AMSA Pharm-free Scorecard 2010
B University of Vermont College of Medicine
City: Burlington State: VT
Commentary:

University of Vermont College of Medicine’s policies are generally consistent with guidelines put forth by the ACCME. This institution has taken an important step in banning all on-site meals and gifts.  For the most part, policies submitted for the primary training site align with the College of Medicine’s policies. There is no clear mechanism for oversight and compliance of the policies.

This institution's evaluation was last updated: 6/16/2009



Gifts & Meals 3 This policy bans all gifts at University facilities or in connection with College events or activities and explicitly bans all on-campus meals and food directly funded by industry.
Consulting relationships 3 The primary training site for this institution has multiple safeguards to ensure that consulting relationships are appropriate.
Industry-funded speaking relationships 3 The primary training site for this institution explicitly bans employee participation in speaker bureaus. In addition, speakers should determine their own lecture content and provide balanced information.
Disclosure 1 Disclosure of financial interests with industry is required in some circumstances, but is limited to those serving on formulary committees and complying with ACCME.  No general disclosure is required. 
Pharmaceutical samples 1 While this institution does generally address the issue of samples in a Q&A document, asserting that they are considering a policy, the primary training site's policies do not place any restrictions on the use of samples. 
Purchasing & Formularies 2 The College of Medicine requires disclosure for those making decisions on equipment or drug purchases and allows the purchasing unit to require individuals to recuse themselves from such decision-making.
Industry Sales Representatives 2 Sales and marketing representatives are limited to non-patient care areas by appointment only, unless providing in-service training on devices or other equipment. 
On-campus Education 2 All educational events sponsored by the College must adhere to ACCME standards. 
Attendance at Industry-Sponsored Lectures & Meetings Off-Campus 3 This policy effectively prohibits all financial support by industry for travel to offsite lectures and meetings by banning the receipt of compensation from industry, including the defraying of costs for simply attending CME or other activities.
Industry Support for Scholarships & Funds for Trainees 3 The College of Medicine has established multiple policy barriers to effectively prevent conflicts of interest that arise from industry provision of scholarships and educational funds to students. 
Medical school curriculum 1 Policy or materials not provided
Do the policies specify an oversight mechanism? Yes The primary training site outlines potential penalties for non-compliance with its conflict of interest policies. 
Are there explicit sanctions for noncompliance? No No system to enforce or actively oversee compliance with policies was provided.
What the results mean...
3Model policy
2Good progress toward model policy
1No policy, or policy unlikely to have a substantial effect on behavior
0Did not report
N/APolicy not relevant to this institution (e.g., does not make purchasing decisions)