FDA Final Guidance — Predetermined Change Control Plans for AI/ML-Enabled Device Software Functions
United States · FDA Guidance (Dec. 4, 2024); 21 U.S.C. § 360e-4
FDA finalized a framework that lets manufacturers update an AI-enabled medical device after clearance without filing a new submission for each change — but only if they pre-specify what changes are allowed, how they'll be validated, and how transparency to clinicians and patients will be preserved.
Technical detail
Final guidance (Dec. 4, 2024) implementing § 3308 of the Food and Drug Omnibus Reform Act of 2022 (21 U.S.C. § 360e-4). Establishes that a marketing submission for an AI/ML-enabled device software function may include a Predetermined Change Control Plan describing modifications, the Modification Protocol, and an Impact Assessment so that pre-specified changes do not trigger a new 510(k)/De Novo/PMA.
Who is protected: Patients using AI/ML-enabled medical devices that may update after FDA clearance
Who must comply: Sponsors of AI/ML-enabled medical device software functions submitted for FDA marketing authorization
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | United States |
|---|---|
| Level | Federal |
| Status | In effect |
| Protection strength | Moderate protection |
| Effective date | 2024-12-04 |
| Enacted | 2024-12-04 |
| Citation | FDA Guidance (Dec. 4, 2024); 21 U.S.C. § 360e-4 |
| Enforced by | FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health |
| Private right of action | No — agency enforcement only |
| Penalties | Failure to follow the PCCP triggers full new-submission requirement; misbranding/adulteration enforcement |
| Topics | healthcare AI · automated decision-making · AI disclosure and transparency |
| Last verified | 2026-06-17 |
| Official source | Predetermined Change Control Plans for Machine Learning-Enabled Medical Devices — Final Guidance ↗ |
More AI rules in United States
- Trump AI Innovation & Security EO (June 2026) · In effect
- FERC order directing PJM and other grid operators to reform · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- Chatrie v. United States (Fourth Amendment protection for lo · Blocked / in litigation
- Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act (KIDS Act) (H.R. 7757) · Proposed / pending
- NAIC AI Evaluation Tool Pilot (12 states, 2026) · Proposed / pending
- FTC Proposed Policy Statement — AI Accuracy (July 2026) · Proposed / pending
Related healthcare AI rules elsewhere
- Missouri AI Therapy Chatbot Ban (SB 1019) · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- PA v. Character.AI (Fake Psychiatrist Chatbot) · Blocked / in litigation
- RI Therapy Chatbot Ban (2026) · In effect
- RI AI Companion Self-Harm Safety (2026) · In effect
- Georgia SB 544 (health insurer AI) · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- Indiana HB 1271 (AI claims downcoding) · In effect
See something wrong or out of date? Submit a correction — every entry must carry a verifiable official source.