The Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance on Thursday praised a recently issued final rule that will eliminate regulatory red tape slowing coverage of innovative imaging devices and other medical technologies.

Finalized Monday by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, this rule creates a new pathway to expedite patient access to “breakthrough” devices, as deemed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Typically, there is lag time between when the FDA approves such technologies and Medicare coverage.

“The Medicare Coverage Innovative Technology final rule is a major regulatory win—not only for MITA, which has actively advocated for swifter market access policies, but also for countless American patients who will now have expanded access to innovative, FDA-authorized medical solutions that would otherwise be left in limbo,” Executive Director Patrick Hope said in a statement.

As part of this final rule, once the FDA approves a device as “breakthrough” it will immediately receive national coverage for up to four years. During that period, CMS will specify if additional data is needed to maintain coverage beyond four years. Federal regulators will also reassess devices after the immediate coverage period is finished, using clinical information to approve or deny further reimbursement.