Issued2025-01-29

Characterization Considerations for Medical Device Software and Software-Specific Risk

GuidanceVoluntary

Summary

Final IMDRF technical document providing considerations for characterizing medical device software and software-specific risk. The document supports structured descriptions of medical device software functions and risk considerations, including factors that can affect classification, risk assessment, and regulatory evaluation.

Healthcare Implications

Helps regulators, developers, and health systems evaluate the risk profile of medical device software, including AI-enabled or algorithmic tools when they qualify as medical device software. It supports clearer documentation, risk characterization, and regulatory review of software used in clinical care.

Impact Level

Low

Keywords

Safety & Risk; Clinical Quality & Efficacy; Transparency & Governance

Stakeholders

Developers & Vendors; Regulators & Government; Providers & Health Systems