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# FDA Proposes Ban on Electric Shock Devices
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/fda-proposes-ban-on-electric-shock-devices/
- Published: 2016-04-22T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T20:56:48.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Devices, #legacy-id-D5135475

> In a rare move, FDA has proposed a ban on electrical stimulation devices (ESDs) used for self-injurious or aggressive behavior because they present an unreasonable and substantial risk to public health that can’t be addressed in product labeling. ESDs send electrical shocks through electrodes attached to the skin to dissuade patients from engaging in self-injurious or aggressive behavior. “Evidence indicates a number of significant psychological and physical risks are associated with the use of these devices, including depression, anxiety, worsening of self-injury behaviors and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, pain, burns, tissue damage and errant shocks from a device malfunction,” an [agency notice](javascript:void%280%29;/%2A1461359927633%2A/) says.  
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> “At this time, the FDA has information that indicates only one facility is using these devices in the U.S., the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center (JRC) in Canton, MA, and estimates between 45 and 50 individuals are currently being exposed to the device,” the agency says. “The FDA believes that state-of-the-art behavioral treatments, such as positive behavioral support, and medications can enable health care providers to find alternative approaches for curbing self-injurious or aggressive behaviors in their patients. A small subgroup of those exposed to these devices may need time to gradually transition away from this device to another treatment. The FDA stands ready to work with health care providers to help facilitate a safe transition to alternate care for all of those in need since the proposed rule, if finalized, would ultimately remove these devices from the marketplace completely.”