AdvaMed Issues MedTech Compliance Guidance for COVID-19 Response

May 8, 2020—The Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) announced availability of the newly created “Code of Ethics Compliance Guidance Related to the COVID-19 Response.” Development of the guidance was overseen by AdvaMed’s Global Compliance Steering Committee, with active input from over a dozen member company compliance officers.

“This guidance seeks to help AdvaMed members and other medical technology companies develop and implement processes that both support rapid decision-making in the context of the pandemic and mitigate any related compliance risks,” stated Christopher L. White in the organization’s announcement.

Mr. White, who is AdvaMed’s COVID action team leader, Chief Operating Officer, and general counsel, continued, “As medtech companies supporting the public health response to COVID-19 work around the clock to produce essential medical products to help prevent, detect, and treat this disease, we must continue to do all we can to help ensure patients are provided both timely and ethical access to our equipment, knowledge, and trained personnel.”

He further advised, “The guidance complements AdvaMed’s existing code of ethics, and addresses shared compliance concerns, experiences, and best practices developed by our member companies as they respond to the COVID 19 pandemic. Key topics addressed in the guidance include ongoing contractual/legal obligations during a declared state of emergency; charitable donations including products, equipment, services, and/or financial support; volunteer activity by company personnel; virtual educational events; and other company processes.”