Health Care, Technology and Innovation: What's Law Got to Do with It?

Health care is consistently evolving and improving. We have moved from a time when health care was a true mystery and many conditions were deemed untreatable to one where the general population rejects any idea that health care is likely to harm or do anything other than cure illness. Central to this evolution has been the introduction of technology into health care. While this undeniably represents a much-desired inclusion in medical treatment, it poses specific regulatory challenges. Each of these challenges warrants specific and detailed analysis and critique. This column explores the intersection between the law, technology and health care and provides insight into how these can (and do) interact. It is an introductory discussion that serves to raise questions for further consideration.