EXPANDED DAYLIGHT-SAVING TIME SHOULD POSE MINIMAL RISKS FOR DEVICES

With daylight-saving time starting several weeks earlier this year thanks to a new law, device firms will need to be sure that software and operating systems installed in their products are prepared to "spring forward" by March 11.

Enactment of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 means daylight-saving time will begin March 11 rather than April 1.

While the effect on device performance is likely to be minimal, "some precautions are needed to ensure a smooth transition," according to a health devices alert issued by healthcare products research group ECRI. Devices and device operating systems may require patches or updates to accommodate the change.

ECRI counseled firms to consult their software and operating systems vendors to ensure they are prepared.