Law could hurt device makers

Under new legislation floated in Minnesota, medical device manufacturers could wind up paying the entire bill for a patient's treatment and rehabilitation when a pacemaker or defibrillator is recalled. Congressman Tony Cornish (R) introduced the legislation Monday, saying it is unfair for either Medicare or private insurers to have to pay for a device maker's mistakes. Leading device companies Medtronic, Guidant and Boston Scientific all have production facilities in the state. Device manufacturers typically pay for replacement units but do not cover the costs of surgery and follow-up care. Guidant faces several lawsuits filed by patients seeking to recoup the costs of their replacement surgery.

- see this article from Twin Cities.com