Pharmacy Daily | New US ethics code

THE US Council of Medical Specialty Societies has moved to curtail the influence of pharmaceutical manufacturers by implementing a new Code of Ethics. The new code requires groups to publicly declare any private sector support they receive; decline industry funding for the development of medical practice guidelines; board members and lenders to declare any ties or potential conflicts of interests with drug companies and a total ban on all freebies which include brand logos or product names on giveaways at conferences. “When a physician stands up to represent medicine and his or her specialty, there shouldn’t be any confusion as to who they’re speaking for,” said Dr. Norman Kahn, ceo of the Council of Medical Specialty Societies. 13 specialist groups have already signed up to the Code, which also requires signatories to make “reasonable efforts” to secure multiple corporate sponsors for events or programs.

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