Summary
Becton Dickinson & Co. (BDX) has filed an 8-K report on May 25, 2001, to address a public statement made by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) regarding a citation issued by Cal-OSHA to a Kaiser Permanente hospital in Los Angeles. The citation involved the use of BDX's BD Eclipse blood collection device. BDX states that Kaiser Permanente is appealing the citation, and BDX will join this appeal. The company asserts that the citation lacks factual support regarding the safety of the BD Eclipse device and intends to vigorously defend its product through the legal process. BDX is proactively communicating to counter the SEIU's broad statements, which they believe are premature as the appeals process has not yet begun. The company highlights that the SEIU's communication links this single citation to a previous 60 Minutes episode that BDX felt was misrepresentative. BDX reiterates its strong confidence in the safety and efficacy of the BD Eclipse device, citing its FDA clearance and over 75 million units sold in under 18 months, with widespread use in leading healthcare institutions.
Key Highlights
- 1BDX is responding to public statements by the SEIU concerning a Cal-OSHA citation at a Kaiser Permanente hospital.
- 2The citation relates to the use of BDX's BD Eclipse blood collection device.
- 3BDX and Kaiser Permanente will jointly appeal the citation.
- 4BDX disputes the factual basis of the citation and intends to vigorously defend its product.
- 5BDX believes the SEIU's communication is premature and links it to a prior 'misrepresentative' 60 Minutes episode.
- 6The company reaffirms its commitment to the safety and efficacy of the BD Eclipse product.
- 7BD Eclipse is FDA-cleared and has achieved significant sales volume (over 75 million units in <18 months) and broad adoption by major healthcare systems.