-0437. We request revision of the 
information collection approval as described in this document.
    FDA is announcing this proposed program for manufacturer reporting 
of certain device malfunction MDRs in summary form--the Voluntary 
Malfunction Summary Reporting Program. The proposed program would 
permit manufacturers of devices in certain product codes to report 
malfunctions for those devices on a quarterly basis and in a summary 
format (instead of reporting them as individual, 30-day reports), 
subject to certain conditions. Therefore, we have added a line item to 
the reporting burden table for the proposed Voluntary Malfunction 
Summary Reporting Program.
    FDA believes that submission of voluntary summary reports in the 
format described in this document would provide the most compact and 
efficient reporting mechanism for streamlining malfunction reporting 
that still provides sufficient detail for FDA to monitor devices 
effectively. The proposed Voluntary Malfunction Summary Reporting 
Program is meant to streamline the process of reporting malfunctions. 
It does not change regulatory requirements for MDR-related 
investigations or recordkeeping by manufacturers. The proposed program 
would neither apply to importers or device user facilities, nor affect 
requirements under part 803 for importers or device user facilities. 
The proposed program would not apply to reportable death or serious 
injury events, as described above in section III.A. In addition, the 
reporting requirements at Sec.  803.53, which require a 5-day report to 
be filed at the written request of FDA or if a manufacturer becomes 
aware of an MDR reportable event that necessitates remedial action to 
prevent an unreasonable risk of substantial harm to the public health, 
would continue to apply to manufacturers participating in the proposed 
program. The conditions of the proposed Voluntary Summary Malfunction 
Reporting Program would also require manufacturers to submit individual 
malfunction reports in certain circumstances (see section III.A.). 
These factors were considered in determining the revised burden 
estimates described below in table 2.
    For the convenience of the reader, we have included below only the 
PRA line-items for the estimated annual reporting burden table from OMB 
control number 0910-0437 that we anticipate would be affected by the 
Voluntary Malfunction Summary Reporting Program. We have not included 
the information collection line-items that we do not anticipate would 
be affected by the proposed program and which we do not intend to 
revise at this time.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Number of
     Activity/CFR  section         Number of     responses per   Total annual    Average  burden    Total hours
                                  respondents     respondent       responses      per  response
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Manufacturer Reporting--Sec.             1,240          272.50         337,900  0.10 (6 minutes)          33,790
 Sec.   803.50 through 803.53.
Voluntary Malfunction Summary            1,240           54.47          67,546  0.10 (6 minutes)           6,755
 Reporting Program.
Supplemental Reports--Sec.               1,050          128.71         135,148  0.10 (6 minutes)          13,515
 803.56.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ There is no change to the capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with this revision of
  the collection of information.

    We believe the availability of the summary reporting option for 
manufacturers of certain devices would cause a decrease in the number 
of individual manufacturer reports for malfunctions submitted under 
Sec. Sec.  803.50 and 803.52. We have, therefore, revised the estimated 
number of responses for Manufacturer Reporting--Sec. Sec.  803.50 
through 803.53 accordingly. As explained above in section III.D., the 
Agency does not yet have a final list of the product codes that would 
be eligible for the proposed Voluntary Malfunction Summary Reporting 
Program, and FDA does not anticipate that all device product codes 
would be included in the alternative granted to permit summary, 
quarterly malfunction reporting. However, based on the scope and 
conditions of the proposed program, the interest industry has expressed 
in summary malfunction reporting, and our experience with MDR 
reporting, FDA estimates that approximately 10 percent of malfunction 
reports would continue to be submitted as individual reports after 
implementation of the proposed program. Approximately 67 percent of the 
manufacturer reports received under Sec. Sec.  803.50 through 803.53 
are malfunction reports (577,316 of the 857,484 total annual responses 
received in 2016). We therefore estimate the revised Responses per 
Respondent for ``Manufacturer Reporting--Sec. Sec.  803.50 through 
803.53'' to be 272.50.
    We estimate that a summary malfunction report would take 
approximately the same amount of time to prepare as an individual 
malfunction report. As discussed in section I of this document, FDA's 
Pilot Program for Medical Device Reporting on Malfunctions showed an 87 
percent reduction in the volume of reporting for malfunction reports 
with use of malfunction summary reporting. Assuming 90 percent of 
malfunction reports are submitted in summary reports, we estimate that 
manufacturers would submit an average of 54.47 summary reports annually 
under this proposed program.
    Based on our experience with supplemental reporting, we estimate 
that, at most, the number of supplemental reports would be 
approximately one third of the total number of individual reports and 
summary reports submitted annually. We, therefore, estimate the revised 
Responses per Respondent for ``Supplemental Reports--Sec.  803.56'' to 
be 128.71.
    We will update these estimates as appropriate based on comments 
received on this proposed information collection and the list of 
eligible device product codes that FDA develops.
    This document also refers to previously approved collections of 
information. These collections of information are subject to review by 
the OMB under the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501-

[[Page 60929]]

3520). The collections of information in 21 CFR part 4, subpart B, 
regarding postmarketing safety reporting for combination products have 
been approved under OMB control number 0910-0834; the collections of 
information in part 803, regarding medical device reporting, have been 
approved under OMB control number 0910-0437; the collections of 
information in 21 CFR part 806, regarding corrections and removals, 
have been approved under OMB control number 0910-0359; the collections 
of information in 21 CFR part 807, subpart E, regarding premarket 
notification, have been approved under OMB control number 0910-0120; 
the collections of information in 21 CFR part 814, subparts A through 
E, regarding premarket approval, have been approved under OMB control 
number 0910-0231; the collections of information in 21 CFR part 810, 
regarding medical device recall authority, have been approved under OMB 
control number 0910-0432; the collections of information in part 820, 
regarding quality system regulations, have been approved under OMB 
control number 0910-0073; the collections of information regarding the 
MedWatch: The Food and Drug Administration Medical Products Reporting 
Program have been approved under OMB control number 0910-0291; and the 
collections of information regarding the Adverse Event Program for 
Medical Devices (Medical Product Safety Network (MedSun)) have been 
approved under OMB control number 0910-0471.

V. References

    The following references are on display in the Dockets Management 
Staff (see ADDRESSES) and are available for viewing by interested 
persons between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; they are also 
available electronically at https://www.regulations.gov. FDA has 
verified the website addresses, as of the date this document publishes 
in the Federal Register, but websites are subject to change over time.

    1. Food and Drug Administration, ``Medical Device Reporting--
Alternative Summary Reporting (ASR) Program, Guidance for 
Industry,'' available at https://www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/ucm072102.pdf.
    2. Food and Drug Administration, Event Problem Codes, available 
at https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/deviceregulationandguidance/postmarketrequirements/reportingadverseevents/mdradverseeventcodes/default.htm.
    3. Food and Drug Administration, FDA Form 3500A, available at 
https://www.fda.gov/downloads/aboutfda/reportsmanualsforms/forms/ucm048334.pdf.
    4. MDUFA IV Commitment Letter, available at https://www.fda.gov/downloads/ForIndustry/UserFees/MedicalDeviceUserFee/UCM535548.pdf.
    5. Appendix A, ``Case Examples of Summary Malfunction 
Reporting,'' available in Docket No. FDA-2017-N-6730.
    6. Electronic Medical Device Reporting (eMDR), (manufacturers 
may obtain information on how to prepare and submit reports in an 
electronic format that FDA can process, review, and archive), 
available at: http://www.fda.gov/ForIndustry/FDAeSubmitter/ucm107903.htm.

