Written question asked by Lord Soley (Labour) on Monday, 25 October 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 November 2021. It was answered by Lord Kamall on Friday, 5 November 2021 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Nervous System: Medical Equipment

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking, if any, to establish a regulatory framework authority to promote and provide safeguards for the development of neurotechnology.

Answer: Neurotechnology is regulated under general provisions for medical research, medical devices and the Data Protection Act 2018. Funders additionally have a responsibility to ensure that research funding is used for specific purposes. To improve the regulatory framework and ensure patient safety, in September 2021 the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency launched a public consultation on the future of medical device regulation. Future regulatory requirements will apply to all medical devices where applicable, including those which fall under the category of neurotechnology. The United Kingdom additionally supports the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Recommendation on Responsible Innovation in Neurotechnology and its associated principles. The UK will work with other OECD partners to help establish practical tools and guidance.

Secondary information