Under MDUFMA, FDA-accredited persons are authorized to inspect qualified manufacturers of which class of devices?

Under the Medical Device User Fee and Modernization Act (MDUFMA), FDA-accredited persons are specifically empowered to inspect qualified manufacturers of Class II and Class III devices. This authority stems from MDUFMA’s objectives to enhance the FDA's capacity to oversee the safety and effectiveness of higher-risk medical devices, which include Class II and III classifications.

Class III devices are those that typically present the highest risk and usually require premarket approval (PMA) due to their potential impact on patient safety. Class II devices, on the other hand, generally require a 510(k) premarket notification, showing that they are at least as safe and effective as a legally marketed device. The inspection of these manufacturers by FDA-accredited persons is a critical regulatory process, ensuring compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and other necessary regulations.

This level of oversight reflects the FDA’s commitment to maintaining rigorous quality assurance standards for devices that could significantly affect patient health and safety, which is why the authority to inspect is limited to Class II and III devices rather than including Class I devices, which are subject to less stringent regulatory controls.