Biologic Association
Conflict of Interest Policy
Adopted February 6, 2020
- Conflict of Interest Disclosure
In order to promote transparency and confidence in the educational programs and in the decisions of the Biologic Association (BA), the Board of Directors has adopted this mandatory disclosure policy. BA Members must be as free of outside influence as is reasonable and any potentially conflicting interests or commercial relationships must be disclosed. Each participant in any BA educational program, author of enduring materials, or BA subcommittee workgroup must disclose all industry activities and/or relationships. At each BA meeting, Members of the group will be reminded that full disclosure must be made of any potential conflict of interest (COI) when a matter involving that interest is discussed. - Method of Disclosure
All voting and non-voting members of the BA have the obligation to disclose all potential conflicts of interests in writing, using a form approved by the BA Board of Directors, and on the BA website. Members are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of their information. In addition, BA Members have an obligation to review and update their personal information at least semiannually, in January and July. - Consequences for Failing to Disclose
The failure of any BA Member to make a thorough and complete disclosure will result in the participant being asked not to participate in BA voting, writing of enduring materials or participation in official BA business or committee work. - Resolving Relevant Conflict of Interest
All Members participating in the production and authoring of any enduring materials will not be allowed to participate if a relevant COI to that work exists. The Member will be given the opportunity to resolve the COI, and will only be allowed to participate after being authorized to resume activity by Board of Directors vote.
All Members participating in the evaluation of written documents, video presentations or other educational materials for the BA website will not be allowed to participate if a relevant COI to that work exists. The Member will be given the opportunity to resolve the COI, and will only be allowed to participate after being authorized to resume activity by Board of Directors vote. - Resolving Conflict of Interest in Research
Reimbursement for reasonable administrative costs in conducting or participating in a scientifically sound research clinical trial is acceptable. A BA Member shall make his or her best efforts to ensure, at the completion of the study, that relevant research results are reported and reported truthfully and honestly with no bias or influence from funding sources, regardless of positive or negative findings. - Avoiding Conflict of Interest in Educational meetings
A BA Member, when attending an industry-sponsored non-CME educational event, shall accept only reasonable honoraria, tuition, travel and modest hospitality, including meals and receptions. Bona fide faculty members at a CME event may accept industry-support for travel expenses, lodging and meals. - Avoidance in Conflict of Interest with Industry
BA Members shall decline subsidies or other financial support from industry, unless involved directly with research, consulting or product development including royalties.
If a BA member has influence in selecting a particular product or service for an entity, they shall disclose any relationship with industry per this COI policy and will abstain from the decision making process for that particular product or service.