    Dated: December 19, 2017.
Leslie Kux,
Associate Commissioner for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2017-27650 Filed 12-22-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4164-01-P



                                                 60922                Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 246 / Tuesday, December 26, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                 food that does not include food for cats,               by February 26, 2018. Submit comments                    Instructions: All submissions received
                                                 dogs, vitamin premixes, or aquaculture.                 on information collection issues under                must include the Docket No. FDA–
                                                   Interested persons were originally                    the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 by                2017–N–6730 for ‘‘Voluntary
                                                 given until October 23, 2017, to                        February 26, 2018. See section IV of this             Malfunction Summary Reporting
                                                 comment on the petitioner’s                             document, the ‘‘Paperwork Reduction                   Program for Manufacturers.’’ Received
                                                 environmental assessment. The                           Act of 1995.’’                                        comments, those filed in a timely
                                                 environmental assessment was not                        ADDRESSES: You may submit comments                    manner (see ADDRESSES), will be placed
                                                 placed on public display until October                  as follows. Please note that late,                    in the docket and, except for those
                                                 13, 2017. On our own initiative, we are                 untimely filed comments will not be                   submitted as ‘‘Confidential
                                                 reopening the comment period to allow                   considered. Electronic comments must                  Submissions,’’ publicly viewable at
                                                 potential respondents to thoroughly                     be submitted on or before February 26,                https://www.regulations.gov or at the
                                                 evaluate and address pertinent                          2018. The https://www.regulations.gov                 Dockets Management Staff between 9
                                                 environmental issues.                                   electronic filing system will accept                  a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through
                                                   Dated: December 20, 2017                              comments until midnight Eastern Time                  Friday.
                                                 Leslie Kux,                                             at the end of February 26, 2018.                         • Confidential Submissions—To
                                                                                                         Comments received by mail/hand                        submit a comment with confidential
                                                 Associate Commissioner for Policy.
                                                                                                         delivery/courier (for written/paper                   information that you do not wish to be
                                                 [FR Doc. 2017–27789 Filed 12–22–17; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                         submissions) will be considered timely                made publicly available, submit your
                                                 BILLING CODE 4164–01–P
                                                                                                         if they are postmarked or the delivery                comments only as a written/paper
                                                                                                         service acceptance receipt is on or                   submission. You should submit two
                                                                                                         before that date.                                     copies total. One copy will include the
                                                 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
                                                                                                         Electronic Submissions                                information you claim to be confidential
                                                 HUMAN SERVICES
                                                                                                                                                               with a heading or cover note that states
                                                                                                           Submit electronic comments in the                   ‘‘THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS
                                                 Food and Drug Administration
                                                                                                         following way:                                        CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.’’ The
                                                                                                           • Federal eRulemaking Portal:                       Agency will review this copy, including
                                                 21 CFR Part 803                                         https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the               the claimed confidential information, in
                                                 [Docket No. FDA–2017–N–6730]                            instructions for submitting comments.                 its consideration of comments. The
                                                                                                         Comments submitted electronically,                    second copy, which will have the
                                                 Center for Devices and Radiological                     including attachments, to https://                    claimed confidential information
                                                 Health; Medical Devices and                             www.regulations.gov will be posted to                 redacted/blacked out, will be available
                                                 Combination Products; Voluntary                         the docket unchanged. Because your                    for public viewing and posted on
                                                 Malfunction Summary Reporting                           comment will be made public, you are                  https://www.regulations.gov. Submit
                                                 Program for Manufacturers                               solely responsible for ensuring that your             both copies to the Dockets Management
                                                 AGENCY:    Food and Drug Administration,                comment does not include any                          Staff. If you do not wish your name and
                                                 HHS.                                                    confidential information that you or a                contact information to be made publicly
                                                                                                         third party may not wish to be posted,                available, you can provide this
                                                       Notification; request for
                                                 ACTION:
                                                                                                         such as medical information, your or
                                                 comments.                                                                                                     information on the cover sheet and not
                                                                                                         anyone else’s Social Security number, or              in the body of your comments and you
                                                 SUMMARY:   The Food and Drug                            confidential business information, such               must identify this information as
                                                 Administration’s (FDA, Agency, or we)                   as a manufacturing process. Please note               ‘‘confidential.’’ Any information marked
                                                 Center for Devices and Radiological                     that if you include your name, contact                as ‘‘confidential’’ will not be disclosed
                                                 Health and Center for Biologics                         information, or other information that                except in accordance with 21 CFR 10.20
                                                 Evaluation and Research, is announcing                  identifies you in the body of your                    and other applicable disclosure law. For
                                                 a proposed program for manufacturer                     comments, that information will be                    more information about FDA’s posting
                                                 reporting of certain device malfunction                 posted on https://www.regulations.gov.                of comments to public dockets, see 80
                                                 medical device reports (MDRs) in                          • If you want to submit a comment                   FR 56469, September 18, 2015, or access
                                                 summary form—the Voluntary                              with confidential information that you                the information at: https://www.gpo.gov/
                                                 Malfunction Summary Reporting                           do not wish to be made available to the               fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-09-18/pdf/2015-
                                                 Program. This proposed voluntary                        public, submit the comment as a                       23389.pdf.
                                                 program reflects goals for streamlining                 written/paper submission and in the                      • Docket: For access to the docket to
                                                 malfunction reporting outlined in the                   manner detailed (see ‘‘Written/Paper                  read background documents or the
                                                 commitment letter agreed to by FDA                      Submissions’’ and ‘‘Instructions’’).                  electronic and written/paper comments
                                                 and industry and submitted to Congress,                 Written/Paper Submissions                             received, go to https://
                                                 as referenced in the Medical Device                                                                           www.regulations.gov and insert the
                                                                                                           Submit written/paper submissions as
                                                 User Fee Amendments Act of 2017                                                                               docket number, found in brackets in the
                                                                                                         follows:
                                                 (MDUFA IV Commitment Letter). These                       • Mail/Hand delivery/Courier (for                   heading of this document, into the
                                                 goals include permitting manufacturers                  written/paper submissions): Dockets                   ‘‘Search’’ box and follow the prompts
                                                 of devices in certain product codes to                  Management Staff (HFA–305), Food and                  and/or go to the Dockets Management
                                                 report malfunctions on a quarterly basis                Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers                     Staff, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061,
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 and in a summary format. In addition,                   Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.                  Rockville, MD 20852.
                                                 this proposed program reflects FDA’s                      • For written/paper comments                        FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                 findings from a pilot program the                       submitted to the Dockets Management                   Isaac Chang, Center for Devices and
                                                 Agency conducted to study summary                       Staff, FDA will post your comment, as                 Radiological Health, Food and Drug
                                                 reporting formats for malfunction                       well as any attachments, except for                   Administration, 10903 New Hampshire
                                                 MDRs.                                                   information submitted, marked and                     Ave., Bldg. 66, Rm. 3114, Silver Spring,
                                                 DATES: Submit either electronic or                      identified, as confidential, if submitted             MD 20993, 301–796–6670, MDRPolicy@
                                                 written comments on this notification                   as detailed in ‘‘Instructions.’’                      fda.hhs.gov; or Stephen Ripley, Center


                                            VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:59 Dec 22, 2017   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00003   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\26DEP1.SGM   26DEP1


                                                                      Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 246 / Tuesday, December 26, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                         60923

