The FDA and HCNN Alerts

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strongly promotes the use of technology to improve patient safety. In 2006, the FDA updated its guidance to industry to make it clear that the use of electronic systems to deliver patients safety Alerts fulfilled FDA regulations and was often preferable to U.S. Mail-based Alerts.

Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) , is a proactive advocate of the use of electronic systems to improve patient safety. The FDA has requested the help of health care leaders to educate health care providers and assist them in enrolling in online systems for patient safety alerts. The FDA has a designated a liaison to the iHealth Alliance, which governs the HCNN to maintain strong communication and coordination between the two organizations.