Engage with device manufacturers directly to encourage voluntary action.
Engage with device manufacturers directly to encourage voluntary action. Sometimes avoiding regulation motivates industry to self-regulate – for example, if faced with a law, they might preemptively roll out patient data portals on their own terms. Convince them it’s in their PR interest and possibly business interest (patients prefer companies that empower them). Work via trade groups like AdvaMed to develop best practices.
Why this works
- If even a couple of major manufacturers voluntarily start offering comprehensive patient data access, it sets a standard and shows it’s feasible.
- This also undercuts arguments that it’s too hard or dangerous.
- It could make the legislative push easier (“look, Medtronic is already doing it, this law just ensures everyone does”).
- Also, collaboration means manufacturers could help design patient-friendly formats (as opposed to a mandate that they might implement in a clunky way out of spite).
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Mechanism
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- Recruit a coalition that can engage manufacturers with both pressure and constructive implementation asks.
- Define what “comprehensive patient data access” means in practice and publish expectations.
- Convene manufacturers and trade groups to adopt best practices and voluntary timelines.
- Track which manufacturers expand access and use that evidence to undercut “too hard” arguments.
- Convert momentum into durable change by keeping the legislative and regulatory lanes moving.
Milestones
Checkpoints and the expected timing for each step
- 1
Engagement targets and standards defined
0–30 daysPartners agree on the “full access” baseline and the first manufacturers to approach.
- 2
Best-practice framework published
1–3 monthsA public standard clarifies what counts as meaningful access and what does not.
- 3
Early voluntary access wins documented
OngoingSpecific manufacturers expand access in ways patients can use in practice.
- 4
Voluntary progress aligned to mandate
OngoingIndustry steps support, rather than delay, the legislative and regulatory pathways.