Summary:

The College of Biomedical Equipment Technology (CBET), in partnership with UptimeHealth, has launched a dental equipment repair program to address the nationwide shortage of skilled technicians. This hybrid training initiative combines hands-on experience with online learning, preparing professionals for careers in dental equipment maintenance and repair. The program offers two pathways: a three-course track for rapid skill development and an eight-course certification for in-depth technical expertise. With support from UptimeHealth, the curriculum incorporates simulation labs, virtual reality training, and preventive maintenance strategies to equip technicians with real-world problem-solving skills.

Key Takeaways:

1. CBET and UptimeHealth Launch Hybrid Training Program – A new dental equipment repair program combines hands-on and online education to fill the technician shortage.
2. Flexible Certification Pathways – The program offers both a three-course track for quick skill-building and an eight-course certification for comprehensive training.
3. Industry-Aligned Curriculum – Training includes advanced simulation labs, virtual reality modules, and preventive maintenance strategies to ensure equipment reliability in dental practices.

The College of Biomedical Equipment Technology (CBET), in partnership with UptimeHealth, announced the launch of a Dental Repair Technician Program, a hybrid training initiative designed to address the critical shortage of qualified dental equipment technicians across the United States.

In an era where dental practices rely increasingly on sophisticated technology, the need for skilled technicians has never been more pressing, according to CBET. This accreditor-approved program combines hands-on training with online learning to prepare the next generation of technical professionals for careers in dental equipment maintenance and repair.

“We recognized a clear gap in specialized dental equipment training within the healthcare technology landscape,” says Richard L. “Monty” Gonzales, EdD, president of CBET, in a release. “This innovative program isn’t just about fixing equipment—it’s about developing technical professionals who will become true partners in dental healthcare delivery. Our comprehensive curriculum, combined with UptimeHealth’s industry expertise, creates an unparalleled educational experience.”

Expanding Dental Equipment Training with Industry Expertise

The program, developed by CBET’s experienced faculty and supported by UptimeHealth’s industry insights, offers both a focused training track and a comprehensive certification pathway. 

“This program represents a new chapter to expand service and support for the dental industry,” says Jinesh Patel, CEO and co-founder of UptimeHealth, in a release. “I worked with and hired CBET-educated technicians during my time as a clinical engineering manager. Their graduates came to us with a great technical foundation and always excelled. I am thrilled to partner with them to help create an engaging, interactive learning experience that combines real-world scenarios with state-of-the-art simulation technology. Together, we’re ensuring students don’t just learn about dental equipment; they master the art and science of keeping dental practices running smoothly.”

UptimeHealth’s preventive maintenance plans will complement this program by emphasizing the importance of proactive maintenance strategies, ensuring students are equipped to provide dental practices with long-term reliability and cost savings. 

“We’ve developed this program to perfectly bridge the gap between technical expertise and practical application. We’re not just training technicians; we’re creating dental technology champions who will transform the industry. This partnership with UptimeHealth represents a significant leap in healthcare technology education,” says Gonzales in a release. 

Hands-On and Virtual Learning for Dental Equipment Repair

The program features the latest in dental equipment technology, including:

• Advanced simulation laboratories with hands-on training stations
• Virtual reality training modules for complex procedure simulation
• Remote troubleshooting stations that mirror real-world scenarios
• Interactive learning environments designed by experienced educators

The program also incorporates environmental responsibility into its curriculum, designed to ensure technicians understand the broader impact of their work. 

Students can choose between:

• A three-course hybrid training program for rapid skill development
• An eight-course comprehensive certification for deep technical expertise

Registration is open now. Early bird incentives are available for the first cohort of future dental equipment repair specialists.

ID 30500013 © Katarzyna Bialasiewicz | Dreamstime.com

Summary:

Dräger announced that its Evita V800/V600, Babylog VN800, and Savina 300 series mechanical ventilators have received Authority to Operate (ATO) certification under the Department of Defense’s Risk Management Framework (eMASS #3984 and #3957), a certification that ensures that the ventilators meet stringent federal cybersecurity and compliance standards, protecting patient data and improving device security. Dräger emphasized its ongoing investment in cybersecurity, noting that this certification builds on the previous ATO approval of the Dräger V500 ventilator series in 2020. Hospitals using ATO-certified ventilators benefit from enhanced security, regulatory compliance, improved interoperability, and reduced cyberattack risks, the company notes.

