AMDR publishes procurement policy to protect reprocessing programmes
The Association of Medical Device Reprocessors (AMDR) has introduced a new template for hospitals and healthcare systems:
the „Reprocessing and Fair Contracting Policy Template“.
This document is designed to help institutions ensure that the use of regulated reprocessed medical devices is contractually safeguarded. The aim is to integrate appropriate protection mechanisms directly into procurement contracts. In doing so, hospitals can ensure that their right to use reprocessed products is clearly established and that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) cannot engage in anti-reprocessing practices.
In addition, AMDR has released a Technical Tip that explains the background of this initiative. It outlines:
- why such protective measures are necessary,
- how the policy can be implemented, and
- how it aligns with current legal rulings.
All related information – including the sections Resources for Hospitals and Action Alerts and Technical Tips – is freely available in English on the AMDR website.
AMDR emphasises that all resources are vendor-neutral and are intended to support healthcare organisations in securing the long-term economic and environmental benefits of reprocessing.
In Europe, the reprocessing of medical devices is also subject to strict regulatory requirements. Under the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR 2017/745), reprocessed devices may only be placed on the market if they meet the same safety and performance standards as original products. Initiatives such as those led by AMDR help ensure that hospitals align their procurement practices with these quality standards and support the legally compliant, sustainable use of medical devices.