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Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

City: Springfield

State: IL

Links:

Commentary:

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine’s policies target the most significant conflicts of interest related to industry marketing. But while the Task Force on Industry Relations seems to have acknowledged the potential of even small gifts and compensation to influence behavior, language on approval and management of significant potential conflicts of interest should be strengthened by the application of those standards.

We understand informally that SIUSM conflict-of-interest policies may be developing new COI policies. Were the institution to advise AMSA that this is the case, this grade would be changed to "In process."

This institution has not consented to allow portions of its policy to be cited for illustrative purposes.

Gifts & Meals		The Task Force recommendations are not necessarily binding and they cite AMA guidelines for gifts, which are very weak.
Consulting relationships		The School of Medicine cites a state law which requires written approval from the institution president before faculty may accept anything of value for any consulting or research services. However, within its own policy, the School states that employees are only subject to oversight and/or management for outside professional activity that produces an annual income of over $5,000. This policy also does not require a formal contract for external relationships.
Industry-funded speaking relationships		The School of Medicine cites a state law, which requires written approval from the institution president before faculty members accept anything of value for any consulting or research services. However, within a list of activities that need not be disclosed and need no oversight, the School listed honoraria under $5,000 for speaking and other stipends for published scholarly works and presentations. The School of Medicine does require oversight and/or special management when totally annual compensation is over $5,000, but in other ways, the policy does not prevent faculty engagement in long-term speaking relationships, or regulate content.
Disclosure		This policy does not include a general disclosure requirement. Though the School requires disclosure in some circumstances where a potential conflict of interest may exist, receiving honoraria, stipends, etc. under $5,000 is exempt.
Pharmaceutical samples		This policy generally discourages the use of samples, but has not created any policy that would significantly reduce the use of samples as a marketing tool.
Purchasing & Formularies		The School of Medicine requires that an individual should not participate directly in negotiations of equipment purchases when he or she has a significant economic interest in the equipment vendor. This policy does not make clear what constitutes a significant financial interest.
Site Access		Pharmaceutical representatives are not allowed in patient care areas.
On-campus Education		This policy requires complete disclosure by CME presenters and organizers, and adheres to other ACCME standards for commercial support. The School of Medicine also requires that industry work through Office of CME to arrange conferences.
Attendance at Industry-Sponsored Lectures & Meetings Off-Campus		There is no clear policy on industry funding for off-site educational events.
Industry Support for Scholarships & Funds for Trainees		The School of Medicine adheres to AMA guidelines, which permit scholarships for students if selection is made by the institution.
Medical school curriculum		This policy indicated that the medical school curriculum contains content related to marketing and relationships with industry, but did not supply any sample course materials or further specifics.
Do the policies specify an oversight mechanism?		Oversight responsibility and mechanisms vary by policy.
Are there explicit sanctions for noncompliance?		Sanctions for violations of certain policies are outlined.


	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)