AMSA Pharm-free Scorecard 2010
B Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
City: New York State: NY
Links:
Commentary:

Overall a good policy which clearly prohibits gifting and on-site meals.  The policy also prevents conflicts of interest on the P&T committee by requiring members to recuse themselves if they have a financial interest.  Potential areas for improvement include a more robust samples policy and a requirement for all consulting payments to be commensurate with the task.

 

This institution COI policies are publicly available on the following websites:

http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/faculty/coi 

http://columbia.edu/cu/vpaa/handbook

 

This institution's evaluation was last updated: 05/29/2011



Gifts & Meals 3 The policy clearly prohibits gifting and on-site meals.
Consulting relationships 2 The policy requires that all consulting agreements must be first approved but does not require that payment be commensurate with the task or that the arrangement be described in a formal contract.
Industry-funded speaking relationships 3 The policy clearly defines speakers bureaus and then prohibits participation in speaking arrangements which meet the speakers bureau definition. Also, speakers must be in full control of their material.
Disclosure 2 The policy requires all staff to disclose all financial interests annually.
Pharmaceutical samples 1 While the policy does restrict sample use, and situations where samples may be used, it does allow for the samples to be given directly to the clinician.
Purchasing & Formularies 3 All Purchasing & Formulary committee members must disclose financial interests at least annually.
Industry Sales Representatives 2 The policy states that industry sales representatives may only meet with faculty during per-determined appointments.
On-campus Education 2 The policy creates a system which allows oversight of funding and presented material at on-site CMEs.
Attendance at Industry-Sponsored Lectures & Meetings Off-Campus 2 While the policy does prohibit payment for travel it does not specifically prohibit payment for attendance to off-site events.
Industry Support for Scholarships & Funds for Trainees 3 All trainee funds must be adminstered through their respective departments with oversight.
Medical school curriculum 3 The supplied curriculum lists a wide range of ethical and professional issues surrounding industry funded research, the effects of industry gifts in the clinical setting along with an excellent list of suggested scientific readings.
Do the policies specify an oversight mechanism? Yes Oversight is established
Are there explicit sanctions for noncompliance? Yes

Sanctions are referenced.

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)