[spicybright]

I agree, but I'd also say there's a line between inconsequential things like a chair motor, and something giving life support to someone.

It would suck to die because the repair guy didn't solder the wire correctly.

It's really tough to draw that line though, and it's in the manufactures interest $ + lawsuit wise to play it safe.

[TaylorAlexander]

Regulating the quality of repair is a separate issue from sourcing parts. The hospital and their insurance company will be well inclined to make sure that repairs are done properly, but we should let the people who own the chair (and some oversight board) decide policy for those repairs, not equipment manufacturers who have a vested interest in selling new equipment.

[noizejoy]

Money wasted leads to money not available for life support.