AMSA Pharm-free Scorecard 2010
A University of California Los Angeles - David Geffen School of Medicine
City: Los Angeles State: CA
Commentary:

Rounded out by a strong samples policy, a decisive prohibition on gifts and on-site meals are the clear highlights of the policies on industry relationships. However, the sections on consulting and speaking relationships do not institute measures for review or approval of such relationships, or even a requirement for a contract describing legitimate services and appropriate payment.


In 2010, this institution submitted additional policies for evaluation, their score remains an A.

 

This institution's evaluation was last updated: 12/08/2010



Gifts & Meals 3 The School of Medicine uses model language for a comprehensive gift ban, defining and then prohibiting all gifts and on-site meals provided by industry.
Consulting relationships 1 Consulting is defined as a “Category II” activity under the institution’s “Conflict of Commitment and Outside Activities of Faculty Members” policy, and thus requires annual disclosure, but no contract or prior approval. The policy imposes a consulting limit of 39 academic days, or 48 days for fiscal-year faculty.
Industry-funded speaking relationships 1 Speaking relationships would seem to fall under “Category II” in the “Conflict of Commitment and Outside Activities of Faculty Members” policy, and as such do not require prior approval. They are limited to 39 academic/48 year round days, however this is a limit on frequency, not longevity.
Disclosure 2 Annual internal disclosure of financial relationships is required, and commendably a certain tier of relationships require prior approval. Clarifying that faculty must file annual reports even when they do not have external relationships would help reduce the burden of compliance on faculty.
Pharmaceutical samples 3 UC system-wide vendor relations policy: Samples may never go directly to physicians. They may only be donated to the department for trial in the minimum amount necessary, or donated for use at free clinics or by indigent patients only.
Purchasing & Formularies 3 This policy reiterates the California Political Reform Act, which prohibits individuals with outside entity financial relationships from participating in or influencing institutional decisions concerning that outside entity.
Industry Sales Representatives 2 The School of Medicine indicates that site access will be overseen by leadership, but there are no more stringent limitations.
On-campus Education 2 ACCME standards regulate industry funding and content for educational events. Commendably, steps are taken above and beyond ACCME standards to remove industry promotional materials from such events, including directly sponsored meals whether on- or off-site.
Attendance at Industry-Sponsored Lectures & Meetings Off-Campus 3 UC system-wide vendor relations policy: No employee may accept travel or payment for attending off-site events. Travel and payment may only be accepted if providing a real service to the entity subsidizing said travel/payment.
Industry Support for Scholarships & Funds for Trainees 3 This policy prevents industry from selecting recipients of funds.
Medical school curriculum 3 In conjunction with the system wide policy which requires a review of the conflict of interest policy and proper interaction with vendors, the medical school curriculum attempts to discuss conflicts of interests on a deeper level.
Do the policies specify an oversight mechanism? No This policy does not reference an oversight body.
Are there explicit sanctions for noncompliance? No

This policy does not reference sanctions.

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)