                                                 for Biologics Evaluation and Research                   manufacturers were required to submit                 criteria established by FDA. The criteria
                                                 (CBER), Food and Drug Administration,                   certain MDR reportable events to FDA                  must require the malfunction reports to
                                                 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 71,                     in a ‘‘line item’’ spreadsheet format                 be in summary form and made on a
                                                 Rm. 7301, Silver Spring, MD 20993,                      consisting mainly of event codes (Ref.                quarterly basis (section 519(a)(1)(B)(ii)
                                                 240–402–7911; or CBER, Office of                        2). Although the summary reports                      of the FD&C Act).
                                                 Communication, Outreach, and                            contained this abridged data, as part of                 In the Federal Register of March 8,
                                                 Development (OCOD), 10903 New                           the request for an exemption, variance,               2011 (76 FR 12743), FDA explained
                                                 Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 71, Rm. 3128,                     or alternative, FDA also received a                   that, pending further notice from the
                                                 Silver Spring, MD 20993–0002; or by                     narrative description of the types of                 Agency, all class I devices and those
                                                 calling 1–800–835–4709 or 240–402–                      events that would be summarized in                    class II devices that are not permanently
                                                 8010; or email: ocod@fda.hhs.gov.                       these reports.                                        implantable, life supporting, or life
                                                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                                 While FDA had sufficient                           sustaining would remain subject to
                                                                                                         understanding of the summary reports                  individual reporting requirements under
                                                 I. Background                                           using the ‘‘line item’’ spreadsheet                   part 803 in order to protect the public
                                                    Every year, FDA receives hundreds of                 format, the Agency noted that the                     health, pursuant to section
                                                 thousands of MDRs of suspected device-                  absence of a narrative in summary                     519(a)(1)(B)(i)(III) of the FD&C Act.
                                                 associated deaths, serious injuries, and                reports would make it more difficult for              Consequently, unless granted an
                                                 malfunctions. The Agency’s MDR                          the public to interpret the coding in the             individual exemption, variance, or
                                                 program is one of the post-market                       summary reports and understand the                    alternative, manufacturers of those
                                                 surveillance tools FDA uses to monitor                  context of the MDR using the publicly                 devices have continued to be required to
                                                 device performance, detect potential                    accessible MDR database. For example,                 submit individual malfunction reports
                                                 device-related safety issues, and                       a report with codes indicating corrosion              under part 803, as was required pre-
                                                 contribute to benefit-risk assessments.                 and electrical issues may be difficult to             FDAAA.
                                                 Malfunction reports represent a                         interpret because this could be                          To facilitate exploration of an
                                                 substantial fraction of the MDRs FDA                    interpreted as: (1) Corrosion leading to              appropriate format for collecting
                                                 receives on an annual basis.                            an electrical issue, (2) an electrical issue          malfunction reports in summary form,
                                                    The regulations contained in part 803                leading to corrosion, or (3) an                       FDA announced in the Federal Register
                                                 (21 CFR part 803) and issued under                      indeterminate relationship between the                of August 18, 2015 (80 FR 50010), a
                                                 section 519 of the Federal Food, Drug,                  corrosion and electrical issue. However,              ‘‘Pilot Program for Medical Device
                                                 and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) (21 U.S.C.                  with the inclusion of event narratives,               Reporting on Malfunctions.’’ In that
                                                 360i) set forth medical device reporting                this information is more easily                       document, FDA solicited volunteers for
                                                 requirements. Among other things, part                  understood. As a result, FDA believes it              participation in the pilot program for
                                                 803 requires the submission of an                       is important to include narratives in                 the submission of MDRs in summary
                                                 individual MDR when a manufacturer                      summary reporting to facilitate public                format on a quarterly basis for
                                                 becomes aware of information, from any                  understanding of the information and                  malfunctions of class I devices and
                                                 source, which reasonably suggests that                  promote transparency in the publicly                  those class II devices that are not
                                                 one of its marketed devices                             accessible MDR database.                              permanently implantable, life
                                                 malfunctioned and the malfunction of                       The Food and Drug Administration                   supporting, or life sustaining. The
                                                 the device or a similar device marketed                 Amendments Act of 2007 (FDAAA)                        announcement provided a
                                                 by the manufacturer would be likely to                  (Pub. L. 110–85) amended section 519(a)               comprehensive description of the pilot,
                                                 cause or contribute to a death or serious               of the FD&C Act related to the reporting              the guiding principles, conditions, and
                                                 injury if the malfunction were to recur                 of device malfunctions. FDAAA did not                 examples of how to fill out the summary
                                                 (see §§ 803.10(c)(1) and 803.50(a)(2) (21               alter the malfunction reporting                       reports in different situations. The
                                                 CFR 803.10(c)(1) and 803.50(a)(2))).                    requirements for class III devices and                summary reporting format used in the
                                                 Under § 803.19, FDA may grant                           those class II devices that are                       pilot was an adaptation of the full
                                                 exemptions or variances from, or                        permanently implantable, life                         electronic Form FDA 3500A, which
                                                 alternatives to, any or all of the                      supporting, or life sustaining. Under                 included event and manufacturer
                                                 reporting requirements in part 803, and                 section 519(a)(1)(B)(i) of the FD&C Act,              narratives (Ref. 3). In the pilot summary
                                                 may change the frequency of reporting                   as amended by FDAAA, manufacturers                    reporting format, one line was appended
                                                 to quarterly, semiannually, annually, or                of those devices must continue to                     to Section B5 (‘‘event narrative’’) that
                                                 other appropriate time period. FDA may                  submit malfunction reports in                         identified the number of events
                                                 grant such modifications upon request                   accordance with part 803 (or successor                represented by the report. Reports were
                                                 or at its discretion. (See § 803.19(c).)                regulations), unless FDA grants an                    summarized for each model/catalog
                                                    FDA has historically granted                         exemption or variance from, or an                     number of the device for each device
                                                 exemptions, variances, and/or                           alternative to, a requirement under such              problem type.
                                                 alternatives under § 803.19 to allow a                  regulations under § 803.19. However,                     The pilot demonstrated several
                                                 variety of summary reporting methods                    FDAAA amended the FD&C Act to                         important findings. First, participants
                                                 for select types of MDRs. For example,                  require that malfunction MDRs for class               were able to reduce the volume of
                                                 in October 2000, FDA issued guidance                    I and those class II devices that are not             reports by over 87 percent using the
                                                 on the Alternative Summary Reporting                    permanently implantable, life                         pilot format, while preserving the
                                                 (ASR) Program (Ref. 1). Through the                     supporting, or life sustaining—with the               essential information regarding the
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 ASR program, FDA has granted an                         exception of any type of class I or II                context around malfunction events. This
                                                 exemption from individual reporting                     device that FDA has, by notice,                       increased efficiency in reporting and in
                                                 requirements of §§ 803.50 and 803.52 to                 published in the Federal Register or by               the Agency review and processing of
                                                 certain manufacturers, allowing them to                 letter to the person who is the                       malfunction reports. The format also
                                                 efficiently submit reportable events in a               manufacturer or importer of the device,               allowed for simple, transparent, and
                                                 compact manner. As a condition of                       indicated should be subject to part 803               cost-effective reporting through existing
                                                 exemptions, variances, or alternatives                  in order to protect the public health—                electronic reporting processes for
                                                 that FDA has granted in the past, device                be submitted in accordance with the                   submission of electronic MDRs (eMDRs)


