Code of Conduct - Question & Answers

4b. Sponsorship to International Continuing Health Education Events, Scientific Symposia, Congresses - September 2005

Question 1:
The American College of X holds an annual conference, which, this year will be held in Montreal, QC. The Canadian Y Society participates in this event every year and provides workshops that apply to Canadian Respirologists. Many of the Pharmaceutical companies that produce respiratory medicines, etc. will take part as sponsors, exhibitors or both. As this American conference is normally held in the USA, the American RX&D rules normally apply. However, this year, we are wondering if and how the Canadian Rx&D rules should be applied, particularly with regard to giving out “gifts”. Specifically the exhibitors would normally hand out small token items to those visiting their booth, items like pens, notepads, etc. Are these to be defined as “gifts” and would they therefore not be allowed to give these out to attendees? How should we interpret the word “gift” here from the Rx&D Marketing guidelines? Is it meant to be a gift of substantial value that is given to only 1 or 2 persons (as opposed to all those attending a conference trade show)?

Response:
Section 4B.1 of Rx&D's Code of Conduct stipulates, “International CHE Event (…) when held in Canada, section 4A applies.” Therefore, the Rx&D member companies involved in such an event must uphold the letter and the spirit of the Code of Conduct. A copy of the Code is available here on the Rx&D Website.

The Code of Conduct (Section 7A.1.2), states that “Member companies must not offer to any healthcare professional, (…) any gift, in cash or in kind (…)” which includes pens, notepads, etc.

Question 2:
Is the industry allowed to sponsor travel awards for students to attend educational or other activities?

Response:
The Rx&D Code of Conduct says, "Healthcare professional means an individual who is currently practicing medicine, nursing, or dispensing medicines in Canada."

The Rx&D "Code Information Bulletin # 5" published in March 2003 and included in the Addendum section of the Code on page 28 states that "(…) member companies must keep in mind that medical residents are specialist healthcare practitioners in training. Consequently, the prohibition against subsidization of travel and accommodation expenses also applies to them."

Section 4 of the Code of Conduct addresses the issue of CHE's. Section 4B.1 stipulates that “International CHE event must take place outside Canada and this section applies; when held in Canada, section 4A applies. Section 4B.2 states that “member companies (sic) may receive and consider requests from individual physicians, specialty societies, and/or academic institutions for financial assistance to participate in international CHE events.” Section 4B.3 specifies under which circumstances such financial support may be considered.

If the event is held in Canada, Section 4A.3.5 states that “Grants and honoraria may be provided to healthcare professionals who speak at or moderate CHE programs. Such grants and/or honoraria do not apply to other healthcare professionals attending the program or to the spouses or family members of those attending the program.