Understanding the Biomaterials Access Assurance Act and Its Legal Impact

Definition & Meaning

The Biomaterials Access Assurance Act is a federal law designed to protect suppliers of biomaterials used in implantable medical devices. This act grants these suppliers immunity from certain lawsuits related to the medical devices they help produce. Specifically, it allows a biomaterial supplier to avoid litigation costs aimed primarily at the manufacturers of the implants, provided they meet specific registration criteria with the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A company that provides a polymer used in heart valve implants is registered with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and included on the required list. If a patient experiences complications from the valve, the supplier may not be held liable under the Biomaterials Access Assurance Act.

(hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Product Liability Legal responsibility of manufacturers for defects in their products. Focuses on manufacturers, while the Biomaterials Act protects suppliers.
Immunity Protection from legal liability. The Biomaterials Act specifically provides immunity to biomaterial suppliers under certain conditions.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are a supplier of biomaterials, ensure you are registered with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and that your materials are listed as required. If you face a legal challenge, consider consulting with a legal professional to understand your rights and protections under the Biomaterials Access Assurance Act. You can also explore US Legal Forms for templates that may assist in your legal matters.

Quick facts

  • Type of law: Federal legislation
  • Primary focus: Immunity for biomaterial suppliers
  • Key registration requirement: Secretary of Health and Human Services
  • Legal area: Product liability

Key takeaways