Sidney Wolfe on medical device regulations

The FDA has asked a national panel of scientists to determine how the agency might allow new medical devices on the market more quickly.

Medical device companies -- including Minnesota companies like Medtronic -- have raised issues about FDA oversight.

Earlier this week, MPR News talked with Medtronic's CEO Bill Hawkins, and he said regulation can hinder the public's access to technology.

Sidney Wolfe, director of the Public Citizen Health Research Group disagrees. He joined All Things Considered by phone from Washington, D.C.