Legal Proceedings

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Legal Proceedings

Legal Proceedings

O&M Halyard N95 Mask FDA Release

On April 5, 2023 we received a communication from the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) that products from one lot of a model (No. 46827) of surgical N95 respirator manufactured by O&M Halyard did not pass laboratory tests for fluid resistance and for filtration efficiency, and that products from one lot of another model (No. 46727) did not pass fluid resistance testing, but did pass filtration efficiency testing. Our investigation determined that a limited number of lots were potentially implicated by the results of the NIOSH particulate filtration testing on model 46827, and that the vast majority of the products in those lots remained in our possession and under our control. Those lots have been segregated for disposal. We also determined that a limited quantity of products from one lot did reach the market. Although products from that lot passed internal and external follow-up testing for filtration efficiency, we initiated a voluntary recall of the lot on August 9, 2023 out of an abundance of caution. O&M Halyard has confirmed to NIOSH that the particle filtration issue was isolated to the identified lots.

On April 12, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that consumers, health care providers, and facilities not use the two models (model numbers 46827 and 46727) of O&M Halyard surgical N95 respirators due to concerns about fluid resistance performance. In addition, the FDA also recommended against using certain of our surgical, procedure and pediatric face masks when fluid resistance is required. On or about that date, we voluntarily stopped the sale in the U.S. of the above-referenced surgical N95 respirators and similar models pending our investigation of the performance issues identified by the FDA and NIOSH. Regulatory bodies in other non-U.S. markets where we sell our facial protection products have inquired about the relevance of the FDA notification to products sold in their countries. The FDA updated its recommendation on April 21, 2023, to permit use of the model 46727 of Halyard N95 respirators when fluid resistance is not required. These items are included in our Products & Healthcare Services segment.

On September 29, 2023, the FDA updated its previous recommendation to consumers, health care providers and facilities regarding the above-referenced models of O&M Halyard surgical N95 respirators based on extensive testing and performance data provided by O&M Halyard. Specifically, the FDA stated that both O&M Halyard respirator models could be used according to the product labeling for respiratory and fluid barrier protection to the wearer (excluding the one lot of products that O&M Halyard voluntarily recalled on August 9, 2023). Following the FDA’s update, we published a user notice on our website announcing the resumption of sales and shipments of O&M Halyard surgical N95 respirators, noting that the data provided to the FDA and NIOSH demonstrated that our products provide the levels of particle filtration and fluid resistance for which they are rated. NIOSH reviewed and concurred with the facts set forth in our user notice published on September 29, 2023.

We will continue to work with the FDA and NIOSH following the resolution of this matter to ensure that O&M Halyard products comply with regulatory requirements. We are unable to reasonably estimate the amount of any possible loss or range of possible losses or predict the ultimate outcome of these matters. However, there is a risk that these matters and any other safety concerns could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, including as a result of a significant volume of customer product returns and/or recall of products, implementation of corrective action plans, and/or other costly remedial actions in the US and elsewhere. In addition, these matters could potentially have other negative impacts including: government investigations and enforcement actions by the FDA or other US or international regulators or governmental entities; the suspension or revocation of the authority to produce, distribute or sell products, and other sanctions; losses due to patient claims, including product liability claims and lawsuits; and customer claims related to their direct costs arising from supply disruption.

Other Litigation

We are party to various legal claims that are ordinary and incidental to our business, including ones related to commercial disputes, employment, workers’ compensation, product liability, regulatory and other matters. We maintain insurance coverage for employment, product liability, workers’ compensation and other personal injury litigation matters, subject to policy limits, applicable deductibles and insurer solvency. We establish reserves from time to time based upon periodic assessment of the potential outcomes of pending matters.

Based on current knowledge and the advice of counsel, we believe that the accrual as of September 30, 2023 for currently pending matters considered probable of loss, which is not material, is sufficient. In addition, we believe that other currently pending matters are not reasonably possible to result in a material loss, as payment of the amounts claimed is remote, the claims are immaterial, individually and in the aggregate, or the claims are expected to be adequately covered by insurance, subject to policy limits, applicable deductibles, exclusions, and insurer solvency.