Conflict of Interest Controls Tightened for Plastic Surgeons
American Society of Plastic Surgeons Releases Compliance Guidelines for Interactions with Industry

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. - The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has adopted new guidelines designed to promote ethical interactions between its member physicians and the medical industry. The document entitled, "Considerations for Interactions with Industry," provides detailed recommendations for appropriate collaborations between individual plastic surgeons and pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device companies in an effort to prevent industry support from biasing a physician's professional activities or judgments.

"Collaborations between physicians and industry are necessary as they enhance the practice of medicine," said ASPS President Phillip Haeck, MD. "Following these new guidelines will help to ensure that interactions with industry will be for the benefit of patients and remain consistent with AdvaMed and PhRMA Industry guidelines."

The document details standards related to the acceptance of gifts, educational products, meals and entertainment from industry, protocols for seeking industry support for educational programs, consulting arrangements, promotional speaking - and the regulations associated with each.

"The new guidelines are voluntary and serve as a recommendation for behavior that our members should adhere to," said Dr Haeck. "Our members' primary duty is to act in the best interest of patients and it's vital they be independent and industry's ability to influence professional judgements be limited."

View the document "Considerations for Interactions with Industry" on PSN Extra.org.