Furthering its efforts to foster the development and deployment of advance wireless medical, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has modified its rules for medical body area networks (MBANs).
MBANs are low-powered networks that transmit a range of patient data from multiple body-worn sensors to a control device. MBANs can be used to monitor patient vital health signs in real time, thereby providing advanced notice of potential problems. And, because they are wireless, MBANs make it easier to move patients to different areas of a healthcare facility for specialized treatment.
The FCC originally allocated 40 MHz of spectrum in the 2360-2400 MHz band for MBAN use on a secondary basis in 2012. The Commission also modified the provisions of its rules governing medical device radio communications so that users do not have to apply for individual operating licenses.
In an Order on Reconsideration and Second Report and Order issued in August 2014, the Commission has modified its rules to facilitate the coordination, deployment and use of MBAN systems, as well as to facilitate the development and implementation of technical standards applicable to MBAN devices. The Commission has also defined the process for selecting a MBAN Coordinator, who will be responsible for facilitating the use of MBAN frequencies.
Read the complete text of the FCC’s latest Order regarding MBANs.
