In one of TechKnow's recent postings on the use of mobile phones in the hospital, we pointed out the perpetuation of the myth of banning wireless devices in a clinical setting such as a hospital and discussed the Lancet commentary calling for an end to the ban.
Yesterday in the New York Times, the challenge continues with an article called "First Do No Harm (Wirelessly)" by Marcia Biederman. She points out the 'dual standard' in which physicians use cell phones all the time but patients cannot. The debate still continues.
Apparently the Food and Drug Administration, which regulates medical devices, has issued recommendations on the use of cellular and other radio-frequency transmitters in hospitals but urges hospitals themselves to conduct tests of possible interference on their own medical equipment. That means a great deal of expense and leaving such decisions in the hands of a hospital's engineering department. Thus, over time, 'common law rule' will probably prevail and the signs will just disappear from the hospital walls.
3:53:24 PM 
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