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                                                 60924                Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 246 / Tuesday, December 26, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                 to FDA, in accordance with the Medical                  an individual MDR or a summary                        at this time, all devices should remain
                                                 Device Reporting: Electronic                            report. Information contained in a                    subject to the reporting requirements at
                                                 Submissions Requirements Final Rule                     summary malfunction report that is                    part 803, to protect the public health.
                                                 (eMDR Final Rule) published in the                      protected from public disclosure under                   To expand the opportunity to
                                                 Federal Register of February 14, 2014                   applicable disclosure laws would be                   participate in summary malfunction
                                                 (79 FR 8832). Based upon observations                   redacted prior to release of the report.              reporting, FDA is proposing that under
                                                 from the pilot experience, this summary                    4. Manufacturers should                            § 803.19, manufacturers of devices
                                                 format was usable for both large and                    communicate information regarding an                  within eligible product codes would be
                                                 small firms with varying numbers of                     imminent hazard at the earliest time                  granted an alternative to the reporting
                                                 marketed devices. Lastly, summary                       possible.                                             requirements at §§ 803.10(c)(1),
                                                 reports collected in this format could be                  5. Summary reporting is meant to                   803.20(b)(3)(ii), 803.50(a)(2), and 803.52
                                                 more easily shared publicly, facilitating               streamline the process of reporting                   with respect to reportable malfunction
                                                 transparency of malfunction reporting.                  malfunctions. It does not change                      events associated with those devices.
                                                    Consistent with these findings, FDA                  regulatory requirements for MDR-related               FDA is also considering how this
                                                 believes that bundling ‘‘like events’’                  investigations or recordkeeping by                    proposed alternative may apply to
                                                 together into a single summary report                   manufacturers. (For example,                          combination products, and seeks
                                                 description would have benefits for                     manufacturers participating in the                    comment on this issue (see 21 CFR
                                                 manufacturers, FDA, and the public. For                 proposed Voluntary Malfunction                        3.2(e) for definition of combination
                                                 many manufacturers, this approach                       Summary Reporting Program would                       products and 21 CFR part 4, subpart B,
                                                 would greatly reduce the volume of                      remain subject to requirements for                    for postmarketing safety reporting
                                                 reports that they would need to submit                  establishing and maintaining MDR                      requirements for combination products).
                                                 to FDA. For FDA, information would be                   event files under § 803.18). In addition,             This proposed alternative would permit
                                                 received in a streamlined manner that                   under the Quality System (QS)
                                                                                                                                                               manufacturers to submit malfunction
                                                 would facilitate more efficient                         Regulation, manufacturers must
                                                                                                                                                               reports for devices within eligible
                                                 understanding of malfunction issues.                    evaluate, review, and investigate any
                                                                                                                                                               product codes in summary format on a
                                                 For the public, summary reports could                   complaint that represents an MDR
                                                                                                                                                               quarterly basis, subject to certain
                                                 make malfunction event trends for a                     reportable event (see § 820.198 (21 CFR
                                                                                                                                                               conditions. The proposed Voluntary
                                                 particular device more readily                          820.198)).
                                                                                                            6. Summary reporting information                   Malfunction Summary Reporting
                                                 transparent. In the MDUFA IV                                                                                  Program would not apply to importers
                                                 Commitment Letter (Ref. 4), FDA and                     should not be duplicative of information
                                                                                                         received through other MDR reporting                  or device user facilities. Therefore,
                                                 industry agreed to certain goals for                                                                          requirements under part 803 for
                                                 streamlining malfunction reporting that                 processes.
                                                                                                                                                               importers and device user facilities
                                                 would help achieve these benefits.                      III. Proposed Voluntary Malfunction                   would be unaffected. For example,
                                                 These goals include permitting                          Summary Reporting Program                             importers will continue to submit
                                                 manufacturers of devices in certain                                                                           individual MDRs to the manufacturer
                                                 product codes to report malfunctions on                    Based on the findings from the 2015
                                                                                                         Pilot Program, the Agency’s experience                under § 803.40.
                                                 a quarterly basis and in a summary
                                                                                                         with summary reporting programs, and                     The remainder of this section
                                                 format. FDA also agreed to publish a list
                                                                                                         its experience with MDR reporting                     describes the following aspects of the
                                                 of device product codes for which
                                                                                                         generally, FDA has determined it is                   proposed program: (1) The conditions of
                                                 manufacturers would be eligible to
                                                                                                         appropriate to expand the opportunity                 participation in the program, (2) the
                                                 submit malfunction reports on a
                                                                                                         to participate in summary malfunction                 format for summary malfunction
                                                 quarterly basis and in a summary MDR
                                                                                                         reporting, consistent with the principles             reports, (3) the schedule and other
                                                 format. As explained in the MDUFA IV
                                                                                                         identified above. The Agency believes                 logistics for submission of summary
                                                 Commitment Letter, this list is to
                                                                                                         that for many types of reportable                     reports, (4) FDA’s proposed
                                                 include product codes for class II
                                                                                                         malfunctions, submission of summary                   implementation strategy for the
                                                 implantable devices and class III
                                                                                                         reports on a quarterly basis would allow              program, and (5) adding to the list of
                                                 devices, as appropriate, and reflect
                                                                                                         FDA to collect sufficient detail to                   product codes eligible for the program.
                                                 FDA’s consideration of a list proposed
                                                 by industry representatives.                            monitor devices effectively. Currently,
                                                                                                                                                               A. Program Conditions
                                                                                                         however, there are still situations in
                                                 II. Principles for Malfunction Summary                  which submission of individual                          The proposed Voluntary Malfunction
                                                 Reporting                                               malfunction reports on a more prompt                  Summary Reporting Program would not
                                                    Informed by the findings from the                    basis than quarterly is necessary to                  apply to reportable death or serious
                                                 Pilot Program for Medical Device                        protect the public health—for example,                injury events, which are still required to
                                                 Reporting on Malfunctions, FDA has                      when remedial action is needed to                     be reported to FDA within the
                                                 identified several overarching principles               prevent an unreasonable risk of                       mandatory 30-calendar day timeframe,
                                                 for summary reporting of malfunctions:                  substantial harm to the public health.                under §§ 803.50 and 803.52, or within
                                                    1. The collection of information in                  Those situations may involve class I                  the 5-work day timeframe under
                                                 summary format should allow FDA to                      devices and class II devices that are not             § 803.53. Thus, if a manufacturer
                                                 collect sufficient detail to understand                 implantable, life supporting, or life-                participating in the proposed program
                                                 reportable malfunction events.                          sustaining, and it is not feasible for FDA            became aware of information reasonably
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                                                    2. To increase efficiency, summary                   to provide notice in the Federal Register             suggesting that a device that it markets
                                                 malfunction reporting should occur in a                 or by letter to individual manufacturers,             has malfunctioned, and that the
                                                 common format for the electronic                        pursuant to section 519(a)(1)(B)(i)(III) of           malfunction may have caused or
                                                 reporting system used.                                  the FD&C Act, each time one of these                  contributed to a death or serious injury,
                                                    3. Information about reportable                      situations arises. For example, FDA may               then the manufacturer would need to
                                                 malfunctions should be transparent to                   not become aware of the situation until               submit an individual MDR for that event
                                                 FDA and to the public, regardless of                    it receives an MDR from a manufacturer.               because it involves a reportable death or
                                                 whether the information is reported as                  Thus, the Agency has determined that,                 serious injury.


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                                                                      Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 246 / Tuesday, December 26, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                         60925

