Premier Requires UDI
Premier Incorporated announced a new requirement for unique device identifiers. Premier is the largest healthcare group purchasing organization (GPO) in the U.S and is the first GPO to require such. The new requirement was described in release issued by the organization.
All companies which have contracts with Premier will be required to implement unique identifiers for all devices within the next five years. This requires full adoption of the GS1 standards. Premier previously endorsed use of GS1 supply chain standards.
Incorporation of unique identifiers supports clear identification of of both devices and products used in the healthcare setting. Equally as important, equipment and devices can be tracked as they move through the healthcare system. Premier will also require that identifiers for each piece of equipment are included in a database.
Healthcare is one of the few industries across the country that has yet to fully implement device tracking systems, using either RFID systems or bar coding. This creates a challenge with respect to rapidly locating devices in the case of recalls.
July 24, 2008 Related topics: Trends, Supply chain/SCM, Policies & Procedures