Governor Healey Celebrates New Law to Make Medical Devices Safer for Patients

 Governor Healey Celebrates New Law to Make Medical Devices Safer for Patients

New law will phase out cancer-linked chemical from IV bags and tubing used in Massachusetts

BOSTON– Governor Maura Healey today hosted a ceremonial signing at the Massachusetts State House to celebrate a new law that will phase out di (2-ethylhenyl) phthalate, a cancer-linked chemical known as DEHP, that is used to make plastic flexible, from IV bags and tubing sold in Massachusetts. 

Governor Healey signed An Act Relative to toxic-free medical devices on July 25. The law will prohibit the manufacture and sale of IV solution containers made with intentionally added DEHP beginning January 1, 2030, followed by IV tubing beginning January 1, 2035. This timeline gives health care providers and manufacturers time to transition to safer alternatives that are already in use at hospitals in Massachusetts.

“Patients deserve to know that the tools being used to care for them are safe,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This law phases out a harmful chemical from IV bags and tubing and moves our health care system toward safer alternatives. Massachusetts will continue to follow the science and put the health and safety of patients, families and health care workers first.”

“When someone enters a hospital, they should be able to focus on getting better,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This law puts patients first while giving health care providers and manufacturers a clear and responsible timeline to transition to safter alternatives. It’s another example of Massachusetts leading with science and protecting public health.”

DEHP is commonly used to make plastic medical devices more flexible. The chemical can leach from plastic products and has been linked to cancer and other serious health risks.  Health advocates and medical professionals have raised concerns about patient exposure, particularly because safer alternatives are already available.

“These are common-sense reforms that will protect patients in Massachusetts from toxic chemicals that are linked to cancer,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Governor Healey for signing these reforms into law, as well as Leader O’Day, Chair Decker, and all my colleagues in the House, along with our partners in the Senate, for recognizing the need for these important protections.”

"No patient in Massachusetts should have to wonder whether the equipment keeping them alive is also putting their health at risk," said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). "The Senate made this legislation a priority because it's imperative that we remove this known carcinogen from common hospital equipment and replace it with safer alternatives that are already available. I applaud the Governor for signing this bill into law and ensuring that people who rely on these devices in Massachusetts are protected."

“The Toxic-Free Medical Devices Act was filed because patients should never have to worry that the tools meant to heal them are exposing them to a cancer-linked chemical, especially when safe alternatives already exist and are already in use at hospitals here in Massachusetts,” said Senator Joan Lovely. “I am grateful to Governor Healey for signing this bill into law and for recognizing what it means for patients and their families. My thanks as well to Senate President Spilka for her leadership and to my colleague Representative James O’Day for his partnership as House sponsor. This is a real step forward for safer medical care in the Commonwealth.”

“Massachusetts has always been a leader in health care, and we here in the Commonwealth have a responsibility to continue advancing innovative policies that ensure patients safety,” said Representative Jim O’Day. “This legislation reduces unnecessary exposure to DEHP in medical devices while giving hospitals and providers the flexibility needed for a responsible transition to safer alternatives. I’d like to thank Senator Lovely for her partnership, Speaker Mariano for his leadership, and all the advocates, stakeholders, and colleagues who worked together to bring this important public health measure across the finish line. I’m especially grateful to Governor Healey for signing this bill into law and delivering a win for both patients and health care providers”

The law includes exemptions for certain specialized products, including human blood collection and storage bags and specified apheresis and cell-therapy products. It also permits limited trace amounts of DEHP that are not intentionally added.