Imaging alliance names Costello ‘Legislator of the Year’
The Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance recently presented U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, R-6th Dist., with a 2017 “Legislator of the Year Award” for support of consistentmedical device servicing requirements and improving access to cutting edge diagnostic imaging innovation.
“We appreciate the steps Congressmen Costello has taken to protect patients and improve access for those who rely on the safety, effectiveness and reliability ofmedical imaging technology,” said Joe Robinson, chairman of the Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance board of directors and senior vice president of health systems solutions at Philips Healthcare.
“In an increasingly polarizing political landscape, it is encouraging to see our leaders defy party politics to prioritize patients and their families,” Robinson said.
The Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance 2017 “Legislator of the Year Award” recognizes members of Congress who have demonstrated outstanding, ongoing efforts to promote patient safety and access to the latest innovations in diagnostic imaging.
In June, Costello, along with U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA), introduced H.R. 2009, the “Fostering Innovation in Medical Imaging Act of 2017,” and H.R. 2118, the “Medical Device Servicing and Accountability Act.”
H.R. 2009 will improve patient access to the latest medical imaging technology by clarifying the FDA’s authority to continue considering and clearing new indications for imaging device manufacturers, while providing contrast agent manufacturers with incentives to update contrast agent labels for products that have previously been approved.
H.R. 2118will ensure consistent medical device servicing requirements for original equipment manufacturers and third-party vendors. Costello and Peters’ bipartisan efforts also resulted in the passage of related amendments during the Energy & Commerce committee markup of the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017.
Costello serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Pennsylvania’s medical imaging technology companies deliver $2.8 billion in economic activity and employ nearly 12,000 people.