Berlin, Germany – February 23, 2026 – France’s Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), the national healthcare authority, is expanding its role in evaluating medical devices and healthcare practices, going beyond its initial mandate to ensure quality and appropriate resource allocation. This broadened scope includes a detailed assessment of approximately 2,000 medical procedures and technologies, alongside providing support to specialist committees in drafting comprehensive guidelines. The move signals a proactive approach to healthcare quality control and a commitment to evidence-based medical practice within the French healthcare system.
The HAS’s expanded responsibilities arrive at a time of increasing complexity in medical technology and treatment options. The authority is tasked with not only evaluating the efficacy and safety of new devices and procedures but also with ensuring their appropriate integration into clinical practice. This includes considerations of cost-effectiveness, patient outcomes, and the overall impact on the healthcare system. The initiative aims to standardize practices and improve the quality of care across France.
Focus on Perfusion Devices and Home Healthcare
A key area of focus for the HAS is the revision of categories for home perfusion devices and associated services. According to an official notice from the CNEDiMTS (Commission Nationale d’Évaluation des Dispositifs Médicaux et des Technologies de Santé) dated May 20, 2025, the HAS is updating the reimbursement nomenclature for these devices. This revision addresses indications, conditions of leverage, prescription requirements, and the necessary medical devices and services for home perfusion.
Home perfusion, the intravenous administration of fluids or medications at a patient’s residence, is an increasingly common practice, offering convenience and potentially reducing the burden on hospital resources. Still, ensuring the safety and efficacy of this practice requires clear guidelines and standardized procedures. The HAS is working to clarify technical information provided to liberal nurses – independent healthcare professionals – and to streamline the delivery of devices to patients’ homes. What we have is particularly essential given the growing demand for home-based healthcare solutions.
The Role of the CNEDiMTS in Device Evaluation
The CNEDiMTS plays a crucial role in evaluating medical devices before they can be included on the “intra-GHS” list – a list of products financed under hospital care provisions as outlined in Article L. 165-11 of the French Social Security Code. As detailed on the French Ministry of Health website, this process ensures that only devices meeting specific quality and safety standards are eligible for reimbursement. The CNEDiMTS bases its evaluations on a systematic review of literature, including clinical practice recommendations, technology assessments, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials.
The evaluation process also incorporates input from various stakeholders, including patient associations, professional organizations, manufacturers, distributors, and public health institutions. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the final decisions reflect a broad range of perspectives and address the needs of all parties involved. The “intra-GHS” system, introduced in 2011, aims to regulate the purchase, supply, and use of certain medical devices within healthcare facilities, linking their coverage to inclusion on the designated list.
Beyond Device Evaluation: A Broader Commitment to Quality
The HAS’s expanded role extends beyond the evaluation of specific devices. Hospimedia reports that the authority is actively involved in supporting specialist committees in drafting detailed guidelines and recommendations. This proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and a desire to ensure that healthcare professionals have access to the latest evidence-based practices. The evaluation of around 2,000 procedures is a significant undertaking, highlighting the scale of the HAS’s ambition.
This move aligns with a broader trend in healthcare towards greater transparency, accountability, and patient-centered care. By providing clear guidelines and standardized procedures, the HAS aims to reduce variability in practice and improve the overall quality of care delivered to patients. The focus on home perfusion devices is particularly relevant in the context of aging populations and the increasing demand for convenient and accessible healthcare solutions.
Implications for Patients and Healthcare Providers
For patients, the HAS’s efforts are likely to translate into safer, more effective, and more consistent care. Clearer guidelines and standardized procedures can reduce the risk of errors and ensure that patients receive the most appropriate treatment for their condition. The updated reimbursement nomenclature for home perfusion devices will also improve access to this convenient and cost-effective care option.
Healthcare providers will benefit from having access to clear, evidence-based guidelines that support their clinical decision-making. The HAS’s support in drafting these guidelines will help to ensure that they are practical, relevant, and aligned with the latest scientific evidence. The standardized procedures will also streamline workflows and reduce administrative burdens.
Looking Ahead: Continued Evaluation and Adaptation
The HAS’s expanded role is an ongoing process. The authority will continue to evaluate new medical devices and technologies, update guidelines and recommendations, and adapt to the evolving needs of the French healthcare system. The CNEDiMTS will continue to assess devices for inclusion on the “intra-GHS” list, with the latest updates for implants used in pelvic organ prolapse treatment extending eligibility for certain products until September 26, 2026.
The ongoing evaluation of devices like those used for pelvic organ prolapse, as noted in the updated list, demonstrates the HAS’s commitment to staying current with medical advancements and ensuring patient safety. The authority’s proactive approach to healthcare quality control will be essential in navigating the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing medical landscape.
The next key checkpoint will be the publication of updated guidelines for home perfusion devices, expected in the coming months. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences with home healthcare in the comments below. Please also share this article with your network to promote awareness of these important developments in French healthcare policy.