Code of Conduct - Question & Answers
4a. Continuing
Health Education - April 2005
Question 1:
I just wanted to confirm that medical conferences
held in Canada, but organized solely by a non-Canadian parent
of a pharmaceutical company, are not governed by the Rx&D
Code of Marketing Practices. You indicated that a non-Canadian
parent company is not a member of Rx&D, and therefore
not subject to the Rx&D Code, nevertheless it is recommended
that they follow the spirit of the Code while conducting business
in Canada.
Please confirm that I have correctly interpreted the position
of Rx&D on this matter.
Response:
All member companies are expected to follow the Rx&D Code.
Parent companies of Rx&D members are by association expected
to be bound by the Code when conducting business in Canada
with associated medical meetings.
Question 2:
“This query is based on a recent Q&A posted on the
Rx&D website regarding holding CHE activities in a physician's
home.”
We understand how this venue may lead to expectations around
spousal attendance; however, this has never been an issue
we have experienced. We also do not offer any compensation
for the host physicians. As for all CHE events, we cover the
cost of the speaker and meals only for the HCPs in attendance.
However, as per the newly instituted guideline, we will stick
with more traditional venues in restaurants, hotels, etc.
We do have an issue with respect to events that are to occur
this month which have been booked far in advance of the Q&A
communication being released. For these events:
- Invitations have already been sent and RSVPs received.
- Caterers have been booked and deposits made.
- Hosting physicians have made arrangements to have their
homes available for a professional event (i.e. families
will not be in the home).
- Invited physicians have committed attendance to the host.
- Speakers are prepared to present to a small, highly interactive
group, facilitated by such a venue.
Unlike other guideline changes, we were given no notice
on this new regulation and find ourselves in a difficult
situation with our key customers. We risk coming across
as a company that changes plans and does not honor our commitments.
Our request is to allow for these events to be conducted
within the month of May and going forward we will schedule
and conduct CHEs in traditional venues such as restaurants,
hotels, etc. Please consider this request and provide guidance
on how we should proceed.
Response:
The recommendation from Rx&D is that events planned up
to the end of May 2005 should be allowed to take place, no
such activities will be allowed after May 2005.
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