FDA is issuing this guidance to provide clarification on its enforcement policies and premarket review expectations for clinical electronic thermometers at the conclusion of the COVID-19 public health emergency. FDA believes the policy set forth in this guidance may help FDA and other stakeholders transition from COVID-19 operations and processes to normal operations and processes.

In conjunction with the issuance of this guidance, FDA is proposing to exempt clinical electronic thermometers without telethermography or continuous temperature measurement functions from premarket notification requirements under section 510(m) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. FDA intends to withdraw this guidance after any final exemption notice has been published in the Federal Register.