Originally Published MX November/December 2003

INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

AdvaMed's revised code updates medtech business practices to meet modern demands for ethical conduct and social responsibility.

Kristine Rapp

As exposés by the media and investigations by federal and state authorities into pharmaceutical industry sales and marketing practices multiplied, and as ominous indictments, convictions, and multimillion-dollar fines were publicized, U.S. medical technology industry leaders decided that it was time to review industry ethical guidelines. A representative trade association asked itself whether a code of ethics adopted in the early 1990s still provided adequate guidance for member companies operating in a changing enforcement environment. The answer was no: a change was needed.