Bone screw suit places FDA in 4-way squeeze; agency's limited approval of medical device lets makers sell for wider uses; spine-tingling dispute

Article Abstract:

The Food and Drug Admin is under fire from at least four sides over its policy regarding the use of bone screws in back operations. A class action lawsuit in federal court in Philadelphia has highlighted the issue, leading to accusations that the FDA relied on advice from doctors on the take from manufacturers and revelations that the FDA gave doctors' and patients' names to the plaintiffs, triggering a Dept of Justice probe. The FDA is considering reclassifying the devices, from Class III to Class II, to plaintiffs' dismay.

Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing, Surgical appliances and supplies, General Surgical Supplies, Cases, Equipment and supplies, Investigations, Product liability, Products liability, United States. Food and Drug Administration, Orthopedic surgery, Surgical equipment and supplies, Surgical instruments, Surgical supplies

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IRS struggles to define 'independent contractor;' companies trying to save on labor costs are reclassifying payroll workers, but 'clarifying' laws leave bosses at a loss

Article Abstract:

The Small Business Job Protection Act is a useful first step enabling employers with a reasonable basis for classification of a worker as an independent contractor to avoid back taxes and penalties, but the law still does not provide a clear enough definition of what an independent contractor is. Bills simplifying the definition were rejected by both the House and Senate in 1996, and the IRS must continue dealing with a 20-factor common law test employers say leans toward classifying workers as employees.

Wage payment systems, Independent contractors, Pay structure, Two-tier wage payment systems

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Will FCC fulfill its mandate? Agency struggles with pressures, cutbacks

Article Abstract:

The FCC faces too many responsibilities in view of the agency's underfunding and understaffing. In Oct 1992, after public outcry over rapidly rising cable rates, the agency took on the task of developing standards for local governments to use in determining these rates. The FCC also needs to respond to a remand from the 7th Circuit on television syndication rules. These two issues come at a time when the agency is struggling to keep up with the task of licensing and regulating new technologies.

Analysis, United States. Federal Communications Commission, Powers and duties, Telecommunication policy, Telecommunications policy

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