FCC Announces Rulemaking Enabling Remote Monitoring Of Health Care Data

The Federal Communications Commission recently adopted rules that will enable the growth of Medical Body Area Networks, low-power wideband networks that transmit a variety of patient data recorded through patient-worn sensors to a hub device. The rulemaking anticipates a "license by rule" structure by which users will not have to apply for and receive individual licenses, leading to greater and more immediate adoption of new and innovative Medical Body Area Network applications.

On May 24, 2012, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted rules that will enable the growth of low-power wideband networks, called Medical Body Area Networks (MBANs), that transmit a variety of patient data recorded through patient-worn sensors to a hub device. The rulemaking was the culmination of proceedings that commenced in June 2009, whereby the FCC sought comment on allocating spectrum access and establishing service and rules for the operation of MBANs.

The rulemaking anticipates a "license by rule" structure by which users will not have to apply for and receive individual licenses, leading to greater and more immediate adoption of new and innovative MBAN applications. The FCC order positions the United States as the first in the world to allocate spectrum for wireless MBANs.

The short-term primary benefits of MBANs are as follows:

Improved patient satisfaction by allowing greater mobility and untethering from cumbersome cables, whether on an inpatient or outpatient basis Potential reduction in hospital and unplanned emergency admissions by detecting health conditions before an emergency, thereby permitting treatment in a lower cost setting without further intervention Improved patient outcomes through greater opportunities for preventative care and active monitoring of chronic conditions Reduced costs in the system by achieving earlier intervention, treatment in a lower cost setting and more active monitoring of health conditions in advance of more serious deterioration MBANs are initially conceptualized to be small low-powered sensors located on the body to capture clinical information, such as temperature and respiratory function, which are then channeled to a hub in close proximity to the patient with data further transferred to a server. Although the FCC posits that much of the early activity of MBANs will be on an inpatient basis—monitoring electrocardiogram readings, neonatal monitoring systems, and blood pressure and blood glucose...