U.S. Representative Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) recently introduced new legislation, the Baby Observation Act or “BO’s Bill,” to help the medical community better understand the potential of medical devices to save lives.
The Newton Family of Lakeville credit an at-home cardiorespiratory monitor with saving the life of their now-thriving toddler, Bo, when he was an infant. As Bo’s family experienced firsthand, these devices have the capability to monitor blood oxygen levels and heart rates, alerting caregivers if the readings detect unsafe levels.
“Too many families in Indiana and across the country have tragically lost infants to SIDS and other respiratory issues. Thankfully, innovative medical devices have the potential to warn caregivers before disaster strikes,” said Congresswoman Walorski. “In Bo’s honor, it is my privilege to advance legislation that will invest in innovation and, ultimately, expand families’ access to these lifesaving medical devices. I am proud to lead this effort to protect children and help kids grow and thrive.”
BACKGROUND:
The Baby Observation Act or BO’s Bill would direct the Patient Center Outcome Research Institute (PCORI) to prepare and release a report on home cardiorespiratory monitors for infants.
The report on home cardiorespiratory monitors like the owlet sock would be released 15 months after enactment.
Specifically, the research agency would be required to study:
- The effectiveness, accuracy, and performance of home cardiorespiratory monitors that track vital signs of sleeping infants;
- New models of care to improve home sleeping environments including the use of home cardiorespiratory monitors;
- Health care plan criteria for medically appropriate coverage for home cardiorespiratory monitors; and
- Recommendations on whether home cardiorespiratory monitors have shown product efficacy supporting coverage under private insurance and government programs like Medicaid and CHIP.
