title: Medical regulation of cognitive enhancement devices: some concerns.
abstract: The authors present a cogent and detailed case for altering the Medical Devices Directive to allow regulation of cognitive enhancement devices (CEDs). Protection against significant risk of harm, especially for the vulnerable, and promotion of benefit through informed use of CEDs are all good features of the proposal. However, the pre-market approval process has limitations, which we explore. We raise the possibility of 'risk compensation' in response to the introduction of safety measures, which could alter its effectiveness. The proposal alludes to use of 'formally trained practitioners,' which provide a further tier of regulation for CEDs within the proposal. We consider some positive and negative implications of this aspect of the proposal that might warrant further consideration.
authors: Lecturer, Bioethics Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin.
authors: Mike
authors: M
authors: King
authors: Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Otago, Dunedin.
authors: Colin
authors: C
authors: Gavaghan
authors: Professor, Bioethics Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin.
authors: John
authors: J
authors: McMillan
keywords: cognitive enhancement devices; medicine; regulation; risk; transcranial direct current stimulation