AMSA Scorecard

	University of California - Irvine School of Medicine
	City: Orange	State: CA
Links: UC.system.Policy.pdf UC.system.FAQ-041708.pdf Commentary: University of California - Irvine has cited the UC system-wide vendor relations policy as its complete submission to AMSA Pharm-free Scorecard 2008. The UC system-wide policies are very strong in areas such as samples, educational events and scholarships. However, the umbrella policies do have some limitations, particularly in the regulation of external consulting and speaking relationships. UCI would do well to examine current or develop new internal policies covering these domains.

Gifts & Meals		UC system-wide vendor relations policy: Gifts and on-site meals provided directly by vendors are prohibited, inclusive of samples. However, gifts distributed at educational conferences are still allowed if the conference is accredited and all attendees are offered the gift. The specific example given was a branded tote bag. This exception undermines the attempt to remove the influence of gifting, and thus this domain must be scored a 2 rather than a 3.
Consulting relationships		UC system-wide vendor relations policy: Consulting relationships must be disclosed. However, there is no provision for a formal contract or review/approval of these relationships.
Industry-funded speaking relationships		UC system-wide vendor relations policy: Speaking relationships are not limited in their longevity, nor are there any controls placed on content or institutional review.
Disclosure		UC system-wide vendor relations policy: Certain employees must disclose, and all consulting relationships must be disclosed, but there is no annual disclosure required of all employees.
Pharmaceutical samples		UC system-wide vendor relations policy: Samples may never go directly to physicians. They may only be donated to the department for trial in the minimum amount necessary, or donated for use at free clinics or by indigent patients only.
Purchasing & Formularies		UC system-wide vendor relations policy: The policy reiterates the California Political Reform Act, which has been interpreted to prohibit individuals with financial relationships with an outside entity from participating in or influencing institutional decisions concerning that outside entity.
Site Access		UC system-wide vendor relations policy: By appointment only, and only in non-patient care areas. The institution has also created a commendable firewall: “Health Care Vendor sales and marketing representatives may no longer leave any [branded] written materials with employees.”
On-campus Education		UC system-wide vendor relations policy: ACCME standards for commercial support apply to both accredited and non-accredited educational events organized by UC system universities.
Attendance at Industry-Sponsored Lectures & Meetings Off-Campus		UC system-wide vendor relations policy: No employee may accept travel or payment for attending off-site events. Travel and payment may only be accepted if providing a real service to the entity subsidizing said travel/payment.
Industry Support for Scholarships & Funds for Trainees		UC system-wide vendor relations policy: Only the department may select the recipients of scholarships and grants funded by industry.
Medical school curriculum		UC system-wide vendor relations policy: Mandatory training for all employees and students on proper interaction with vendors and the nature of marketing influence.
Do the policies specify an oversight mechanism?		UC system-wide vendor relations policy: No oversight established.
Are there explicit sanctions for noncompliance?		UC system-wide vendor relations policy: Sanctions not referenced.


	Model policy
	Good progress toward model policy
	No policy, or policy unlikely to have a substantial effect on behavior
	Did not report
	Policy not relevant to this institution (e.g., does not make purchasing decisions)