                                                    Manufacturers of devices in eligible                 2. A Reportable Malfunction Is the                    manufacturer markets and the
                                                 product codes could continue                            Subject of an Ongoing Device Recall                   reportable malfunction is a new type of
                                                 submitting individual, 30-day                              When a device is the subject of a                  malfunction that the manufacturer has
                                                 malfunction reports in compliance with                  recall involving the correction or                    not previously reported to FDA for that
                                                 §§ 803.50 and 803.52 if they choose to                  removal of a marketed product to                      device, then the manufacturer must
                                                 do so. However, under the proposed                      address a malfunction, all reportable                 submit an individual report for that
                                                 program, those manufacturers would be                   malfunction events of the same nature                 reportable malfunction in compliance
                                                 permitted to submit all reportable                      that involve the same device or a similar             with §§ 803.50 and 803.52.
                                                 malfunction events for devices in                       device marketed by the manufacturer                   B. Malfunction Reporting Summary
                                                 eligible product codes in the summary                   must be submitted as individual MDRs                  Format
                                                 format and according to the schedule                    to FDA until 90 days past the date the
                                                 described below in section III.B and C                  recall is terminated. Summary reporting                 Manufacturers of devices in eligible
                                                                                                         may then resume on the regularly                      product codes who participate in this
                                                 of the document, unless one of the
                                                                                                         scheduled summary reporting cycle.                    proposed voluntary program would
                                                 following individual reporting
                                                                                                         This would allow FDA to monitor the                   submit summary malfunction reports in
                                                 conditions applies:                                                                                           the format described below.
                                                                                                         frequency of reportable malfunctions
                                                 1. A Reportable Malfunction Is                          associated with the recall and                        1. Format Rationale
                                                 Associated With a 5-Day Report                          effectiveness of the recall strategy.
                                                                                                                                                                 The proposed format for summary
                                                   The reporting requirements at                         3. FDA Has Determined That Individual                 reporting largely adopts the format that
                                                 § 803.53 would continue to apply to                     MDR Reporting Is Necessary To Address                 was tested in the Pilot Program for
                                                 manufacturers participating in the                      a Public Health Issue                                 Medical Device Reporting on
                                                 proposed program. Under § 803.53(a), a                     If FDA has determined that individual              Malfunctions.
                                                 5-day report must be filed if a                         malfunction reports are necessary to                    FDA considered several approaches to
                                                 manufacturer becomes aware of an MDR                    provide additional information and                    summarizing information, given the
                                                 reportable event that necessitates                      more rapid reporting for an identified                summary reporting principles identified
                                                 remedial action to prevent an                           public health issue involving certain                 in section II. Since contextual
                                                 unreasonable risk of substantial harm to                devices, manufacturers must submit                    information is needed to sufficiently
                                                 the public health. Manufacturers                        reportable malfunction events for those               understand reported malfunctions, FDA
                                                 participating in the proposed Voluntary                 devices as individual MDRs in                         considered formats in which narrative
                                                                                                         compliance with §§ 803.50 and 803.52.                 text fields would provide sufficient
                                                 Malfunction Summary Reporting
                                                                                                         Under these circumstances, FDA would                  context (see section II, summary
                                                 Program must continue to submit
                                                                                                         provide written notice via letter to                  reporting principle 1). In addition,
                                                 reportable malfunction events that meet                 manufacturers of relevant devices that
                                                 this standard as 5-day reports. In                                                                            summary text narratives without
                                                                                                         individual MDR submissions are                        patient-specific information can often be
                                                 addition, after you submit a 5-day                      necessary. FDA would provide further
                                                 report, all subsequent reportable                                                                             shared publicly with fewer redactions,
                                                                                                         written notice when manufacturers of                  which may provide greater transparency
                                                 malfunctions of the same nature that                    those devices may resume participation                of device-related malfunction
                                                 involve substantially similar devices                   in summary malfunction reporting. If                  information (see section II, summary
                                                 must be submitted as individual MDRs                    necessary to protect the public health,               reporting principle 3).
                                                 in compliance with §§ 803.50 and                        FDA may also revoke or modify in                        The QS regulation requires
                                                 803.52 until 90 days past the date that                 writing an exemption, variance, or                    manufacturers to review, evaluate, and
                                                 the remedial action has been resolved to                alternative reporting requirement,
                                                                                                                                                               investigate any complaint that
                                                 FDA’s satisfaction. Summary reporting                   pursuant to § 803.19(d).
                                                                                                                                                               represents an event which must be
                                                 of malfunctions may then resume on the                  4. FDA Has Determined That a Device                   reported to FDA under part 803,
                                                 regularly scheduled summary reporting                   Manufacturer May Not Report in                        including reportable malfunction events
                                                 cycle.                                                  Summary Reporting Format                              (see § 820.198). In situations where
                                                   If FDA has made a written request for                    FDA may determine that a specific                  several malfunction complaints are
                                                 the submission of a 5-day report, you                   manufacturer is no longer allowed to                  similar, FDA has found that many
                                                 must submit, without further requests, a                participate in the proposed Voluntary                 manufacturers aggregate information at
                                                 5-day report for all subsequent                         Malfunction Summary Reporting                         the device model and device problem
                                                 reportable malfunctions of the same                     Program for reasons including, but not                level in their investigation process.
                                                 nature that involve substantially similar               limited to, failure to comply with                    While this does not reduce the
                                                 devices for the time period specified in                applicable MDR requirements under                     investigation requirements for
                                                 the written request. FDA may extend the                 part 803, failure to follow the conditions            manufacturers under part 803 or part
                                                 time period stated in the original                      of the program, or the need to monitor                820 (see section II, summary reporting
                                                 written request if the Agency                           a public health issue. In that case, FDA              principle 5), aggregating malfunction
                                                 determines it is in the interest of the                 would provide written notification to                 reports by product and device problem
                                                                                                         the device manufacturer to submit                     would significantly reduce the number
                                                 public health (see § 803.53(b)).
                                                                                                         individual malfunction reports in                     of reports. Likewise, FDA generally
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                                                   Submission of reportable                              compliance with §§ 803.50 and 803.52.                 evaluates malfunction information at
                                                 malfunctions associated with 5-day                                                                            the product and device problem level,
                                                 reports in this manner would allow FDA                  5. A New Type of Reportable                           which streamlines the processing of
                                                 to monitor the time course and                          Malfunction Occurs for a Device                       malfunction reports and accelerates
                                                 resolution of the issue presenting an                      If a manufacturer becomes aware of                 FDA’s understanding of device issues.
                                                 unreasonable risk of substantial harm to                information reasonably suggesting a                   Therefore, FDA has determined that it
                                                 the public health (see section II,                      reportable malfunction event has                      would be mutually beneficial to
                                                 summary reporting principle 4).                         occurred for a device that the                        organize summary malfunction


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                                                 60926                Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 246 / Tuesday, December 26, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                 reporting information according to                      sufficient detail for FDA to monitor                    • SECTION H.6: Event Problem and
                                                 product and device problem.                             devices effectively.                                  Evaluation Codes—
                                                    A malfunction report may describe                    2. Format Instructions                                  Æ Enter the device problem code(s)
                                                 more than one device problem, and FDA                                                                         (See Appendix A for case examples of
                                                 believes that summary reporting                            Separate summary malfunction                       how to report (Ref. 5).)
                                                 information should not be duplicative                   reports would be submitted for each                     Æ Enter the evaluation code(s) for the
                                                 (see section II, summary reporting                      unique combination of device model                    following categories: Method, Results,
                                                 principle 6). Therefore, FDA has                        and problem code(s). (See Appendix A                  Conclusion.
                                                 developed a methodology to help ensure                  for case examples of how to report (Ref.                Æ Enter a Conclusion Code even if the
                                                 that summary malfunction reports are                    5).) Each summary malfunction report                  device was not evaluated.
                                                                                                         would be required to include at least the
                                                 non-overlapping. Consider a                                                                                     • SECTION H.10: Additional
                                                 hypothetical situation in which a                       following information collected on
                                                                                                                                                               Manufacturer Narrative—Provide a
                                                 manufacturer reports 100 malfunction                    Form FDA 3500A and to be submitted
                                                                                                                                                               summary of the results of your
                                                 events for a device, where 70 of those                  in an electronic format:
                                                                                                                                                               investigation for the reported
                                                 100 reports represent device problem A,                    • SECTION B.5: Describe Event or
                                                                                                                                                               malfunctions, including any followup
                                                 and 50 of those 100 reports represent                   Problem—To distinguish this report as a
                                                                                                                                                               actions taken, and any additional
                                                 device problem B. Reporting device                      summary malfunction report, the first
                                                                                                                                                               information that would be helpful in
                                                 problems A and B separately would                       sentence of the device event narrative
                                                                                                                                                               understanding how you addressed the
                                                 create confusion regarding the total                    must read: ‘‘This report summarizes
                                                                                                                                                               malfunction events summarized in the
                                                 number of events received. Thus, in this                <NOE> XXX </NOE> malfunction
                                                                                                                                                               report. Enter a breakdown of the
                                                 example, device problem A, device                       events,’’ where XXX is replaced by the
                                                                                                                                                               malfunction events summarized in the
                                                 problem B, and the subsequent overlap                   number of malfunction events being
                                                                                                                                                               report, including the number of devices
                                                 A+B, would be reported as three                         summarized.
                                                                                                            The device event narrative must then               that were returned to you, the number
                                                 separate MDRs: A report describing 50                                                                         of devices that were labeled ‘‘for single
                                                 occurrences of device problem A, a                      include a detailed description of the
                                                                                                         nature of the events and, if relevant and             use’’ (if any), and the number of devices
                                                 report describing 30 occurrences of                                                                           that were reprocessed and re-used (if
                                                 device problem B, and a report                          available, a range of patient age and
                                                                                                         weight and a breakdown of patient                     any).
                                                 describing 20 occurrences involving
                                                 both device problems A and B. In this                   gender, race, and ethnicity.                          3. Combination Product Considerations
                                                 way, the three separate MDRs would be                      • SECTION D.1: Brand Name.
                                                                                                            • SECTION D.2 and D.2.b: Common                      As noted above, FDA is considering
                                                 mutually exclusive and unambiguous.                                                                           how the alternative that would be
                                                                                                         Device Name and Product Code. Include
                                                    In consideration of the least                        the common name of the device and                     granted under § 803.19 to permit
                                                 burdensome means of reporting, FDA                      Product Classification Code (Procode).                summary malfunction reporting may
                                                 has developed a format that is                             • SECTION D.3: Manufacturer Name,                  apply to combination products that
                                                 compatible with the Form FDA 3500A                      City, and State.                                      contain a device constituent part and
                                                 (Ref. 3), which allows manufacturers to                    • SECTION D.4: Device                              seeks comment on this issue. FDA
                                                 submit MDRs using the same electronic                   Identification—Enter the model and/or                 anticipates that modifications may be
                                                 submission form that they use to submit                 catalog number and lot number(s) for                  needed to the above format instructions
                                                 individual MDRs, in accordance with                     the devices that are the subject of the               for purposes of addressing combination
                                                 the eMDR Final Rule (79 FR 8832). This                  MDR. Include any device identifier (DI)               product considerations. Additionally, if
                                                 would streamline the process of                         portion of the unique device identifier               such combination products that
                                                 reporting (see section II, summary                      (UDI) for the device version(s) or                    received marketing authorization under
                                                 reporting principle 5). Because                         model(s) that are the subject of the                  a biological product or drug marketing
                                                 summary malfunction reports represent                   MDR.                                                  application are included in the
                                                 a grouping of malfunction events for a                     • SECTION G.1: Contact Office (and                 proposed alternative that would permit
                                                 specific model of a device, the proposed                Manufacturing Site for Devices)—Enter                 summary malfunction reporting, FDA
                                                 summary reporting format would                          the name, address, and email of the                   anticipates that such reporting would be
                                                 require an additional element in the                    manufacturer reporting site (contact                  made through the Center for Drug
                                                 summary text narrative to identify the                  office), including the contact name for               Evaluation and Research’s or CBER’s
                                                 number of reportable malfunctions that                  the summary report being submitted.                   electronic reporting system with
                                                 each report represents. As described                    Enter the name and address of the                     adjustments made to the above format
                                                 below in section III.B.2., the XML tags                 manufacturing site for the device, if                 instructions for purposes of reporting
                                                 ‘‘<NOE>’’ and ‘‘<NOE/>’’ are placed on                  different from the contact office.                    through these systems. FDA seeks
                                                 both sides of the number of events                         • SECTION G.2: Phone Number of                     comment on these issues.
                                                 (NOE) to make the number extractable                    Contact Office.                                       C. Submission Schedule and Logistics
                                                 from the report.                                           • SECTION G.5: Combination
                                                    FDA believes that submission of                      Products—If applicable, indicate that                   Under the proposed program,
                                                 summary reports in the format                           the report involves a combination                     manufacturers submitting summary
                                                 described below would provide the                       product (see section III.B.3).                        malfunction reports would be required
                                                 most compact and efficient reporting                       • SECTION H.1: Type of Reportable                  to use electronic reporting (Ref. 6) to
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                                                 mechanism for streamlining                              Event—Check ‘‘Malfunction’’ in this                   submit those reports on a quarterly basis
                                                 malfunction reporting that still provides               box.                                                  according to the schedule in table 1.




