Anyone who is in a position to influence content (speakers, planners, reviewers, and faculty) must complete a financial disclosure form.
To assist with this process, the Academy will review a potential joint provider's financial disclosure and conflict of interest policies. (Suggested forms and policy guides are available below in "Tools".) It is important for all activities to have a method to eliminate commercial bias. Bias is an undue influence promoting the proprietary interests of an Ineligible Company.
The following ACCME criteria govern the influence of industry, and speakers, on educational content, as detailed in the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence.
Q: When do relationships create "conflicts of interest? (COI)"
A: The ACCME considers financial relationships to create actual conflicts of interest in CME when individuals have both a financial relationship with an commercial interest and the opportunity to affect the content of CME about the products or services of that commercial interest.
If, upon review by activity planners or reviewers, a conflict of interest is thought to exist, a Conflict of Interest Resolution and Management form will need to be completed. This form documents how the COI was discovered, and what methods were used to achieve resolution.
Tools:
Regulations:
- ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence
- CMSS Code for Interactions with Companies
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Societies will commit that their educational activities, scientific programs, products, services and advocacy positions are independent of Company influence, and will develop and adopt policies and procedures that foster independence.
As an initial signor of the CMSS Code, the American Academy of Ophthalmology abides by the recommendations herein. Principles for interaction begin on page 11.