|
Standards of Professionalism
Many groups have issued statements expressing concern about appropriate interactions between health care companies and physicians. All recognize that although this relationship is both critical and essential, it has sometimes also been abused by physicians and industry alike. The following groups have participated in this important discussion.
The AAOS has provided guidance on the appropriate relationship between physicians and industry in its Code of Medical Ethics and Professionalism since the late 1980s. In 2006, the AAOS developed Standards of Professionalism (SOPs) on the Orthopaedist-Industry Conflicts of Interest. They were adopted overwhelmingly by the Fellowship in 2007.
Through the Food and Drug Administration, the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Department of Justice, the government has also offered its views on the appropriate relationship between physicians and industry.
AdvaMed is a trade association of manufacturers of medical technologies, diagnostics, and device companies not only in orthopaedics but in other disciplines of medicine as well. AdvaMed is a leader in compliance, including ethical relationships between industry and physicians. AdvaMed has developed the AdvaMed Code of Ethics, which went into effect in January 2004. Many orthopaedic implant manufactueres adhere to the provisions of the AdvaMed Code.
PhRMA represents the country's leading phyarmaceutical research and biotechnology companies, which are devoted to inventing medicines that allow patientes to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. PhRMA released its Code on Interactions with Health Care Professionals in 2002.
AAOS adopted Standards of Professionalism on Orthopaedic-Industry Conflicts of Interest (Orthopaedist-Industry SOPs) on April 18, 2007. This brings the number of SOPs in the AAOS Professional Compliance Program to six.
The AAOS strongly encourages orthopaedic surgeons, health care company representatives, and others involving in medical education to read and understand the AAOS Standards of Professionalism, AAOS Opinion on Ethics and Professionalism, the AdvaMed Code, and similar documents involving the complex and potentially challenging and rewarding relationships between health care companies and health care professionals.
AAOS Standards of Professionalism: Orthopaedist-Industry Conflicts of Interest.
AAOS adopted Standards of Professionalism on Orthopaedic-Industry Conflicts of Interest (Orthopaedist-Industry SOPs) on April 18, 2007. Of those Fellows voting, over 95% cast ballots to adopt these SOPs.
These standards are currently in effect and enforcement will begin with acts occurring on or after January 1, 2008. This will allow the AAOS to conduct an educational program for the Fellowship regarding these SOPs prior to their enforcement.
- The AdvaMed Code of Ethics
The Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) has established a Code of Ethics that govern AdvaMed members' relationship with health care professionals, including orthopaedic surgeons. This Code provides ethical and legal standards that are critical to the medical device industry's ability to continue its collaboration with health care professionals. In addition to the code of ethics, the document includes 43 frequently asked questions regarding the AdvaMed Code of Ethics.
- The PhRMA Code of Interactions With Healthcare Professionals
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) established the PhRMA Code of Interactions With Healthcare Professionals to indicate that drug company relationships with healthcare professionals benefit patients and enhance the practice of medicine.
The PhRMA Code is based on the principle that the care of patients should be based, and should be perceived as being based, solely on each patient's medical needs and the healthcare professional's medical knowledge and experience.
|
