ACP signs on to Code for Interactions with Companies released by CMSS

Code designed to promote interests of patients and the independence and professionalism of medical specialty societies

The American College of Physicians (ACP), the largest medical specialty organization and the second-largest physician group in the United States, has signed on to the CMSS Code for Interactions with Companies, released today by the Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS). The intent of the code is to guide medical societies developing policies and procedures that safeguard the independence and transparency of their programs, policies, and advocacy positions in relationships with industry.

ACP, a founding member of CMSS, is the largest of the 32 medical specialty societies represented by CMSS, and one of 14 original signers of the CMSS Code.

A longtime leader in medical ethics and professionalism, in 1990 ACP was the first medical professional organization to develop policy and standards about physicians and industry relations. The ACP Ethics, Professionalism and Human Rights Committee released updated guidelines about gifts and other financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry in 2007, supplementing the College's policy papers on industry relations and the ACP Ethics Manual. The College, together with the ABIM Foundation and the European Federation of Internal Medicine, published Medical Professionalism in the New Millennium: A Physician Charter that outlines professionalism principles and a set of professional responsibilities to which all medical professionals should aspire. ACP has also developed a Drug SMART Card for medical students and residents to educate them about physician interactions with drug companies.

"ACP's support of the CMSS Code underscores our commitment to professionalism and ethics in medicine," said Joseph Stubbs MD, FACP, ACP President. "The Code aligns with ACP's principles and values, including standards that guide our external relationships."