Maintaining Innovation and Safe Technologies Act

Bill Number

H.R. 193

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-01-03: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Last Updated

2025-03-07T16:04:03Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The "Maintaining Innovation and Safe Technologies Act" (H.R. 193) aims to promote the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare by clarifying how Medicare can pay for certain AI-enabled medical devices. It directs the federal government to provide clear rules to support innovation while ensuring patient safety.

Key Provisions

• Guidance Issuance Deadline: By January 1, 2027, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) must issue guidance on payment requirements under Medicare Part B (which covers outpatient services like doctor visits and durable medical equipment).
• Scope of Guidance: The guidance focuses on remote monitoring devices, such as continuous glucose monitors (devices that track blood sugar levels in real-time for diabetes management), that:
• Include an AI component (e.g., software that automatically adjusts based on data).
• Transmit information to healthcare providers to help manage and treat patients.
• Implementation Method: HHS will use existing communication channels (like notices or bulletins) to release this guidance, rather than creating new processes.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill does not amend the Social Security Act directly but requires HHS to create specific payment guidelines for AI-involved devices under Medicare Part B (42 U.S.C. 1395j et seq.).
• It addresses a potential gap in current law, where payments for AI-enhanced remote monitoring tools may lack clear rules, potentially hindering their adoption. The guidance will establish eligibility criteria for reimbursement, making coverage more predictable for qualifying devices.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: HHS will need to develop and distribute the guidance, which may involve coordination with Medicare administrators but uses existing tools to minimize new costs or bureaucracy.
• On Citizens: Medicare beneficiaries, especially those with chronic conditions like diabetes, could gain better access to advanced AI tools for remote health monitoring, improving care management and potentially reducing hospital visits.
• On International Relations: No direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic Medicare policy.
• Overall, it could encourage broader use of AI in healthcare, leading to safer and more efficient patient monitoring.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Healthcare Providers: Doctors and clinics that use remote monitoring devices for patient treatment, benefiting from clearer reimbursement rules.
• Patients and Medicare Beneficiaries: Individuals relying on devices like continuous glucose monitors, who may see improved access to innovative tech.
• Technology Manufacturers: Companies developing AI-enabled medical devices, as the guidance could expand market opportunities under Medicare.
• HHS and Medicare Administration: Responsible for issuing and enforcing the guidance, affecting how claims are processed.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The bill reinforces Medicare's role in covering innovative technologies without altering core eligibility rules, potentially setting a precedent for future AI integrations in federal health programs. It emphasizes "safe technologies," implying a focus on regulatory standards to prevent misuse.
• Constitutional: No significant issues, as it operates within Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce and federal spending on health programs.
• Political: By prioritizing innovation, the legislation could appeal to bipartisan interests in advancing healthcare technology, though it may spark debates on AI oversight, data privacy (e.g., how transmitted health information is protected), and federal spending priorities. It was introduced in the 119th Congress and referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means for review.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Schweikert, David [R-AZ-1]

Recent Actions

• 2025-01-03: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-01-03: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-01-03: Introduced in House
• 2025-01-03: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Maintaining Innovation and Safe Technologies Act — issued 2025-01-03 — PDF (2 pages)