Why Patients Rising Opposes This Bill

Vermont lawmakers are considering H.160, a bill that would apply “right to repair” rules to medical devices and hospital equipment.

Patients Rising has formally opposed this bill.

Here’s why.

What Would H.160 Do?

H.160 would require medical device manufacturers to provide hospitals and independent service organizations with access to:

• Repair manuals and documentation
• Diagnostic software
• Replacement parts
• Specialized tools

The bill is intended to expand who can repair medical equipment in Vermont.

It is currently in the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.
If it moves forward, it must be voted out of committee by March 13.

Why Is This Different From Repairing Consumer Products?

Many patients support right-to-repair laws for phones, tractors, and other consumer products.

Medical devices are not consumer products.

They include equipment such as:

• Infusion pumps
• Imaging machines (MRI, CT, X-ray)
• Ventilators
• Surgical instruments
• Patient monitoring systems

These devices diagnose illness, guide treatment, deliver medication, and in some cases sustain life.

When a medical device is improperly repaired, the risks are not minor. They may include:

• Incorrect medication dosing
• Diagnostic inaccuracies
• Device malfunction during surgery
• Compromised patient safety

For patients, repair quality is not a convenience issue, it is a safety issue.

Patients Rising Position

Patients Rising respectfully opposes H.160.

Read our full letter to the House Committee.

We believe:

• Patients must never face uncertainty about whether critical medical equipment is functioning properly.
• Policies affecting medical device repair must prioritize patient safety, clinical accuracy, and continuity of care.
• If Vermont advances right-to-repair legislation, medical devices should be clearly exempted.

We have urged the Committee to hold the bill in its current form.

What Happens Next?

The legislature returns the week of the 9th.

If the committee acts on the bill, it must vote it out by March 13 for it to move forward to the full House.

Stay Informed and Get Involved

Legislation like H.160 moves quickly. Understanding how it affects patients and knowing when and how to engage matters.

If you would like:

• Detailed updates on this bill
• Clear guidance on patient-focused engagement
• Background on how medical device repair policy works
• Alerts about other state and federal healthcare legislation

We invite you to join the Patients Rising Community.

Inside the Community, we provide informed analysis, practical advocacy education, and structured opportunities to engage when it matters most.

👉 Join the Patients Rising Community

Patients deserve both innovation and safety. We are committed to ensuring patient voices remain part of these conversations.