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                                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 246 / Tuesday, December 26, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                                         60927

                                                                                                       TABLE 1—SUMMARY MALFUNCTION REPORTING SCHEDULE
                                                 Reportable malfunctions that you become aware of during these                                              Must be submitted to FDA by:
                                                 timeframes:

                                                 January 1–March 31 .................................................................................       April 30.
                                                 April 1–June 30 ........................................................................................   July 31.
                                                 July 1–September 30 ...............................................................................        October 31.
                                                 October 1–December 31 ..........................................................................           January 31.



                                                   The summary malfunction report                                       choose to participate in quarterly                           manufacturers of devices within that
                                                 would be required to include the MDR                                   summary reporting through the                                product code to be granted the same
                                                 Number, which consists of the                                          proposed program would remain                                proposed alternative for malfunction
                                                 registration number of the manufacturer,                               responsible for complying with                               events associated with those devices.
                                                 the year in which the event is being                                   applicable MDR requirements under                               FDA believes that for many devices,
                                                 reported, and a 5-digit sequence                                       part 803 (such as requirements to                            the proposed quarterly summary
                                                 number.                                                                establish and maintain MDR event files                       reporting described above would be as
                                                   With respect to combination products                                 under § 803.18) and QS requirements                          effective as the current MDR reporting
                                                 that include a device constituent part                                 under part 820 (such as the requirement                      program for purposes of identifying and
                                                 and that received marketing                                            to evaluate, review, and investigate any                     monitoring potential device safety
                                                 authorization under a biological product                               complaint that represents an MDR                             concerns and device malfunctions. The
                                                 or drug marketing application, FDA                                     reportable event under § 820.198).                           proposed Voluntary Malfunction
                                                 seeks comment on whether a different                                      If FDA determines that individual                         Summary Reporting Program would
                                                 reporting schedule would be more                                       malfunction reports are necessary from                       allow manufacturers to submit summary
                                                 appropriate.                                                           a specific manufacturer or for specific                      reports with event narratives that would
                                                                                                                        devices, FDA would notify relevant                           help FDA more efficiently process
                                                 D. Implementation Strategy
                                                                                                                        manufacturers that they must submit                          malfunction reports and identify
                                                    The goal of the Voluntary Malfunction                               individual reports and provide an                            malfunction trends. In addition, FDA’s
                                                 Summary Reporting Program is to                                        explanation for that decision and the                        determination of product code
                                                 permit manufacturers of devices under                                  steps necessary to return to summary,                        eligibility and the proposed conditions
                                                 certain product codes to report                                        quarterly reporting. The Agency also                         of participation in the program would
                                                 malfunctions on a quarterly basis and                                  notes that, under § 803.19(d), it may                        require submission of individual 30-day
                                                 summary format, as outlined in the                                     revoke or modify in writing an                               or 5-day malfunction reports in
                                                 MDUFA IV Commitment Letter (Ref. 4),                                   exemption, variance, or alternative                          circumstances where such reports are
                                                 in a manner that provides for effective                                reporting requirement if it determines                       necessary to protect public health.
                                                 monitoring of devices and is beneficial                                that revocation or modification is
                                                 for FDA, industry, and the public. An                                                                                               IV. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
                                                                                                                        necessary to protect the public health.
                                                 important part of this proposed                                                                                                        Under the Paperwork Reduction Act
                                                 voluntary program is providing                                         E. Addition of Product Codes to the                          of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501–3520),
                                                 clarification to manufacturers regarding                               Program                                                      Federal Agencies must obtain approval
                                                 the product codes eligible for the                                        FDA recognizes that new product                           from the Office of Management and
                                                 program. FDA is currently in the                                       codes will be created after the date that                    Budget (OMB) for each collection of
                                                 process of evaluating device product                                   the Agency would grant the proposed                          information they conduct or sponsor.
                                                 codes to determine which ones should                                   alternative under § 803.19 to initiate the                   ‘‘Collection of information’’ is defined
                                                 be eligible. The Agency is requesting                                  Voluntary Malfunction Summary                                in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR
                                                 comments on the product codes that                                     Reporting Program. In general, FDA                           1320.3(c) and includes Agency requests
                                                 should be eligible for this proposed                                   does not intend to consider devices                          or requirements that members of the
                                                 Voluntary Malfunction Summary                                          under product codes in existence for                         public submit reports, keep records, or
                                                 Reporting Program, including for                                       less than 2 years to be eligible for the                     provide information to a third party.
                                                 combination products. FDA will                                         proposed program, unless the new                             Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44
                                                 consider the proposed list of eligible                                 product code was issued solely for                           U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)) requires Federal
                                                 product codes submitted by industry                                    administrative reasons. However, FDA                         Agencies to provide a 60-day notice in
                                                 along with any comments received on                                    proposes to evaluate new product codes                       the Federal Register concerning each
                                                 this proposal in determining the                                       after they have been in existence for 2                      proposed collection of information,
                                                 product codes that would be included                                   years to determine whether they should                       including each proposed revision of an
                                                 in the proposed alternative granted to                                 be added to the list of product codes                        existing collection of information,
                                                 permit summary malfunction reporting.                                  eligible for the Voluntary Malfunction                       before submitting the collection to OMB
                                                    Consistent with the MDUFA IV                                        Summary Reporting Program.                                   for approval. To comply with this
                                                 Commitment Letter (Ref. 4), when this                                     If FDA determines that a new product                      requirement, FDA is publishing notice
                                                 proposed voluntary program is finalized                                code is eligible, then it would grant                        of the proposed collection of
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                                                 through publication of a Federal                                       manufacturers of devices within that                         information set forth in this document.
                                                 Register document granting the                                         product code the same proposed                                  FDA invites comments on the
                                                 alternative under § 803.19, FDA will                                   alternative under § 803.19 for                               following topics: (1) Whether the
                                                 identify on its website a list of device                               malfunction events associated with                           proposed collection of information is
                                                 product codes that are eligible for the                                those devices. Manufacturers could also                      necessary for the proper performance of
                                                 Voluntary Malfunction Summary                                          submit a request under § 803.19(b) for a                     FDA’s functions, including whether the
                                                 Reporting Program as part of granting                                  product code to be added to the list of                      information will have practical utility;
                                                 the alternative. Manufacturers that                                    eligible product codes and for                               (2) the accuracy of FDA’s estimate of the


