House Appropriations Committee Upholds FDA Authority on Electrical Shock Devices

After advocacy from the disability, provider, and civil rights communities, the House Appropriations Committee amended its appropriations bill regarding the FDA’s authority over electrical shock devices used for the behavioral modification of people with disabilities. While a harmful amendment (or rider) that would have nullified the FDA’s ban on the use of such devices was added to this bill in subcommittee, the bill passed by the full committee last week removes this policy rider.
This decision marks a win for the disability community, which has actively lobbied against the initial provision.