The Medtech Canada Code of Conduct recognizes the important role of collaboration between healthcare professionals and industry in the development of new technologies, in ensuring the optimal use of existing technologies, and in improved patient care. In particular, the Code maintains the importance of educational activities as well as the enhancement of professional skills. At the same time, it acknowledges that this collaboration might have the potential to create conflicts of interest or other ethical concerns if they are not handled appropriately. For this reason, the Code of Conduct was designed to be one potential avenue for Medtech Canada members to indicate adherence to ethical business practices and socially responsible industry interactions with healthcare professionals.
Additionally, there is increasing expectation from governments that the life science industry vendors are aligned with a code of ethical practices. Prior to the pandemic, MSSS in Quebec had been regularly mentioning to us their expectation that medical technology vendors be in alignment with a code of ethical practices. In addition, Ontario had struck a committee to review and recommend potential practices for enhancing transparency of financial interactions between life science vendors and healthcare professionals. Outcomes may result in practices similar to the U.S. Sunshine Act or the expectation that vendors are aligned and practice a recognized code of conduct. We fully expect that these conversations will begin again.
In addition, there has been an increase in the setup of collaborative organizations focusing in on aligned ethical principles both within Canada and internationally. Medtech Canada belongs to the following:
Again, further evidence that healthcare suppliers should be aligned with a code of ethical practices. We strongly encourage you to become code certified.
To obtain certification to the Medtech Canada Code, companies will need to either complete training available online, train your employees internally (Medtech Canada has documents that can assist) or attest that your internal compliance program is equivalent to the Medtech Canada Code. Companies that are “Code Certified” will be allowed to use the Medtech Canada Code of Conduct logo.
Medtech Canada Member Companies become "Code Certified" when they provide evidence of their own equivalent internal compliance training programs or by taking the Medtech Canada Code of Conduct training. Certification must be confirmed on an annual basis.