(1) ActionsFor purposes of expediting the development and review of devices designated under subsection (d) the Secretary shall—(A) assign a team of staff, including a team leader with appropriate subject matter expertise and experience, for each device for which a request is submitted under subsection (c);
(B) provide for oversight of the team by senior agency personnel to facilitate the efficient development of the device and the efficient review of any submission described in subsection (c) for the device;
(C) adopt an efficient process for timely dispute resolution;
(D) provide for interactive and timely communication with the sponsor of the device during the development program and review process;
(E) expedite the Secretary’s review of manufacturing and quality systems compliance, as applicable;
(F) disclose to the sponsor, not less than 5 business days in advance, the topics of any consultation the Secretary intends to undertake with external experts or an advisory committee concerning the sponsor’s device and provide the sponsor the opportunity to recommend such external experts;
(G) provide for advisory committee input, as the Secretary determines appropriate (including in response to the request of the sponsor) for applications submitted under section 360e(c) of this title; and
(H) assign staff to be available within a reasonable time to address questions by institutional review committees concerning the conditions and clinical testing requirements applicable to the investigational use of the device pursuant to an exemption under section 360j(g) of this title.
(2) Additional actionsIn addition to the actions described in paragraph (1), for purposes of expediting the development and review of devices designated under subsection (d), the Secretary, in collaboration with the device sponsor, may, as appropriate—(A) coordinate with the sponsor regarding early agreement on a data development plan;
(B) take steps to ensure that the design of clinical trials is as efficient and flexible as practicable, when scientifically appropriate;
(C) facilitate, when scientifically appropriate, expedited and efficient development and review of the device through utilization of timely postmarket data collection with regard to application for approval under section 360e(c) of this title; and
(D) agree in writing to clinical protocols that the Secretary will consider binding on the Secretary and the sponsor, subject to—(i) changes to such protocols agreed to in writing by the sponsor and the Secretary; or
(ii) a decision, made by the director of the office responsible for reviewing the device submission, that a substantial scientific issue essential to determining the safety or effectiveness of such device exists, provided that such decision is in writing, and is made only after the Secretary provides to the device sponsor or applicant an opportunity for a meeting at which the director and the sponsor or applicant are present and at which the director documents the substantial scientific issue.