We’ve been monitoring the Medline bed recall since it began. Medline’s guidance has changed in stages, and a new communication came out today, so we’re recapping what has happened so far and sharing where things stand now.
Timeline
- October 14, 2026: Medline announced a product removal, discontinuation and market exit for all Medline Brand beds. That includes homecare, bariatric and long-term-care beds, plus their pendants, accessories, replacement parts and bed-containing order packages. The reasons were an electrical fire risk and an entrapment risk from bed accessories. The first guidance was to unplug the bed, use it in manual mode only, and stop using accessories, including side rails.
- October 24, 2026: After consulting with the FDA, Medline revised that guidance. Beds can stay in use under updated instructions until they are repaired or replaced. Medline also introduced a repair option.
- November 13, 2026: Medline reaffirmed the October 24 instructions and said new repair and replace Customer Guides are coming soon. It also reported that, as of November 8, it had received reports related to seven deaths and 35 serious injuries tied to these issues.
Current Instructions for Continued Use (as of 11/13/2026)
Per the guidance provided by Medline:
- Unplug the bed from the electrical outlet.
- When you need to adjust the bed, plug it in while repositioning the resident, then unplug it again.
- Never use extension cords.
- Have a second person help with bed use and movement whenever possible.
Medline’s instructions also state: do not attempt to repair, modify or alter Medline Brand beds unless specifically instructed through a Medline-authorized repair process.
Repair, Replacement and Refund
Some beds may qualify for repair. If a bed can’t be repaired, Medline stated it will work with customers on a replacement or a “full or partial refund of the original purchase price.” These options may be available for beds, rails, mattresses and accessories purchased in the last five years. Equipment bought more than five years ago is still covered by the recall and the instructions above. Medline distributed these products in the U.S. and Canada between 2011 and 2026.
What Facilities Should Be Doing (if you haven’t yet)
- Inventory every Medline Brand bed, rail, mattress and accessory in your building, and note when each was purchased.
- Make sure staff know the current unplug-and-reposition process, and that this is a two-person task when possible.
- Contact your vendor or distributor to ask about eligibility for repairs or replacement. If you bought purchased directly from Medline, call Medline Recall Customer Service.
- Document what you’ve done: your inventory, staff education and communications with the vendor. Surveyors may ask how you’re keeping residents safe from known equipment hazards (think F689 Accident Hazards, F700 Bed Rails and F908 Essential Equipment).
- Report any adverse event to Medline and to FDA MedWatch, per your facility procedures.
Medline has posted the product SKU list and new customer guides will be available soon at its recall page: https://www.medline.com/pages/product-recalls/medline-bed-accessories/
Medline is still posting information, so we’ll keep sharing it as we see it.
Questions about how this fits into your survey readiness? We’re happy to help: info@cmscg.net or 631.692.4422
