MEDECs Code of Conduct

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MEDECs Code of Conduct

• Guiding interactions with healthcare
  professionals to maintain ethical relationships

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MEDEC our organization, our members

• MEDEC is
• The national association for the medical device
  industry in Canada
• The industrys primary source for advocacy,
  information and education
• MEDECs members are dedicated to
• Improving healthcare for all Canadians.
• Providing the healthcare community with
  high-quality medical products and services
• Ensuring Canadians have access to leading-edge
  medical technology
• Improving healthcare outcomes and safety for
  Canadians
• Delivering advanced medical technology in ways
  that are cost-effective and economically
  sustainable

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A new Code of Conduct now guides the medical
device industry in Canada

• The MEDEC Code of Conduct
• Came into effect in 2005
• Was designed to ensure MEDECs members are guided
  by ethical business practices in their
  relationships with healthcare professionals
• Further promotes socially responsible industry
  conduct
• Was developed by the medical device industry in
  Canada and stakeholders
• Provides guiding principles for MEDECs members,
  staff and industry partners
• Describes and promotes ethical business practices
  and interactions

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Why did MEDEC develop a Code of Conduct?

• The MEDEC Code of Conduct
• Public, corporate and government interest in
  accountability and ethical industry practices is
  rising
• American and European industry associations
  (AdvaMed, Eucomed) recently developed codes
  governing ethics and business practices
• MEDECs members recognize the uniqueness and
  importance of interactions between medical
  technology companies and healthcare professionals
• Other healthcare industry associations have also
  developed codes or guidelines for acceptable
  behaviour

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Evolution of an industry specific, made in Canada
Code of Conduct

• MEDECs Board of Directors and members recognize
  a need for a Code of Conduct, 2003
• Development of code and consultative process,
  Spring, 2004
• Board of Directors approve code, Winter, 2004
• Code implemented, Spring, 2005

MEDEC's development of an industry Code of
Conduct again demonstrates the proactive
approach and leadership strength of the
association and its members MEDEC's President and
CEO, Stephen Dibert
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What MEDECs Code of Conduct covers

• The Code sets out ethical guidelines for
• Member-sponsored product training and education
• Sponsorship of third-party educational
  conferences
• Sales and promotional meetings
• Arrangements with consultants
• Gifts to healthcare professionals
• Grants and other charitable donations

The primary concern of MEDEC is to promote better
health for all Canadians, in the most
cost-effective, ethical manner possible. MEDEC
Member James R. Wilson President, Biomet Canada
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Introducing the MEDEC symbol of commitment

• The MEDEC Code of Conduct symbol is
• Displayed by member companies supporting the code
  
• A sign of commitment to quality, professionalism
  and best practices

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Business Benefits of MEDECs Code of Conduct

• Helps protect brand reputation and image
• Builds trust in MEDECs members
• Helps boost members quality and productivity
• Reduces future risk and liability
• Can help minimize unwanted or negative publicity

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What you should know about MEDECs new Code of
Conduct

• Developed for and by MEDECs members and industry
  stakeholders
• Broadly defines healthcare professional as anyone
  with material influence over purchasing decisions
• Based on individual members voluntary adherence
  and self-monitoring
• Is not policed or enforced by MEDEC
• Is in addition to members obligation to comply
  with all laws, regulations and codes applicable
  to relationships with healthcare professionals

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For more information about MEDECs Code of
Conduct

• Non-members visit www.medec.org/code to view or
  download
• MEDECs Code of Conduct on Interactions With
  Healthcare Professionals (complete text)
• Understanding the Code of Conduct (Summary Sheet)
• Questions and Answers
• MEDEC members
• Log on to MEDECs members-only section of the
  website