Key Takeaways:

1. Dräger’s ventilators have received ATO certification from the Department of Defense, confirming compliance with federal cybersecurity standards.
2. The certification enhances patient data security, ensuring ventilators meet strict risk management and compliance requirements.
3. Hospitals using ATO-certified ventilators gain benefits such as improved cybersecurity, streamlined system integration, and reduced cyberattack risks, according to Dräger.

Dräger announced that its Evita V800/V600 and Babylog VN800 family of mechanical ventilators received Authority to Operate (ATO) certification under the Department of Defense’s Risk Management Framework eMASS #3984. 

In addition, the Savina 300 series of mechanical ventilators received ATO certification under the Department of Defense’s Risk Management Framework eMASS #3957.

“At Dräger, our mission extends beyond clinical technology,” says Lothar Thielen, president and CEO of Draeger Inc, in a release. “In our quest to improve patient outcomes and health equity, we are also committed to protecting patient data. That’s why we invest significant resources in cybersecurity, which has culminated in ATO certification—the highest level of security a device can hold.”

Certification of Dräger’s latest-technology ventilators follows that of the Dräger V500 series of ventilators, which achieved this level of security in 2020 under eMASS System ID 2510 and extends to March 3, 2026. 

Benefits of ATO-Certified Ventilators

Medical devices that have achieved an ATO under the Risk Management Framework offer advantages to hospitals, including:

• Enhanced security: Rigorous security assessments ensure that these devices meet high standards for protecting sensitive patient data and maintaining the integrity of medical operations.
• Compliance assurance: Devices that comply with federal regulations and standards reduce the risk of legal and regulatory issues.
• Reliability and trust: Hospitals can trust that these devices have been thoroughly vetted for security and performance.
• Interoperability: Devices with ATO are often designed to integrate seamlessly with other systems within the healthcare network.
• Continuous monitoring: Ongoing monitoring and updates continually address new security threats, ensuring that devices remain secure over time.
• Faster installation: ATO-certified devices streamline the process of integrating ventilator data with electronic medical records, centralized alarm stations, and remote notifications.

“In short, ventilators that offer this level of security have stronger patient data protection and carry a lower risk of cyberattacks,” according to a press release from Dräger.

Photo caption: Evita V800

Photo credit: Dräger

Key Takeaways:

• ATO certification enhances patient data security and minimizes cyber risks for Nihon Kohden ventilators.
• The certification underscores Nihon Kohden’s commitment to operational security and up-to-date cybersecurity practices in medical devices.

Nihon Kohden ventilators have received Authority to Operate (ATO) certification under the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Risk Management Framework (RMF) eMASS #3389.

Meeting High Standards for Data Protection

This rigorous cybersecurity certification ensures Nihon Kohden’s ventilators meet the highest standards for data protection and operational security in healthcare settings. According to the company, its ventilators are the first of its type to receive the ATO certification.

“Our ATO-certified ventilators represent a new standard in medical device security,” said Roy Sakai, president of Nihon Kohden America. “This certification shows our commitment to protecting patient data and supporting healthcare providers in today’s digital world.”

Benefits of ATO-Certified Ventilators

• Stronger patient data protection
• Faster setup and installation
• Lower risk of cyber attacks

Nihon Kohden maintains the certification to ensure that its ventilators remain up to date with cybersecurity protection.

Key Takeaways:

• ISO 13485 Recertification: TRIMEDX’s Medical Device Quality Management System has been recertified by ISO 13485, valid until August 2027.
• Comprehensive Quality System: TRIMEDX’s quality management also includes SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001 certifications, ensuring robust information security and quality management.

TRIMEDX has been recertified with the International Organization for Standardization’s Medical Device Quality Management System (MD QMS) certification ISO 13485, a widely recognized international standard outlining best practices in developing an effective MD QMS that covers the safety and quality of medical devices throughout their lifecycle.

Commitment to Quality and Service Excellence

This recertification, now valid through Aug. 2027, reverifies that TRIMEDX continues its dedication to maintaining a comprehensive quality management system (business policies and procedures), ultimately impacting its service excellence to clients.

“This reaffirms our commitment to excellence for our clients, associates, and stakeholders,” said Henry Hummel, TRIMEDX CEO. “Our quality of service standardizes work and contributes to continuous improvement as we progress. By verifying these processes, we aim to achieve best-in-class customer satisfaction, quality service, and ultimately impact clients’ ability to ensure patient safety.”

