Medical Device Sales and Auto Dialer Compliance: A Strategic Approach

Posted In | CRM | Help Desk | Auto Dialer | Biopharma and Medical Device

The medical device sales industry is experiencing rapid growth, as healthcare providers increasingly rely on advanced equipment and technologies to improve patient care. However, as companies in this sector work to expand their customer base and drive sales, they must also navigate complex regulatory requirements related to communication practices, particularly those involving the use of auto dialers.

 

Understanding Auto Dialer Regulations

Auto dialers, also known as automatic dialing systems or robocallers, are telecommunication devices or software that automatically dial telephone numbers. Once the call is answered, the auto dialer either connects the call to a live agent or plays a recorded message. While these tools can be highly efficient for sales and marketing purposes, they are also subject to strict regulations under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and other federal and state laws.

 

The TCPA and Medical Device Sales

The TCPA restricts the use of auto dialers, pre-recorded voice messages, text messages, and fax machines for unsolicited sales calls. Under the Act, businesses must obtain prior express written consent from the recipient before making a sales call using these methods. Furthermore, the TCPA imposes substantial penalties for violations, which can range from $500 to $1,500 per call or message.

 

Compliance Strategies for Medical Device Sales

Given these potential liabilities, medical device sales companies must adopt a strategic approach to auto dialer compliance. This begins with understanding the specific requirements of the TCPA and other relevant regulations, and then implementing policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance.
 

Key strategies might include:
 

• Obtaining express written consent from potential customers before making sales calls
   

• Maintaining detailed records of consent, including who provided consent, when, and in what form
   

• Regularly training sales staff on compliance requirements
   

• Monitoring sales calls and messages for compliance
   

• Implementing technology solutions that can help manage compliance, such as call analytics software or TCPA compliant auto dialers

 

As medical device sales companies continue to harness the power of auto dialers and other innovative communication tools, they must also remain vigilant about regulatory compliance. By understanding the rules and taking a strategic approach to compliance, these businesses can minimize their risk, protect their reputation, and focus on what they do best: providing healthcare providers with the advanced medical devices they need to deliver the highest quality patient care.