VCOM Institutional Policy and Procedure Manual

VCOM Policy and Procedure

Policy #U015

interests. They must be vigilant in ensuring that their administrative decisions are not, and do not appear to be, colored by their personal financial interests. 4.3 Teachers and Mentors Individuals charged with teaching and supervising students must demonstrate a commitment to the highest ethical standards, particularly where opportunities for conflict may exist. The teaching experience must not be related to personal financial interests of teachers or mentors beyond salary. 4.4 Researchers Engaging in Human Subjects Research Individuals conducting human subjects research have a responsibility to ensure that any conflicting financial interests of the researchers do not compromise the welfare and rights of the human subjects or the outcomes of that research. VCOM personnel who have significant financial interest in human subjects research may not conduct such research. Please see the VCOM Financial Conflict of Interest in Research Policy for requirements on all sponsored and internal research projects conducted by or involving VCOM personnel. 5. SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES 5.1 Gifts VCOM personnel may neither accept nor offer, either directly or indirectly, any gift or favor or loan to or from industry or industry representative that is conducting or seeking to conduct business with the College even if the gift is of nominal value (zero dollar amount). This provision also means that VCOM employees may not accept any financial or other favors in exchange for privileged access by current or potential College vendors to College facilities or employees. VCOM personnel may not accept travel or accommodation stipends from pharmaceutical or device companies. If an employee has a question as to the acceptance of any item that might be considered a gift, they should contact the Office of Research and the Dean’s office for clarification. This includes gifts from equipment and service providers, and pharmaceutical and biomedical device providers. Any gift or remuneration, other than research grants, made to VCOM or through a VCOM employee must be made to the Office of Development and follow the policies and procedures therein. 5.2 Meals Industry-sponsored food and meals are considered personal gifts and will not be permitted or accepted within VCOM. Industry may not provide food for a VCOM educational program that is related in any way to an industry product, device or company. Food supplied by industry in conjunction with an on-site CME event sponsored by VCOM may be allowed provided any provision of food complies with the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) / Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) guidelines. VCOM employees and students may not accept meals or food at off-site CME events unless the CME events follow AOA/ACCME guidelines. Food and beverages supplied by industry provided to all participants at academic conferences is allowable provided it is made available to all participants and not just those who choose to attend a specific lecture at the event that is sponsored by industry.

VCOM Policy on Conflicts of Interest

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