Risk-Based Evaluation and Certification

This standard analyzes and evaluates everything TRIMEDX does from a risk perspective, so risk control is included in all parts of the business. ISO 13485 outlines best practices in developing an effective MD QMS that covers the safety and quality of medical devices throughout their lifecycle. TRIMEDX was recertified by third-party registrar DEKRA.

Integrated Quality Management System

The ISO 13485 certification couples with TRIMEDX’s Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001 certification (valid through Dec. 2026) to make up TRIMEDX’s Quality Management System covering MD QMS and Information Security Management System (ISMS) standards.

“Achieving this level of compliance requires a continued commitment and demonstrated ability to monitor system activity and quickly take corrective action with the people, process, and technology in place,” says Denisa Lambert, vice president of quality and regulatory compliance. “Our comprehensive approach to data protection and responsive action sets us apart in delivering service excellence to clients.”

Key Takeaways:

• Mindray’s BeneVision patient monitors are the first medical devices from China to achieve UL 2900-2-1 certification, emphasizing their cybersecurity robustness.
• The certification aligns with the NIST cybersecurity framework and FDA standards, enhancing Mindray’s reputation for secure and reliable medical devices.

Mindray North America announced a new strategic certification that aligns with its secure by design approach to cybersecurity. Its flagship patient monitoring offering, the BeneVision N12, N15, and N17 monitors have obtained the UL Solutions Cybersecurity Assurance Program (CAP) certification to UL 2900-2-1.

According to Mindray, they are the first medical devices manufactured in China to achieve this certification. UL Solutions is a global safety science leader in independent third-party testing, inspection, and certification services and related software and advisory offerings.

Comprehensive Approach to Cybersecurity

“Driven by challenges with cybersecurity in healthcare today, Mindray looked to a more comprehensive approach to third-party assessment of the entire product lifecycle,” said Frank Menzel, Program Director of System Solutions at Mindray North America. “The vision was for a process-driven cybersecurity certification embedded within the Mindray development culture.”

Importance of UL 2900-2-1 Certification

The UL 2900-2-1 certification assesses the security of products and systems that connect to networks, along with the processes used by vendors to develop and maintain these products, with a strong emphasis on security. UL Solutions CAP offers a comprehensive range of solutions aimed at assisting organizations in handling cybersecurity risks and demonstrating their cybersecurity capabilities to the market.

Commitment to Cybersecurity

Receiving this certification is meant to underscore Mindray’s commitment to demonstrating its products meet or exceed industry-standard cybersecurity measures.

“Mindray is excited about the combination of device testing and a secure by design process validation backed by the UL Solutions certification while also aligning with the NIST cybersecurity framework and UL 2900-2-1 being an FDA consensus standard for medical device cybersecurity,” said Menzel.

Mindray’s BeneVision N12, N15, and N17 patient monitors empower healthcare providers by offering a premier solution to satisfy patient monitoring needs across diverse care settings, including OR, ICU, NICU, and ER/Trauma. With a platform-wide modular design, expansive parameter options, and specialized Clinical Assistance Applications (CAAs), the N12, N15, and N17 patient monitors support clinical excellence and align nicely with organizational cost of ownership goals.

This recertification, valid through Dec 2026, reverifies that TRIMEDX meets the latest information security industry standards while maintaining and enforcing policies and procedures to promote data security.

“This reaffirms our commitment to excellence for our clients, associates, and stakeholders,” says TRIMEDX CEO Henry Hummel. “We continue our commitment to protecting healthcare providers’ confidential data, ensuring patient safety, and demonstrating operational excellence and rigor around technology and data development and control.”

ISO 27001 provides requirements to companies seeking to implement a comprehensive information security management system (ISMS) to effectively provide security of information assets, through a systematic risk management process covering people, processes, and information technology systems. Meeting the standard demonstrates TRIMEDX’s achievement of advanced safety and security management of information. TRIMEDX was recertified by third-party registrar British Standards Institution (BSI).

The ISO 27001 certification couples with TRIMEDX’s Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 Type 2 and ISO 13485:2016 certification (valid through Aug. 2024) to make up Trimedx’s Quality Management System covering MD QMS and Information Security Management System (ISMS) standards.

