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In the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM), the Commission seeks comment on allocating spectrum and establishing service and technical rules for the operation of Medical Body Area Network (or MBAN) systems using body sensor devices. MBAN systems would provide a flexible platform for the wireless networking of multiple body sensors used for monitoring a patient's physiological data, primarily in health care facilities. Use of MBAN systems could improve safety, quality, and efficiency of patient care by reducing or eliminating a wide array of hardwired, patient-attached cables used by present monitoring technologies. This NPRM reflects the Commission's continuing desire to foster the availability and use of advanced medical devices using wireless technologies that could help improve the health and well-being of the American public.

The Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking requested comment on a number of issues related to the designation of Medical Body Area Network ("MBAN") coordinator(s) for the 2360-2390 MHz band. Although the Commission adopted a coordination requirement in the First Report and Order that was adopted concurrently in this proceeding, released May 24, 2012, FCC 12-54, it also determined that additional notice and comment was required on key aspects related to the process and criteria for designating an MBAN coordinator, such as whether the Commission should designate one or more MBAN coordinators, the term of service for an MBAN coordinator, the qualifying criteria that should guide our selection of an MBAN coordinator, and fees to register with an MBAN coordinator and to coordinate MBAN and aeronautical mobile telemetry (AMT) operations. The First Report and Order in this proceeding expands the Commission's Medical Device Radiocommunications Service (MedRadio) rules to permit the development of new Medical Body Area Network (MBAN) devices in the 2360-2400 MHz band. The MBAN technology will provide a flexible platform for the wireless networking of multiple body transmitters used to measure and record physiological parameters and other patient information or perform diagnostic or therapeutic functions, primarily in health care facilities. This platform will enhance patient safety, care, and comfort by reducing the need to physically connect sensors to essential monitoring equipment by cables and wires. This decision is the latest in a series of actions to expand the spectrum available for wireless medical use. The Commission finds that the risk of increased interference is minimal and is outweighed greatly by the benefits of the MBAN rules.

The Order on Reconsideration and Second Report and Order addressed further actions the Commission has taken to foster the development and deployment of new and innovative Medical Body Area Network (MBAN) devices. In addressing the petitions for reconsideration of the First Report and Order in this proceeding, the Commission provides MBAN users with additional flexibility to enable the implementation of technical standards being developed for MBAN devices, and clarify and modify portions of its rules to facilitate the coordination, deployment, and use of MBAN systems. In the Second Report and Order portion in this proceeding, the Commission finalizes the process for selecting an MBAN Coordinator. This coordinator will facilitate use of the MBAN frequencies, which operate in shared-use bands. Collectively, our actions will allow the development of new and innovative health care applications.