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                                                 60928                 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 246 / Tuesday, December 26, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                 burden of the proposed collection of                     malfunctions for those devices on a                     requirements at § 803.53, which require
                                                 information, including the validity of                   quarterly basis and in a summary format                 a 5-day report to be filed at the written
                                                 the methodology and assumptions used;                    (instead of reporting them as individual,               request of FDA or if a manufacturer
                                                 (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility,                30-day reports), subject to certain                     becomes aware of an MDR reportable
                                                 and clarity of the information to be                     conditions. Therefore, we have added a                  event that necessitates remedial action
                                                 collected; and (4) ways to minimize the                  line item to the reporting burden table                 to prevent an unreasonable risk of
                                                 burden of the collection of information                  for the proposed Voluntary Malfunction                  substantial harm to the public health,
                                                 on respondents, including through the                    Summary Reporting Program.                              would continue to apply to
                                                 use of automated collection techniques,                     FDA believes that submission of                      manufacturers participating in the
                                                 when appropriate, and other forms of                     voluntary summary reports in the                        proposed program. The conditions of
                                                 information technology.                                  format described in this document                       the proposed Voluntary Summary
                                                                                                          would provide the most compact and                      Malfunction Reporting Program would
                                                 Medical Device Reporting: Electronic                     efficient reporting mechanism for
                                                 Submission Requirements—21 CFR                                                                                   also require manufacturers to submit
                                                                                                          streamlining malfunction reporting that                 individual malfunction reports in
                                                 part 803                                                 still provides sufficient detail for FDA to             certain circumstances (see section
                                                 OMB Control Number 0910–0437—                            monitor devices effectively. The
                                                                                                                                                                  III.A.). These factors were considered in
                                                 Revision                                                 proposed Voluntary Malfunction
                                                                                                                                                                  determining the revised burden
                                                                                                          Summary Reporting Program is meant to
                                                   The information collection associated                                                                          estimates described below in table 2.
                                                                                                          streamline the process of reporting
                                                 with part 803 is approved under OMB                      malfunctions. It does not change                           For the convenience of the reader, we
                                                 control number 0910–0437. We request                     regulatory requirements for MDR-related                 have included below only the PRA line-
                                                 revision of the information collection                   investigations or recordkeeping by                      items for the estimated annual reporting
                                                 approval as described in this document.                  manufacturers. The proposed program                     burden table from OMB control number
                                                   FDA is announcing this proposed                        would neither apply to importers or                     0910–0437 that we anticipate would be
                                                 program for manufacturer reporting of                    device user facilities, nor affect                      affected by the Voluntary Malfunction
                                                 certain device malfunction MDRs in                       requirements under part 803 for                         Summary Reporting Program. We have
                                                 summary form—the Voluntary                               importers or device user facilities. The                not included the information collection
                                                 Malfunction Summary Reporting                            proposed program would not apply to                     line-items that we do not anticipate
                                                 Program. The proposed program would                      reportable death or serious injury                      would be affected by the proposed
                                                 permit manufacturers of devices in                       events, as described above in section                   program and which we do not intend to
                                                 certain product codes to report                          III.A. In addition, the reporting                       revise at this time.

                                                                                                                     Number of                                             Average
                                                                Activity/CFR                     Number of                              Total annual
                                                                                                                   responses per                                         burden per                         Total hours
                                                                  section                       respondents                              responses
                                                                                                                     respondent                                           response

                                                 Manufacturer Reporting—§§ 803.50                        1,240              272.50            337,900    0.10 (6 minutes) ...............................         33,790
                                                   through 803.53.
                                                 Voluntary Malfunction Summary Re-                       1,240               54.47             67,546    0.10 (6 minutes) ...............................          6,755
                                                   porting Program.
                                                 Supplemental Reports—§ 803.56 .....                     1,050              128.71            135,148    0.10 (6 minutes) ...............................         13,515
                                                    1 There   is no change to the capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with this revision of the collection of information.


                                                    We believe the availability of the                    percent of malfunction reports would                    reports, we estimate that manufacturers
                                                 summary reporting option for                             continue to be submitted as individual                  would submit an average of 54.47
                                                 manufacturers of certain devices would                   reports after implementation of the                     summary reports annually under this
                                                 cause a decrease in the number of                        proposed program. Approximately 67                      proposed program.
                                                 individual manufacturer reports for                      percent of the manufacturer reports                        Based on our experience with
                                                 malfunctions submitted under §§ 803.50                   received under §§ 803.50 through                        supplemental reporting, we estimate
                                                 and 803.52. We have, therefore, revised                  803.53 are malfunction reports (577,316                 that, at most, the number of
                                                 the estimated number of responses for                    of the 857,484 total annual responses                   supplemental reports would be
                                                 Manufacturer Reporting—§§ 803.50                         received in 2016). We therefore estimate                approximately one third of the total
                                                 through 803.53 accordingly. As                           the revised Responses per Respondent                    number of individual reports and
                                                 explained above in section III.D., the                   for ‘‘Manufacturer Reporting—§§ 803.50                  summary reports submitted annually.
                                                 Agency does not yet have a final list of                 through 803.53’’ to be 272.50.                          We, therefore, estimate the revised
                                                 the product codes that would be eligible                   We estimate that a summary                            Responses per Respondent for
                                                 for the proposed Voluntary Malfunction                   malfunction report would take                           ‘‘Supplemental Reports—§ 803.56’’ to be
                                                 Summary Reporting Program, and FDA                       approximately the same amount of time                   128.71.
                                                 does not anticipate that all device                      to prepare as an individual malfunction                    We will update these estimates as
                                                 product codes would be included in the                   report. As discussed in section I of this               appropriate based on comments
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 alternative granted to permit summary,                   document, FDA’s Pilot Program for                       received on this proposed information
                                                 quarterly malfunction reporting.                         Medical Device Reporting on                             collection and the list of eligible device
                                                 However, based on the scope and                          Malfunctions showed an 87 percent                       product codes that FDA develops.
                                                 conditions of the proposed program, the                  reduction in the volume of reporting for                   This document also refers to
                                                 interest industry has expressed in                       malfunction reports with use of                         previously approved collections of
                                                 summary malfunction reporting, and                       malfunction summary reporting.                          information. These collections of
                                                 our experience with MDR reporting,                       Assuming 90 percent of malfunction                      information are subject to review by the
                                                 FDA estimates that approximately 10                      reports are submitted in summary                        OMB under the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501–


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                                                                      Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 246 / Tuesday, December 26, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                                  60929