ISO 13485 outlines best practices in developing an effective MD QMS that covers the safety and quality of medical devices throughout their lifecycle. SOC 2 is a stringent, third-party industry standard among service organizations that handle client data and is designed to protect the safety and security of the data and its storage. Achieving this level of compliance requires a demonstrated ability to consistently monitor unusual system activity, activate security alerts in the event of a security incident, produce detailed audit trails for root cause analysis and quickly take corrective action.

“We continue to make security and safety a top priority as we serve our clients,” said Doug Folsom, president of cybersecurity and chief technology officer at TRIMEDX. “The protection of client data and information, which ultimately impacts patient safety, differentiates us in what we do to provide clinical engineering services, clinical asset management, and medical device cybersecurity solutions.”

ISO 13485 is a globally recognized standard that symbolizes an organization’s commitment to quality, regulatory compliance, and the implementation of rigorous processes to guarantee the safety and efficacy of medical devices.

“We are thrilled to announce our ISO 13485:2016 certification,” said Tarek Soubra, general manager of Blue Life Solutions. “This milestone represents the culmination of our team’s hard work and dedication to ensuring the utmost quality in our medical devices. It reaffirms our commitment to not only meeting but exceeding the expectations of healthcare providers and the patients they serve.”

ISO 13485:2016 specifies requirements for a quality management system where an organization needs to demonstrate its ability to provide medical devices and related services that consistently meet customer and applicable regulatory requirements, according to the International Organization for Standardization.

In achieving ISO 13485:2016 certification, the company stated that it will be dedicated to the following principles:

• Quality assurance: Blue Life Solutions places quality at the forefront of its operations, ensuring that its medical devices consistently meet or exceed industry standards.
• Regulatory compliance: The company is committed to adhering to all regulatory requirements, ensuring that its products meet the stringent criteria set by regulatory bodies.
• Patient safety: Blue Life Solutions prioritizes patient safety, designing and manufacturing medical devices with the highest levels of safety in mind.
• Process excellence: The ISO 13485:2016 certification attests to the company’s implementation of robust processes, ensuring the reliability and consistency of its products.

By Steven Martinez 

Twice a year in either May or November, hundreds of biomedical equipment technicians sit down at testing sites across the country to take the exam to become a Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician or CBET.

Consisting of 165 multiple choice questions covering every aspect of the biomed field, the CBET is arguably difficult, with fail rates as high as 40%. After the test, those who pass must maintain their CBET certification through continuing education or retake the exam every three years. The certification is not required to have a career in the industry or even to get promoted. All of which begs the question, is the CBET worth it?

The ABCs of the CBET

Martin J. McLaughlin is the senior director of training at the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), which created the CBET along with other certifications for medical equipment technicians such as the Certified Associate in Biomedical Technology (CABT), and the Certified Healthcare Technology Manager (CHTM).

McLaughlin says that the CBET is about proving to the biomed and anyone who might employ them that they possess the minimum level of competency in their field. While it might not sound like the most glamorous achievement to attain the minimum level of competency, McLaughlin says it is not meant to be taken negatively but as a signifier that the person who passes the exam understands every critical aspect of their profession. 

It doesn’t mean they’re automatically an expert, but that they possess a breadth of knowledge about their chosen field. McLaughlin compares the CBET to something like a driver’s test.

“When you pass it, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re the best driver in the world,” says McLaughlin. “It just means that you know enough to be street legal. We’ve pulled together enough professionals and enough subject matter experts to say, ‘These are the credentials for somebody who can go out in the field and perform well and not be a liability for their employer.’”

Inside the CBET Exam

The CBET exam covers the key subjects that a biomed should know. The test is divided into six areas of expertise: Anatomy and Physiology, Public Safety in the Healthcare Facility, Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics, Healthcare Technology and Function, Healthcare Technology Problem Solving, and Healthcare Information Technology. Sections are weighted by importance to the job, so Healthcare Technology Problem Solving comprises around 25% of the exam while Anatomy and Physiology makes up only about 10%. 

To create the test, AAMI brought in several certified, experienced biomeds and asked them to break the job down into its essentials to portray the ideal CBET. They then created an outline for the exam based on these expert opinions that would only include information they deemed vital to the job. That’s why the certification is made available to biomeds with at least four years of experience, because it was designed for someone who already understands their field but are not exactly experts at it. Biomeds can take the exam with just two years of experience, but they’ll only be recognized as a CBET candidate when they reach the four-year mark.

