Medline has updated its recommendations for continued use of its Medline-branded beds, rails, mattresses and accessories, including a new repair option.
The new information follows the company’s Oct. 14 communication “regarding the product removal, market exit and discontinuation” of those Medline beds, rails, mattresses and accessories. That announcement said Medline “is executing a voluntary field action to initiate a product removal, discontinuation and market exit of all Medline brand beds, including homecare beds, bariatric beds and long-term care beds, and their associated pendants, accessories, replacement parts and bed-containing order packages.”
The initial announcement cited an electrical safety risk: “Medline has identified a potential fire hazard involving Medline Brand beds, hand-control pendants, control/motor boxes, and actuators/motors. Under certain conditions, including but not limited to excessive system loading, jammed components or motors, damage to or fluid ingress into the pendant, the use of extension cords, or the use of non-Medline or unapproved pendants or accessories, the bed’s electrical components may overheat.”
The original communication also mentioned an entrapment risk.
Medline has now said the products can continue to be used under certain guidelines.
“Importantly, customers can continue to use Medline brand beds, rails, mattresses and accessories in accordance with the instructions below,” the company said in its Oct. 24 update. “In an effort to support continuity of care and to minimize disruptions for our customers, healthcare providers and patients, and in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Medline is updating the instructions for continued use and providing additional information about options for repair, replacement, and full or partial refund of original purchase price.”
Medline-brand beds should be unplugged from electrical outlets, the company said. “When necessary adjustments to the bed need to be made, plug the bed into an electrical outlet while repositioning the patient, and unplug the bed when not repositioning the patient. Do not use extension cords to power the bed.”
The company is taking a two-pronged approach to the impacted products. Some affected beds could be eligible for repair. Medline could offer replacement products, or full or partial refunds of the original purchase price for beds and accessories deemed ineligible for repair.
To qualify for repair, replacement or refunds, the product must have been purchased in the last five years. “Beds, rails, mattresses and accessories purchased more than five years ago are still subject to the field action and updated instructions above,” Medline said.
The company said the impacted products should only be repaired via Medline’s authorized repair process. Customers can call Medline’s recall customer service line — (800) 950-0128 — to discuss repairs, replacements or refunds.
