Health care is always a major issue in Washington, DC but recently how to promote innovation in medtech has become a priority within that conversation. Thus far, 2015 has produced a major legislative initiative in the form of 21st Century Cures, a significant report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on the Internet of Things (IoT) and several pieces of guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) aimed at reducing regulatory burden for digital health. This is on top of the perennial debate over eliminating the medical device tax (there is an increasing likelihood of this actually happening!).  This increased visibility for medtech in Washington bears close attention from company executives and counsel because it will shape the future for regulating medtech at the federal level. Presently, policymakers seem focused on protecting medtech companies’ ability to innovate in general, but that climate can change quickly with pressure from consumer groups and other interests.

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