“Somebody who’s been in the field for four years should be fairly proficient, but they’re not pros at that point. They’re still in the entry years of their career,” says McLaughlin.

The exam is regularly updated to align with advances in medical technology and better represent the tasks biomeds actually do. It’s why CBETs have to maintain their certification, McLaughlin explains. Some biomeds have a certification that dates back several decades, and the industry they started in might not resemble the one they’re in currently. The last update was in 2017, and AAMI will be working on another update next year, McLaughlin reveals.

“The last time we did it, we shifted a lot of the content away from the fundamentals of electricity and electronics and away from anatomy and physiology toward healthcare IT,” he says. “Obviously that trend is building. Fewer HTMs are actually soldering devices in the basement than they used to; instead, now they’re working on networks and they’re part swapping.”

So, while a CBET might be like a driver’s test in that it is about proving a baseline level of understanding, unlike a driver’s license, CBETs are not required and still comprise a minority of the biomed field.

Who Has a CBET?

McLaughlin says that only a few thousand biomeds have passed the CBET exam and maintain their certification. He estimates that, at best, it makes up 25%-30% of the industry. As a nonprofit, AAMI doesn’t lobby lawmakers to make the CBET mandatory for the industry so as it stands today, working toward a CBET still remains a self-motivated endeavor. However, there are barriers to entry that currently contribute to its low adoption rate among biomeds, some say.

For one, and maybe most importantly, it costs money to take the exam. For non-AAMI members, a CBET exam costs $400 while members get a $50 discount. Since there’s no guarantee that you will pass, fees could continue to grow from there. It costs $325 to retake the test and $275 for members. Fortunately, some workplaces will front the costs of the exam and help with paying for testing prep, a good resource to take advantage of to avoid recurring costs. 

Secondly, the exam is difficult, McLaughlin acknowledges. While CBET was designed for biomeds with four years of experience, in most cases, work experience alone is not sufficient to get a passing grade of 70%, or 116 out of 165. While the subject matter that hews closest to their daily work is likely second nature to an experienced biomed, remedial information about anatomy or the basics of electronics might not be at the ready if one decides to take the test cold. It’s important to note that the CBET exam can only be taken once per testing window and only three times before being forced to wait a full calendar year to take it again. McLaughlin says this was done to prevent test takers from becoming familiar with the questions and passing through brute force rather than an actual understanding of the material.

“It should be easy to say that if you’ve been in the field for seven years, you should absolutely be able to pass the exam. Well, that’s in theory true. But you also need to study,” says McLaughlin. “There’s some stuff that you still would want to go through and make sure that you study up on because it’s not an easy exam.”

Luckily for people who need a refresher or simply aren’t good at tests, there are resources available to improve their knowledge and knowledge recall. AAMI offers a free outline with references of everything that the CBET exam will cover. It also offers an instructor-led CBET study course the month before an exam window that includes 12 hours of training, covering all parts of the outline and practice exams.

A Biomed’s Perspective on CBET

A test can’t make you a better biomed, but it can certainly signify the kind of biomed you are or want to be in your career. Just ask Joshua Weatherford, CBET, the biomedical manager at ReNew Biomedical Services in Jackson, Tenn. He took the CBET exam and passed it on his first try with only two years of experience, technically making him a CBET candidate until he reaches the four-year mark of his career.

Coming from a family of nurses, Weatherford pursued a career in nursing before realizing that he’d rather work on equipment than people. He then became an ASE-certified auto mechanic before eventually finding his way into the biomedical field through connections he made along the way. Weatherford says he found that being a biomed combined the things he liked about nursing, the science and health, with the things he liked about being a mechanic, working with his hands.

Thanks to his healthcare background, he was already familiar with some of the aspects of HTM but lacked knowledge about the specific equipment he was going to be working on and industry jargon. After learning the ropes for a few years through on-the-job training and instructional resources provided through ReNew as part of the onboarding process, he began to eye the CBET.

ReNew is one of those workplaces that fully supports CBET certification, paying the cost of the exam and providing employees with training resources, according to Weatherford. “They didn’t push it, but they’re very encouraging to have those things,” he says. “It’s not a mandate, but they want to see team growth and they want to encourage that in any way they can.”

But the biggest reason he pursued certification was because of an internal drive to better himself and his career. After all, Weatherford had already received a CABT certification and was part of a biomed apprenticeship program through the state of Tennessee in partnership with ReNew and AAMI. The last step? Passing the CBET exam.

