The Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) has approved an update of its Code of Ethics on Interactions with healthcare professionals in the United States.
Key changes include:
- New sections guiding education and marketing programs, communication on safe and effective use of medtech, and on providing technical support;
- Expanded provisions on support for thirdparty educational and other conferences; clarified and expanded definitions of HCPs and “medical technology”, and;
- Revisions to provide additional clarity, definition and explanation of existing Code provisions.
Scott Whitaker, AdvaMed president and CEO, said: “The updates reflect evolving legal standards, care delivery models and best practices over the last decade – since AdvaMed’s last Code update in 2008 – and are designed to ensure the Code’s continued effectiveness as a premier foundational document for ethics and compliance across the medtech industry. These revisions, which also enhance usability and reader-friendliness, reflect our industry’s continued commitment to ethics, integrity and transparency.”
The areas in which the new code aims to provide greater clarity includes commercial and sponsorships, education grants; co-conducted education and marketing programs; meals with healthcare professionals, communicating in the safe and effective use of medical technology; evaluation, demonstration and assignment products, and industry technical support in the clinical setting.
AdvaMed chair-elect Kevin Lobo, chairman of CEO of Stryker said: “These updates continue to focus the industry on positive, necessary collaborations with physicians and other HCPs to bring the most effective and innovative care to patients around the world. By helping ensure companies continue to focus on ethical business practices, the refreshed Code reinforces the industry’s commitment to delivering expert care and building products that make a difference for health care professionals and patients.”
The updated U.S. code will come into effect in January 2020. Overview documents and additional information can be found here.