                                                 3520). The collections of information in                  3. Food and Drug Administration, FDA                   • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://
                                                 21 CFR part 4, subpart B, regarding                     Form 3500A, available at https://                     www.regulations.gov.
                                                 postmarketing safety reporting for                      www.fda.gov/downloads/aboutfda/                          • Fax: (202) 648–9741.
                                                 combination products have been                          reportsmanualsforms/forms/ucm048334.pdf.                 • Mail: Vivian Chu, Mailstop 6N–518,
                                                                                                           4. MDUFA IV Commitment Letter,                      Office of Regulatory Affairs,
                                                 approved under OMB control number                       available at https://www.fda.gov/downloads/
                                                 0910–0834; the collections of                                                                                 Enforcement Programs and Services,
                                                                                                         ForIndustry/UserFees/
                                                 information in part 803, regarding                      MedicalDeviceUserFee/UCM535548.pdf.
                                                                                                                                                               Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms,
                                                 medical device reporting, have been                       5. Appendix A, ‘‘Case Examples of                   and Explosives, 99 New York Ave. NE,
                                                 approved under OMB control number                       Summary Malfunction Reporting,’’ available            Washington DC 20226. ATTN: 2017R–
                                                 0910–0437; the collections of                           in Docket No. FDA–2017–N–6730.                        22.
                                                 information in 21 CFR part 806,                           6. Electronic Medical Device Reporting                 Instructions: All submissions received
                                                 regarding corrections and removals,                     (eMDR), (manufacturers may obtain                     must include the agency name and
                                                 have been approved under OMB control                    information on how to prepare and submit              docket number for this advance notice
                                                                                                         reports in an electronic format that FDA can          of proposed rulemaking (ANRPM). All
                                                 number 0910–0359; the collections of                    process, review, and archive), available at:
                                                 information in 21 CFR part 807, subpart                                                                       comments received will be posted
                                                                                                         http://www.fda.gov/ForIndustry/                       without change to the Federal
                                                 E, regarding premarket notification,                    FDAeSubmitter/ucm107903.htm.
                                                 have been approved under OMB control                                                                          eRulemaking portal, http://
                                                                                                           Dated: December 19, 2017.                           www.regulations.gov, including any
                                                 number 0910–0120; the collections of
                                                 information in 21 CFR part 814,                         Leslie Kux,                                           personal information provided. For
                                                 subparts A through E, regarding                         Associate Commissioner for Policy.                    detailed instructions on submitting
                                                 premarket approval, have been                           [FR Doc. 2017–27650 Filed 12–22–17; 8:45 am]          comments and additional information
                                                 approved under OMB control number                       BILLING CODE 4164–01–P                                on the rulemaking process, see the
                                                 0910–0231; the collections of                                                                                 ‘‘Public Participation’’ section of the
                                                 information in 21 CFR part 810,                                                                               SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of
                                                 regarding medical device recall                         DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE                                 this document.
                                                 authority, have been approved under                                                                           FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                 OMB control number 0910–0432; the                       Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms,                 Vivian Chu, Office of Regulatory Affairs,
                                                 collections of information in part 820,                 and Explosives                                        Enforcement Programs Services, Bureau
                                                 regarding quality system regulations,                                                                         of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and
                                                 have been approved under OMB control                    27 CFR Parts 478 and 479                              Explosives, U.S. Department of Justice,
                                                 number 0910–0073; the collections of                    [Docket No. 2017R–22]
                                                                                                                                                               99 New York Ave. NE, Washington DC
                                                 information regarding the MedWatch:                                                                           20226; telephone: (202) 648–7070.
                                                 The Food and Drug Administration                        RIN 1140–AA52                                         SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                 Medical Products Reporting Program                                                                            I. Background
                                                                                                         Application of the Definition of
                                                 have been approved under OMB control
                                                                                                         Machinegun to ‘‘Bump Fire’’ Stocks                       The Attorney General is responsible
                                                 number 0910–0291; and the collections
                                                                                                         and Other Similar Devices                             for enforcing the Gun Control Act of
                                                 of information regarding the Adverse
                                                 Event Program for Medical Devices                       AGENCY: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,                   1968 (GCA), as amended, 18 U.S.C. 921
                                                 (Medical Product Safety Network                         Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).                       et seq., and the National Firearms Act of
                                                 (MedSun)) have been approved under                                                                            1934 (NFA), as amended, 26 U.S.C. 5841
                                                                                                         ACTION: Advance notice of proposed
                                                 OMB control number 0910–0471.                                                                                 et seq.1 The Attorney General has
                                                                                                         rulemaking; request for comments.
                                                                                                                                                               delegated the responsibility for
                                                 V. References                                           SUMMARY:    The Department of Justice                 administering and enforcing these laws
                                                                                                         anticipates issuing a Notice of Proposed              to the Director of ATF subject to the
                                                   The following references are on
                                                                                                         Rulemaking (NPRM) that would                          direction of the Attorney General and
                                                 display in the Dockets Management
                                                                                                         interpret the statutory definition of                 the Deputy Attorney General. See 28
                                                 Staff (see ADDRESSES) and are available
                                                                                                         ‘‘machinegun’’ in the National Firearms               CFR 0.130. Regulations in 27 CFR parts
                                                 for viewing by interested persons
                                                                                                         Act of 1934 and Gun Control Act of                    478 and 479 implement the GCA and
                                                 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday
                                                                                                         1968 to clarify whether certain devices,              NFA.
                                                 through Friday; they are also available                                                                          The NFA defines ‘‘machinegun’’ as
                                                 electronically at https://                              commonly known as ‘‘bump fire’’
                                                                                                         stocks, fall within that definition. Before           any weapon which: ‘‘shoots, is designed
                                                 www.regulations.gov. FDA has verified                                                                         to shoot, or can be readily restored to
                                                 the website addresses, as of the date this              doing so, the Department and ATF need
                                                                                                         to gather information and comments                    shoot automatically more than one shot,
                                                 document publishes in the Federal                                                                             without manual reloading, by a single
                                                 Register, but websites are subject to                   from the public and industry regarding
                                                                                                         the nature and scope of the market for                function of the trigger.’’ The term also
                                                 change over time.                                                                                             includes ‘‘the frame or receiver of any
                                                                                                         these devices.
                                                   1. Food and Drug Administration,                                                                            such weapon, any part designed and
                                                 ‘‘Medical Device Reporting—Alternative                  DATES: Written comments must be
                                                                                                         postmarked and electronic comments                    intended solely and exclusively, or
                                                 Summary Reporting (ASR) Program,                                                                              combination of parts designed and
                                                 Guidance for Industry,’’ available at https://          must be submitted on or before January
                                                                                                         25, 2018. Commenters should be aware                  intended, for use in converting a
                                                 www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/
                                                                                                                                                               weapon into a machinegun, and any
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 DeviceRegulationandGuidance/                            that the electronic Federal Docket
                                                 GuidanceDocuments/ucm072102.pdf.                        Management System will not accept                       1 NFA provisions still refer to the ‘‘Secretary of
                                                   2. Food and Drug Administration, Event                comments after Midnight Eastern
                                                 Problem Codes, available at https://                                                                          the Treasury.’’ However, the Homeland Security
                                                                                                         Standard Time on the last day of the                  Act of 2002, Public Law 107–296 (2002), transferred
                                                 www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/
                                                                                                         comment period.                                       the functions of ATF from the Department of the
                                                 deviceregulationandguidance/                                                                                  Treasury to the Department of Justice, under the
                                                 postmarketrequirements/                                 ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
                                                                                                                                                               general authority of the Attorney General. 26 U.S.C.
                                                 reportingadverseevents/                                 identified by docket number (2017R–                   7801(a)(2); 28 U.S.C. 599A(c)(1). Thus, this
                                                 mdradverseeventcodes/default.htm.                       22), by any of the following methods:                 document refers to the Attorney General.



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Document Created: 2017-12-23 03:07:34
Document Modified: 2017-12-23 03:07:34
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotification; request for comments.
DatesSubmit either electronic or written comments on this notification by February 26, 2018. Submit comments on information collection issues under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 by February 26, 2018. See section IV of this document, the ``Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.''
ContactIsaac Chang, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 66, Rm. 3114, Silver Spring, MD 20993, 301-796-6670, [email protected]; or Stephen Ripley, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 71, Rm. 7301, Silver Spring, MD 20993, 240-402-7911; or CBER, Office of Communication, Outreach, and Development (OCOD), 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 71, Rm. 3128, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002; or by calling 1-800-835-4709 or 240-402-8010; or email: [email protected]
FR Citation82 FR 60922 

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