Code of Conduct - Question & Answers

13. Advisory Boards - January 2006

Question 1:
Clinical Research Investigators' Meetings involve scientific personnel only and are convened to discuss new clinical protocols. Are these meetings bound by the Rx&D Code of Conduct? Specifically sections 7,11,13,15? Also many of our investigators' meetings are for international or global studies. Are these meetings bound by the Code?

Response:
If these meetings only involve employees, it is up to individual member companies to manage. If there are external HCPs involved, the management of activities must abide by the Code.

Depending upon the specific activities, members should treat clinical research HCPs as any other HCPs. Therefore, sections 7a (Gifts), 7b (Hospitality), 11. (Service oriented items) and 13. (Advisory board/Consultants) should be kept in mind with respect to such studies.

Typically, the development of new clinical protocols does not involve substantial numbers of Canadian clinicians (national or global studies) and therefore should not represent a major source of potential Code issues.