Full Disclosure Policy

Background

In order to ensure the continued balance and integrity of its education process and product, the Maryland Medical Directors Association as a State Chapter of the American Medical Directors Association (AMDA) adopts this Full Disclosure Policy.  It is of critical importance that continuing medical education be linked to quality and safety, effective in improving practice, based on valid content, and independent of commercial interests.

 All MMDA and AMDA education is guided by what is in the lay public’s best interest and MMDA’s mission of improving care.  In order to provide unbiased education in the interest of best practice and best patient care, MMDA education planners, faculty, invited speakers, reviewers, and staff will defer to the principles of independence of content from commercial interests and transparency of content that is separate from product promotion.  In addition, full disclosure will be made both verbally and in printed materials by planners, faculty, speakers and their spouses/partners, and in printed materials regarding commercial support for the education activity.  Steps taken by volunteers to resolve perceived conflicts of interest will also be made in printed and verbal statements. In this way, learners are provided with relevant information to form their own judgments about education presented.

AMDA’s Code of Ethics supports the rationale and processes for this disclosure policy as stated in items 1 through 5 and item 8 of the Code.  The policy, in turn, draws from the following elements of the Code:

 The American Medical Directors Association is dedicated to the delivery of competent, comprehensive, and compassionate medical care to all people residing in long term care facilities.  To further these goals, all members of this Association:

1. Shall uphold the ethics of the medical profession in all aspects of the care rendered.
2. Shall be an advocate for all persons who reside in the facility.
3. Shall strive to advance personal and professional knowledge, including the area of medical direction.
4. Shall continue to study, apply and advance scientific knowledge.
5. Shall do their utmost to serve as models of personal and professional integrity and skills.
6. Shall always place the competent, compassionate care of all their patients above any financial reward or inducements.    

Click here to download the required disclosure form for speakers and planning committee members of MMDA CME activities.  Return signed disclosure forms via fax to 410-975-4625.
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