A system and method provide for enhanced reliability and safety of programming and/or operating a medical device, such as an infusion pump, with a remote control device, such as a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone). A safety processor acts as an intermediary device between the smartphone and medical device to review transmissions from the smartphone prior to the transmissions being delivered to the medical device. The safety processor can determine whether the smartphone is compatible with the medical device by checking the type and version of the smartphone as well as the versions of the operating software and/or firmware resident on the phone. The safety processor can also check whether the operating command entered into the smartphone is within acceptable parameters.