Preparing for the Test

Before taking the exam, Weatherford says he heard conflicting opinions of the test. Some peers said that it was the hardest test they’d ever taken, and others said it was a breeze. Luckily, Weatherford took the side of caution and “over prepared” as he put it. 

Over prepared might be an understatement. Before his exam date, Weatherford studied for a month and a half. During that time, he says that he studied 2.5 hours every night after work and an additional four to five hours a day on the weekends.

“I definitely put my time into studying,” says Weatherford. “Even after all that I was incredibly nervous and not confident that I was going to pass the morning of the test. Luckily, it all worked out and it was things that I knew.”

Weatherford passed the exam by a comfortable margin, scoring a 146 out of 165. “I’ve been told it’s one of the highest scores that people know of. That’s a good feeling,” says Weatherford. “It makes the study feel well worth it for sure.”

He says if he had to prepare for the exam again, he wouldn’t change the process but would start studying earlier to avoid cramming.

“The one tip I would give as far as studying is just to diversify your information,” he adds. “Don’t rely on one study resource because I’ve seen that caused some issues. I knew one person who studied only one provider’s material and I felt that if they would have diversified a little bit, they would have aced that test and instead they barely missed the mark on it.”

Weatherford used AAMI’s study materials and practice exams, saying he found the end-of-module quizzes especially helpful for understanding the content. To break up the monotony of reading and taking quizzes, he also watched YouTube videos on @Biomedical Engineers TV, which has material on X-ray imaging, dialysis, ventilators, anesthesia, and related topics.

Regarding the actual test, Weatherford says that understanding the concepts, not just memorizing answers, was critical for success. Several answers seemed plausible in some questions, he says, and the only way to identify the right one was to fully understand the topic.

“Memorizing information is only going to work for certain aspects,” he says. “Being able to understand what’s being asked and then reading through the answers is really a strong skill and a strong learning point from the study resources.”

Is a CBET Worth it?

Ultimately, the CBET is still an optional certification for HTM professionals, but as Weatherford sees it, it helps him stand out from the crowd. If he should ever need to find a new position, he thinks that having this credential could give him an edge.

“I’m a proponent of certification and the things that it can do as far as developing a career,” says Weatherford. “Not that I do, but if anyone has a desire for mobility in the field, I feel that certification is a really great step and a great card to have in your pocket if you ever want to look at changing [jobs].”

Weatherford says that because CBETs are still relatively rare, some shops don’t even stipulate having one in their job listings. However, he believes that someone with a CBET faces a favorable job market when they look for a new position.

“Usually someone that gets a CBET lands a dream job, and their intent is to stay there until they retire,” says Weatherford. “And, usually, those places that do recruit CBETs are intent on keeping them and keeping them happy. You see very few walking around looking for jobs.”

Photo 66341633 © Stokkete | Dreamstime.com

Steven Martinez is managing editor of 24×7 Magazine. Questions and comments can be directed to smartinez@MEDQOR.com.

As guardians of the healthcare technology management (HTM) industry, our essential role in ensuring patient safety and well-being cannot be overstated. Biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs), field engineers, depot-level service providers, and remote support teams are responsible for maintaining, repairing, and managing devices that are indispensable to patient care. To underscore the importance of our profession and establish a uniform standard of excellence, we must champion the cause of professional licensing for all roles involved in servicing medical equipment across every U.S. state.

Licensing is an established norm in many healthcare, engineering, and electrical fields. Licenses serve as a testament to the qualifications, knowledge, and expertise of professionals like physicians, nurses, electricians, and engineers. These licenses ensure they are equipped to perform their duties safely and effectively. For example, licensed electricians are trusted to work on complex electrical systems, where errors could lead to serious safety risks. Similarly, in healthcare, a licensed nurse or doctor is a patient’s first line of defense, making their qualifications crucial for patient safety.

Introducing licensing for BMETs, field engineers, and those involved in depot-level and remote service roles would bring several advantages. To start, licensing would ensure that only qualified individuals are entrusted with the responsibility of working on critical medical equipment, reinforcing patient safety. It would also standardize the skills and knowledge within the industry, making it easier for employers to evaluate potential employees. Furthermore, licensing would elevate our profession, inspiring increased recognition and respect from our peers in healthcare. 

