2. Surgery is still an art, though it is based on scientific principles. Therefore, each application of a device becomes a test in itself because of the vast number of variables involved, variables not only of source but of the user and the patient-consumer.

3. There is no adequate test animal which can be substituted for man in many areas, since mechanics and time factors are not always comparable between two different species.

4. It may be practical to set surgical device specifications for raw materials and fabrication from groups such as the F-4 Committee of ASTM. Great care must be exercised when specifications are extended beyond this point, however, since the surgeon is the best qualified individual to set standards in a given clinical application.

This reaction from such a distinguished scientific group clearly indicates the desirability of at least exploring alternatives to and modifications in the majority recommendation. Possibilities include legislation aimed at requiring:

(1) Registration of all manufacturers of devices.

(2) Manufacturers of devices to furnish annual catalogs of devices they market to the Food and Drug Administration, plus periodic notification of new devices.

(3) Development of specifications as to ingredients for use in broad classes of devices.

It should be reiterated that in singling out this one majority recommendation we are not limiting our appeal for comprehensive study to it alone. Other majority recommendations require equally careful review.

It should be further reiterated that, in the limited time available to it, the subcommittee could not possibly have entertained all opinions in these areas, or assessed all the facts. That it has assembled so much data is a tribute to its industry.

The fact remains, however, that all of the majority recommendations and findings should be given the benefit of further study.

There is no controversy regarding our national determination to war on quackery and frauds. There may be, indeed is, controversy regarding specifics as to how that inevitably long war should best be carried out.

Further use of all expert opinion, including those who differ, should be made.

We, therefore, recommend that this subcommittee or other appropriate committee of the Senate, should undertake comprehensive hearings on all of thse specific proposals. Effective measures may thus be perfected to meet the real needs we all recognize.

OF MICHIGAN

JUL

1st

89th Congress}

COMMITTEE PRINT

48-040

EXTENDING PRIVATE

PENSION COVERAGE

A REPORT

BY THE

SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND
RETIREMENT INCOMES

TO THE

SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGING

UNITED STATES SENATE

JUNE 1965

Printed for the use of the Special Committee on Aging

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

WASHINGTON: 1965

READ

1935

OOM

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office

Washington, D.C. 20402 Price 15 cents

PURCHASED THROUG

DOC. EX. PROJECT

SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGING

(Pursuant to S. Res. 12, 89th Cong.)

GEORGE A. SMATHERS, Florida, Chairman

J. WILLIAM NORMAN, Jr., Staff Director
JOHN GUY MILLER, Minority Staff Director

SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND RETIREMENT INCOMES JENNINGS RANDOLPH, West Virginia, Chairman

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

U.S. SENATE,

June 3, 1965.

Senator GEORGE A. SMATHERS,
Chairman, Special Committee on Aging,
U.S. Senate.

DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I have the honor of transmitting a report resulting from a study and hearings by the Subcommittee on Employment and Retirement Incomes on the subject of "Extending Private Pension Coverage."

Our Nation's private pension system makes a substantial contribution toward the incomes of retired citizens. It is the subcommittee's view, however, that the system holds untapped potentials which should be utilized in providing added retirement income for older Americans. Implementation of the recommendations in this report could result in significant benefit to a segment of our society which has been too long neglected-our senior citizens.

Sincerely,

JENNINGS RANDOLPH, Chairman, Subcommittee on Employment and Retirement Incomes.

III