AdvaMed Publicly Recognizes Early Adopters of Revised Ethics Code

[Editor's Note: this press release was excerpted from Media-Newswire.com]

The Advanced Medical Technology Association ( AdvaMed ) recently publicly recognized early adopters of the revised AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals ( AdvaMed Code ). To date, the CEOs of more than 70 companies have signed certifications, attesting to their company’s voluntary adoption of the new AdvaMed Code. Early adoption of the Code, only six months after its effective date, represents a visible and concrete commitment to ethical interactions with those who purchase and use medical technologies. The revised AdvaMed Code calls for medical technology companies to submit certifications of adoption by July 2010 and for AdvaMed to list certifying companies on the organization’s Web site.

“The collaboration between physicians and the scientists and engineers at medical technology companies is critical for continued development and delivery of life-saving and life-enhancing medical innovations,” said Michael A. Mussallem, chairman and CEO of Edwards Lifesciences, and chairman of the board of AdvaMed. “Adopting and implementing the AdvaMed Code reflects the industry’s ongoing commitment to openness, transparency and high ethical standards.”

Stephen J. Ubl, president and CEO of AdvaMed said, “Adoption of the AdvaMed Code by industry sends a strong signal to the public and policy makers that we take very seriously our responsibility for honest and ethical business practices, and believe treatment decisions by health care professionals should be based solely on what is in the best interests of the patient. Nothing is more important for our industry than to maintain the public trust and the integrity of our products and services.”

The AdvaMed Code was substantially revised in July 2009 to further clarify and distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate activity between health care professionals and representatives of medical technology companies. By submitting a certification, a company’s CEO and senior executives attest that the company has adopted the AdvaMed Code and implemented an effective compliance program.

Follow the link to view the entire press release: AdvaMed Recognizes Early Adopters of Revised Code of Ethics