Contact Congress about H.R. 5605: Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act of 2025
Many new home medical devices with screens or apps would have to work for blind and low-vision users. The Food and Drug Administration would set the rules, train manufacturers, and allow waivers in limited cases.
Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.
Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act of 2025 is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Latest action on H.R. 5605: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Who this affects: This bill mainly affects blind and low-vision people who use medical devices at home. It could let them use more devices without relying on another person to read a screen or press controls. It also affects medical device makers, who would need to design and document covered devices with nonvisual access in mind. The Food and Drug Administration and the Secretary of Health and Human Services would have to write rules, review waivers, and train manufacturers.
Why this matters: Many home medical devices depend on screens or apps, and that can shut out blind and low-vision users. This bill would push manufacturers to design covered devices so those users can manage care more privately and safely at home. It could also make devices easier for everyone to use by reducing confusing displays or controls. The exact effect would depend on the final federal rules and how manufacturers respond.
Key provisions in H.R. 5605
- Creates a federal access rule for some medical device screens and apps. The goal is for blind and low-vision users to use them as well as sighted users.
- Covers only certain devices. They must be class II or III devices, have a screen or mobile app, be approved or cleared after the rule starts, be meant for home use, and not be only for health care providers.
- A covered device that fails the rule could not be legally marketed unless it has a waiver. Federal law would treat it as adulterated, which means it is subject to Food and Drug Administration enforcement.
- The Secretary of Health and Human Services must propose rules within 1 year after the bill becomes law. The Secretary must finish final rules within 2 years, and those rules start 1 year after publication.
- Manufacturers can ask for a waiver in limited cases. They must give clear and convincing evidence, a high proof standard, that compliance would break the device's basic nature or create undue hardship, meaning serious difficulty or cost.
How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 5605
You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.
Questions people ask about H.R. 5605
- What is H.R. 5605?
- Many new home medical devices with screens or apps would have to work for blind and low-vision users. The Food and Drug Administration would set the rules, train manufacturers, and allow waivers in limited cases.
- How do I support or oppose H.R. 5605?
- Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.
- Who should I contact about H.R. 5605?
- Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.
- Can Modern Action explain H.R. 5605 before I act?
- Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.
