US code of ethics "applies to all purchasers":
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
The US industry association, AdvaMed, has added new Frequently Asked Questions section to its voluntary code of ethics in response to members' experiences of implementing the code. The new FAQ makes it clear that the code applies to all persons who make healthcare product purchasing decisions, including hospital purchasing agents, not just licensed healthcare professionals. The code covers various situations involving gifts to healthcare professionals: holidays, office parties and payments of gift baskets and wine are code violations. However, allowing payment of a student's travel and registration fees for attending a medical conference are not frowned upon.