Global Medical Device Company Compliance Policy Progress

       Previously, the world's largest medical device industry associationAdvaMed announced that its board of directors has approved its latest code of conduct for interactions with US HCPs.

       At the Global Medical Device Company Compliance Conference held in Paris last month,AdvaMed officially announced to its member companies the revision of its "Code of Ethics for Interactions with US Healthcare Professionals," effective January 1, 2020. The key highlight is that the new version of the "Code" adds a chapter on values, requiring medical device companies to refer to these values when reviewing all interactions with HCPs, including innovation, education, integrity, responsibility, and transparency. The remaining months of this year will be used for major multinational medical device giants to prepare for the official implementation at the beginning of next year.

       AdvaMed, which stands for Advanced Medical Technology Association, is headquartered in the United States and is the world's largest medical device industry association. Its member companies cover more than 400 medical device and diagnostic equipment manufacturers of all sizes worldwide. Most medical device companies familiar to our MRCLUB members are essentially its members. Currently, Kevin Lobo, Chairman and CEO of Stryker, serves as Chairman of the AdvaMed Board of Directors.

       As an organization within the medical device industry,AdvaMed speaks for companies that produce medical devices, diagnostic products, and health information systems, and is committed to advancing medical technology to achieve healthier lives and a healthier economy globally.

Medical Device Company China Version of the "Code"

       AdvaMed has a dedicated "Code of Ethics for Interactions with Chinese Healthcare Professionals." The previous version came into effect on January 1, 2017. Below, I will briefly introduce to you the requirements for self-organized conferences, third-party conferences, lecture fees, consulting fees, and Brand reminders, which are of great concern to everyone:

First, for company-organized medical technology training and educational conferences, venues can be clinical, educational, conference, hotel, or other commercial conference venues. Providing"hands-on" training should be conducted in training facilities, medical institutions, laboratories, or other appropriate venues. Moderately valued meals and refreshments can be provided during training, and the time spent on these should be subordinate to the training objectives. In addition, for training and education outside the local area, reasonable travel expenses and appropriate accommodation expenses can be paid for the attending HCPs themselves.

For support of third-party educational conferences, educational funds and donations can be provided, but the company may not participate in selecting or attempting to influence the selection of HCPs receiving educational funds/donations. Selection or invitation must be made by the third-party organization. Moderately valued meals and refreshments can be provided. Lecturer fees and reasonable travel, accommodation, and meal expenses can be provided to the third party. Similarly, the company cannot participate in the selection and invitation of lecturers. The "Code" also allows for the purchase of booths at third-party conferences.

For third-party educational conferences, the "Code"prohibits direct sponsorship by medical device companies as of January 1, 2018. What is direct sponsorship? It's when a company directly pays for a specific doctor to attend a third-party conference. You know what I mean.

For procedural training (practical, hands-on training) organized by third-party organizations, directHCP support can be provided, including registration fees and moderate travel expenses.

In addition, sales, marketing, and other commercial conferences organized by the company can be held locally or in other cities or countries. It is permissible to inviteHCPs to participate and pay appropriate travel, accommodation, and meal expenses, but only for the individual themselves.

Next, let's talk aboutpayment of consulting fees to HCPs. It's common knowledge that payment cannot be made directly in cash. In addition, travel, accommodation, and meal expenses incurred during the direct consultation activity can be paid.

Brand reminders are more relaxed than those for prescription drugs. A unit price not exceeding200 yuan is acceptable.

The China Code version of AdvaMed has not been updated yet. Any changes will be shared in a timely manner.