The Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) announces that its board of directors has approved an update of its longstanding Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals (HCPs) in the U.S.
“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,” says AdvaMed President and CEO Scott Whitaker. “These revisions, which also enhance usability and reader-friendliness, reflect our industry’s continued commitment to ethics, integrity, and transparency,” Whitaker says.
The revisions will be effective Jan. 1, 2020, to ensure ample time for stakeholder implementation. 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 third-party 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.
“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,” adds AdvaMed Chair-Elect Kevin Lobo, chairman and CEO of Stryker. “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 healthcare professionals and patients.”
To access the updated U.S. code—along with an overview document and additional information—click here.
