tion that the medical device or devices in use at the time of an incident allow for additional allegations by the plaintiff (ref.
4).
Whatever the reason, biomedical engineering functions can play a significant role in the facility's ability to defend against or prevent litigation, or to consider filing crosscomplaints of inadequate manufacturing design or implementation. 1. Request on-site presentation to bid committee 2. Check references provided 3. Check with biomedical associations, neighboring facilities 4. Eliminate unqualified prospects initially 111. Reviewing the Bids A. Determine staff qualifications B. Visit main office and repair facility C. Determine mark-ups charged (subcontracted service, repair parts) D. Carefully review exclusions E. Identify unacceptable terms and conditions 1. Professional liability 2. Staff training 3. Other issues identified by facility IV. Awarding the Bid A. Negotiate pricing B. Negotiate terms and exclusions C. Confirm that manufacturers will cooperate with preferred candidates D. Call references with any questions about performance or terms E. Award to selected candidate