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Code of Ethics
On Dec. 18, 2008, AdvaMed's Board of Directors unanimously approved a major update of the Association's Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. The revised Code, effective as of July 1, 2009, further clarifies and distinguishes between appropriate and inappropriate activity between health care professionals and representatives of AdvaMed member companies. It also presents non-member companies with an opportunity to adopt the AdvaMed Code’s principles and unite industry in addressing common issues in a consistent manner.
AdvaMed’s revised Code expands into important new areas, including:
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A new Code Compliance section under which a list of companies that certify their adoption of the Code will be available for public review on AdvaMed’s Web site.
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An explicit prohibition on providing entertainment or recreation to Health Care Professionals (HCPs). The changes prohibit gifts of any type -- including all non-educational branded promotional items -- regardless of value.
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Guidelines that allow for companies to enter into royalty arrangements with HCPs in exchange for substantial contributions that improve medical technologies.
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A new section addressing Evaluation and Demonstration Products that sets forth appropriate parameters under which companies may provide no-charge products intended to educate both HCPs and patients on newer or improved medical technologies.
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An expanded section addressing the provision of objective reimbursement, coverage and health economics information to HCPs in order to improve patient access to medical technologies.
Additionally, AdvaMed has revised current Code sections to provide greater clarity and rigor in areas such as consulting agreements, company-conducted training and education for HCPs, and research and educational grants, among other key areas.
- AdvaMed and Kaplan EduNeering are pleased to provide an online, interactive training course on the Revised Code. Available at a reduced price to AdvaMed members, this course is an excellent way for all interested parties to become familiar with the Code and its provisions.
- Understanding the Revised AdvaMed Code of Ethics recorded webinar (originally broadcast February 11, 2009)
Three device industry compliance leaders outline each section of the Code and share their interpretations of the Code text. A pre-recorded Q&A section follows the presentation
Speakers:
- Andrew Van Haute, Associate General Counsel, AdvaMed
- Link Bonforte, lb1 consulting, LLC, (former Chair of AdvaMed's Code of Ethics Working Group)
- Gregg Vicinanza, Associate General Counsel, Becton Dickinson and Company
The medical technology industry has two goals:
Future advances in medical technologies will depend on the continual interaction between physicians and medical technology companies. This constant feedback assures physicians have the tools and training they need and that patients have access to safe and effective devices and treatments. AdvaMed has developed the revised and restated Code of Ethics On Interaction with Health Care Professionals (effective July 1, 2009) for our members to continue to assure a high standard of ethical conduct.
AdvaMed and its members have earlier encouraged ethical business practices and socially responsible industry conduct related to their interactions with health care professionals through:
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Access to Compliance Officer Contact Information - AdvaMed's members have provided contact information for many of their health care compliance officers who oversee their company's compliance with fraud and abuse laws and implementation of AdvaMed's "Code of Ethics for Interactions with Health Care Professionals." These individuals may be contacted as questions arise.
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(Click here to add or update your company's compliance department contact information or anonymous hotline)
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Outreach and Education
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Reference Documents
News Items / Articles
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AdvaMed Letter to the Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Inspector General /Industry Guidance Branch, requesting guidance concerning Certain Physician-Device Firm Arrangements (Sept. 6, 2006)
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Other helpful sources for information:
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