09PolicyonConflictofInterest

ASLMS Policy on Mechanism to Identify and Resolve Conflict of Interest

The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). This accreditation is important for our organization and members. To achieve and maintain this accreditation, the ASLMS implemented a process for meeting the ACCME's Criteria for providing continuing medical education at the highest standard.

As part of this process, every person who is in a position to control the content of an ASLMS-sponsored education activity must disclose all relevant financial relationships with any commercial interests. If such a financial relationship presents a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest, the conflict will need to be resolved prior to continued involvement. If a presenter declines to disclose relevant financial relationships, they will be disqualified from being a part of the planning and implementation of the CME activity.

ASLMS Disclosure of Interest Guidelines
To comply with ACCME Standards as well as with FDA regulations, the ASLMS requires:

Written and verbal disclosure of financial interests or benefits presenters received within the last 12 months, and that no presentations are made with the appearance of a conflict of interest. If any conflict develops from the time presenters submit a disclosure form to the time of the CME activity, they must notify the ASLMS in writing and disclose the conflict.

Written and verbal disclosure of any off-label uses of drugs or devises.

FDA approval is specific regarding approved uses and labeling of drugs and devises. The presenter must disclose whether or not the device or treatment is approved by the FDA or whether it is considered to be investigational. The presenter must also fully disclose any off-label use of devices, drugs, or other materials that constitute the subject of the presentation.