RESTON, Va., April 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- BSI Group America Inc., a leading provider of total solutions for certification and standards announces the launch of Specialized Regulatory Training courses targeted specifically for the medical device industry. Available on-site, these Specialized Regulatory Courses reflect requirements of the latest amendments to the Medical Device Directive enabling attendees to comply efficiently with regulations in a timely manner. Courses are lead by expert trainers who understand the industry and regulatory challenges that companies face.

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As a worldwide leading Notified Body, BSI understands the challenges companies face when looking to broaden their employees' knowledge and understanding of medical device regulations and standards. In fact, over 70% of the top medical device manufacturers worldwide are trained by BSI. Based on a philosophy of accelerated learning processes involving dynamic group exercises and workshop sessions, BSI medical device course attendees leave with practical tools to apply to their own situations.

Holding a training course on-site at a customer's facility allows for exclusive training of company employees, and eliminates travel expenses and time out of the office. The courses are readily adaptable to meet specific client requirements.

The new courses include:

• Introduction to CE Marking: This course is designed to provide a top level overview of the guidelines of the European Medical Device Directives MDD 93/42/EEC and comprehensive information on the MDD 2007/47 changes.
• Medical Devices CE Marking: This course discusses the EU classification of medical devices, the European CE Marking approach, the quality assurance requirements for medical devices sold in Europe, and changes coming to MDD. The course will enable you to recognize the role of standards, essential requirements, and labeling, and the value of post-market surveillance and vigilance.
• Medical Devices Risk Management: ISO 14971: This course is designed to provide participants with an understanding of the impact that ISO 14971:2007 has on the decision making process at medical device manufacturing firms. This one day training course helps medical device professionals gain an understanding of how ISO 14971 can improve their business and risk management efforts. Participants will also understand how ISO 14971 applies to ISO 13485:2003.
• Process Validation for the Medical Device Industry: A one day course designed to help manufacturers gain awareness of quality requirements regarding validation and the nature of 'special processes.' Learn the generally accepted principles of validation and introduce how-to-do methods of installation, operational and production qualification.
• Post-Market Surveillance and Vigilance: This one day post-market surveillance on the impacts of  clinical follow-up, complaint and vigilance handling for all aspects of the quality management system. Proactive and reactive sources of information are a regulatory requirement to be incorporated in your post-market surveillance procedures and are applicable to all products.
• Device-Drug Combinations: Practical Guidance on Borderline Issues and the Consultation Process: This one day course focuses on how to determine European legislation for borderline products and provides insight and guidance related to the distinction between medical device and medicinal products. It elaborates on the ancillary medicinal substance consultation process and highlights common problems encountered by manufacturers during this process. This course also examines devices incorporating derivatives of human blood or plasma
• Introduction to CE Marking for the In Vitro Diagnostics Directive: This one day course has been designed to introduce the In Vitro Diagnostics Directive (IVDD), the types of product covered by the Directive and the regulatory framework required for placing IVD products on the European market. On completion of training, participants will be able to apply knowledge of the directive to the development of IVD products as well as their on-going maintenance to achieve continued regulatory compliance throughout the lifecycle of the product
• Application of the In Vitro Diagnostics Directive: A three day course to explore the IVD Directive, gain a greater understanding of the requirements to enable IVD devices to be placed on the European market. Participants will be able to apply the requirements of the directive to create technical documentation to support the product throughout its lifecycle. Managers and quality/regulatory professionals responsible for all aspects of IVD CE marking as well as internal and external auditors will benefit from attending this course.

For full course descriptions and more information on how your company can benefit from BSI's new Specialized Regulatory Courses, visit us online at www.bsiamerica.com/regulatorytraining.

About BSI:

BSI Group is a global independent business services organization which enables businesses, governments and other organizations to increase profits and market access, and to enhance reputation with its standards-based solutions and assurance services. From its origins as the world's first National Standards Body, BSI draws upon over 100 years' experience to partner with 66,000 organizations in 147 countries from its 50 offices. Today, through its independence, innovation and integrity, BSI continues to improve the lives of millions by raising standards worldwide. To learn more about BSI, please visit www.bsiamerica.com

Media Contact for BSI:
Shereen Abuzobaa
VP Marketing & Training
703-464-1931

SOURCE BSI Group America Inc.