IAMERS has instituted a voluntary labeling program for members. Our new program was announced to members in the January 2008 issue of the IAMERS Newsletter. We are encouraging members to label their equipment wherever possible.

IAMERS has also changed its by-laws to reflect this new program. The Mission Statement in the IAMERS by-laws stated the following:

"To work with government, industry, healthcare providers and OEMs to ensure a responsible and vibrant pre-owned equipment marketplace, which promotes the distribution of safe and properly represented equipment to healthcare providers worldwide"

"When selling imaging equipment, members are encouraged - consistent with properly representing equipment, to alert buyers as to the condition of the equipment, including, whenever possible, the affixing of labels which disclose, in a general way, the equipment condition."

As Is, Where Is

"As is, where is" systems are unchanged. These systems are typically deinstalled from the hospital/clinic, are then crated and shipped to the buyer. Nothing has been done to the system.

Refurbished

Refurbished systems retain their original identity and are essentially repaired and/or upgraded in a manner which could be achieved by field service personnel or in a facility capable of such repairs or upgrades. Refurbished systems include those systems which have received software upgrades or basic improvements consistent with the life cycle of the product. The system complies with the original level of function and at least meets the original OEM defined specifications; or the OEM specified path for upgrades. This is consistent with the extended life cycle as proposed by the OEM.

Cosmetically Enhanced

System is basically as is, where is; but has been painted and/or cosmetically improved. No repairs or upgraded have been done.

Remanufactured

Remanufactured systems would be newly built systems using rebuilt, repaired or new parts which allow the system to perform substantially different than the original system.

This category will rarely, apply to IAMERS members and their equipment. When applicable, the IAMERS member would have a remanufacturing registration in place. In such a case, they would already label their equipment. Labeling requirements of those with an existing remanufacturing registration would already be addressed.

IAMERS will not issue labels to non-members. There may be a nominal charge for labels. Members must agree, in writing, that the label they request properly defines the equipment in question. Of course, if members choose, they may create their own labels consistent with IAMERS suggested labels.

If there are questions regarding this initiative, please contact Diana Upton, President of IAMERS at 201.833.2203.

There will be a presentation at the IAMERS Annual Meeting in Charleston, SC on this important subject of labeling. The meeting is May 2nd and 3rd 2008.