However, potential challenges must be acknowledged. Licensing could introduce a financial burden, which might deter individuals from joining or continuing in the profession. There is also the risk of increased bureaucracy, leading to potential delays and complexities in the licensing process.

Despite these potential obstacles, the advantages of licensing clearly outweigh the drawbacks. To support this cause, we encourage you to engage with your state representatives and professional associations. Inform them about the critical importance of licensing for BMETs and related roles—and request their support in advocating for licensing legislation. Networking with other HTM professionals is also essential. By exchanging ideas and experiences, we can foster a collaborative effort to promote the cause within the HTM community. Staying informed about the latest developments in licensing and regulations, both in your state and across the country, is equally important.

Our profession’s focus on servicing equipment intended for others’ use fits seamlessly into the broader Right-to-Repair movement. This movement advocates for consumers and third-party technicians to have the freedom to repair and maintain devices without being solely reliant on manufacturers. By advocating for licensing, we endorse the rights of qualified professionals to repair medical equipment while maintaining an unwavering commitment to patient safety.

Many states already mandate licensing or registration for engineers working on specialized equipment, such as X-ray, CT, and linear accelerators. This signifies the value placed on having qualified professionals maintain and repair these critical devices. By extending licensing requirements to encompass BMETs and related roles, we can elevate patient safety and raise the stature of our entire profession.

As HTM professionals, our responsibility extends beyond our daily tasks. We are accountable for fostering the highest standards in our field. By advocating for licensing for all who service medical equipment, we can champion patient safety, elevate our profession, and reinforce the right-to-repair movement. It’s crucial that we unite to promote licensing in every state, ensuring that the servicing of medical equipment is conducted by skilled and qualified professionals.

This collaborative effort will not only benefit the HTM community but also contribute to the overall safety and well-being of patients who rely on the medical equipment we maintain and repair. The time is now for us to come together and champion this cause, creating a future where our profession is recognized and respected for its indispensable role in the healthcare ecosystem.

If you are interested in discussing and supporting a collaborative effort to advocate for licensing, please feel free to connect with me. I am Dustin Telford, CHTM, CBET, CRES, CLES, and I am deeply committed to this cause. You can find me on LinkedIn here. Together, we can work towards a future where our profession is valued, respected, and held to the highest standards.

By pursuing this collective effort, we can strengthen our industry and further the overall quality of healthcare. A future where licensing is a standard requirement for all roles in servicing medical equipment will result in a safer environment for patients, healthcare professionals, and the HTM community alike. Let’s take the necessary steps today to ensure a brighter tomorrow for everyone involved in HTM.

In summation, advocating for licensing in our profession is an essential step toward ensuring patient safety and elevating the stature of the entire HTM community. By working together and engaging with key stakeholders, we can make a difference and set the stage for a more professional, skilled, and respected industry. So, let’s join forces and make a lasting, positive impact on the future of healthcare technology management. The time is now to make our voices heard and work toward a better tomorrow for all.

Dustin Telford, CHTM, CBET, CRES, CLES, is a regional biomedical equipment technician at Bio-Electronics. Questions and comments can be directed to 24×7 chief editor Keri Forsythe-Stephens at editor@24x7mag.com.

The HITRUST risk-based, two-year certified status demonstrates that the Parachute Health DME ePrescribing Platform has met key regulations and industry-defined requirements and is appropriately managing risk.

By including federal and state regulations, standards, and frameworks, and incorporating a risk-based approach, the HITRUST Assurance Program helps organizations address security and data protection challenges through a comprehensive and flexible framework of prescriptive and scalable security controls.

“We are committed to prioritizing security and data protection so the industry can confidently continue to adopt this game-changing technology that helps serve patients quickly and reliably. Organizations like ours are continually under pressure to meet complex compliance and privacy requirements that include technical and process elements,” says Matt Pestritto, chief technology officer at Parachute Health. “We are pleased to demonstrate to our customers and partners the highest standards for data protection and information security by achieving HITRUST Risk-based, 2-year Certification.”

Parachute Health’s DME ePrescribing platform is used at over 54,000 clinical facilities across the U.S., according to the company.

“The HITRUST Assurance Program is the most rigorous available, consisting of a multitude of quality assurance checks, both automated and manual,” says Bimal Sheth, executive vice president, standards development & assurance operations, HITRUST. “The fact that Parachute Health has achieved HITRUST Risk-based, 2-year Certification attests to the high quality of their information risk management and compliance program.”