AdvaMed Recognizes Early Adopters of Revised Code of Ethics
WASHINGTON, D.C. th The Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) today publicly recognized early adopters of the revised AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals (AdvaMed Code). To date, the CEOs of more than 70 companies have signed certifications, attesting to their company's voluntary adoption of the new AdvaMed Code. Early adoption of the Code, only six months after its effective date, represents a visible and concrete commitment to ethical interactions with those who purchase and use medical technologies. The revised AdvaMed Code calls for medical technology companies to submit certifications of adoption by July 2010 and for AdvaMed to list certifying companies on the organization's Web site.
(Media-Newswire.com) - WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Advanced Medical Technology Association ( AdvaMed ) today publicly recognized early adopters of the revised AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals ( AdvaMed Code ). To date, the CEOs of more than 70 companies have signed certifications, attesting to their company’s voluntary adoption of the new AdvaMed Code. Early adoption of the Code, only six months after its effective date, represents a visible and concrete commitment to ethical interactions with those who purchase and use medical technologies. The revised AdvaMed Code calls for medical technology companies to submit certifications of adoption by July 2010 and for AdvaMed to list certifying companies on the organization’s Web site.
“The collaboration between physicians and the scientists and engineers at medical technology companies is critical for continued development and delivery of life-saving and life-enhancing medical innovations,” said Michael A. Mussallem, chairman and CEO of Edwards Lifesciences, and chairman of the board of AdvaMed. “Adopting and implementing the AdvaMed Code reflects the industry’s ongoing commitment to openness, transparency and high ethical standards.”
Stephen J. Ubl, president and CEO of AdvaMed said, “Adoption of the AdvaMed Code by industry sends a strong signal to the public and policy makers that we take very seriously our responsibility for honest and ethical business practices, and believe treatment decisions by health care professionals should be based solely on what is in the best interests of the patient. Nothing is more important for our industry than to maintain the public trust and the integrity of our products and services.”
The AdvaMed Code was substantially revised in July 2009 to further clarify and distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate activity between health care professionals and representatives of medical technology companies. By submitting a certification, a company's CEO and senior executives attest that the company has adopted the AdvaMed Code and implemented an effective compliance program. That program must include:
· Instituting processes to conduct internal monitoring and auditing of policies and procedures that are based on the AdvaMed Code and to assess the overall effectiveness of the Company’s compliance program;
· Providing comprehensive training to employees and contractors who interact with U.S. Health Care Professionals;
· Identifying a senior manager responsible for compliance with policies and procedures consistent with the AdvaMed Code;
· Establishing a resource for employees to ask questions and a reporting mechanism to facilitate anonymous internal reporting of suspected violations of Company policies that are based on the AdvaMed Code;
· Establishing a disciplinary process for violations of those policies and procedures that support the AdvaMed Code and process to respond to suspected deficiencies or violations of Company policies that are based on the AdvaMed Code.
Medical technology companies who have successfully executed the Certification of Adoption of the AdvaMed Code of Ethics are also eligible to license and display a new Code of Ethics Supporter Logo. The Logo is intended to provide a visible symbol of a certifying medical technology company’s commitment to the ethical standards embodied by the Code and to promote awareness about the AdvaMed Code among industry, health care professionals, and the general public.
AdvaMed’s Code of Ethics may be accessed here.
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AdvaMed member companies produce the medical devices, diagnostic products and health information systems that are transforming health care through earlier disease detection, less invasive procedures and more effective treatments. Our members produce nearly 90 percent of the health care technology purchased annually in the United States and more than 50 percent purchased annually around the world. AdvaMed members range from the largest to the smallest medical technology innovators and companies. For more information, visit www.advamed.org.
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This story was released on 2010-01-10. Please make sure to visit the official company or organization web site to learn more about the original release date. See our disclaimer for additional information.
