Committee passes Public Health Readiness Act to improve medical equipment repair access

Senate Bill 332, the Public Health Readiness Act, would require manufacturers supplying Arkansas medical facilities to make available to independent repair providers necessary diagnostic tools, documentation, parts and service software on fair and reasonable terms. Sponsor Senator Missy Irvin said the bill is narrowly tailored to medical‑facility equipment and excludes products such as personal computers and cell phones; it also preserves manufacturer‑authorized warranty arrangements and does not compel disclosure of trade secrets.

Testimony from clinical engineers and biomedical technicians described problems during the COVID‑19 pandemic when manufacturer technicians were unavailable or travel restrictions delayed repairs for critical equipment such as ventilators. Kyle Marks, a director of clinical engineering, and Bill Harrison and other industry speakers explained that restricted access to diagnostic software and service keys prolongs downtime and can directly affect hospital capacity and patient safety. Supporters said the bill would lower repair costs, speed return to service, and support small Arkansas businesses able to perform repairs.

Senator Irvin said the bill is focused and limited in scope to medical facilities and would not change employer warranty agreements or demand exposure of trade secrets. The committee adopted the bill by voice vote. The measure will proceed to the Senate floor for further action.