Code of Conduct - Question & Answers

4a. Continuing Health Education - July 2005
 
Question 1:
There is a CHE event scheduled by X regarding public health related items (i.e. Infectious diseases, etc.) and certain HCP have been invited to attend. One physician has approached X asking whether the receptionists from their clinic may also attend the CHE event (even though they are not HCPs by definition). The receptionists have stated that they will pay for the meal that is associated with the event, however they would like to be present at the CHE. The topic to be discussed (Infectious diseases) is of particular relevance to these receptionists because they are the first line of contact for patients in the clinic and are the initial individuals who take all these related calls.

The Code of Conduct currently states that the "purpose of CHE is to provide and promote high quality health education programs for HCPs", however, these receptionists are not HCP - can they still attend the event?

Response:
As the receptionists are not HCPs they will not be able to attend the event.

Question 2:
There was mention in a past Rx&D Information Bulletin (#15 - Dec.2003) that member companies must keep in mind that medical residents are specialist HCP in training and therefore, subsidization of travel and accommodation for them is prohibited. Having said that there is some concern as to the level of participation that "students" can have in CHE events. I understand that residents pursuing a specialty are already "HCP" and therefore can attend CHE events (which are designed for HCP), however, are students in the medical field that have not yet completed their training considered HCP and can they participate in CHE events? As an example, many clinics have nursing students working there - can these nursing students attend CHEs?

Response:
Invitations to CHE events should be limited to those HCPs who are licensed/authorized to Rx products.