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Audio conference highlights

There are new rules governing commercial support of Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs which affect both CME providers and industry supporters, such as pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies. With Congress scrutinizing industry support of CME, the ACCME has issued new guidance, as well as a “Call for Comment” on the issue of industry funding. The new PhRMA Code (effective January 2009), along with independent state laws, has been adjusted to govern relationships between industry and physicians. Life sciences organizations, as well as CME providers, must keep abreast of these changes to maintain their accreditation status and ensure their internal policies are consistent with the latest laws and guidance.

This audio conference addresses how the new rules affect sponsors and providers and the best practices needed to comply.

This audio conference covers:

• ACCME requirements
• Internal firewalls within industry supporters and CME sponsors
• Is there a role for the medical education company?
• Impact of state reporting requirements
• Applying the new PhRMA Code to CME support
• Developments within the provider community, e.g. AMA, academic medical centers

About the speaker:

Maria D. Buckley is Of Counsel and a member of the Healthcare and Life Sciences practice groups with the Boston-based law firm Nutter McClennen & Fish. Maria has an extensive background in healthcare law, health insurance, and managed care, with particular emphasis on contracts, reimbursement, and regulatory interpretation and compliance. Her clients have included hospitals, physician practices, ancillary services providers, HMOs, and medical device, pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

She helps companies, institutions and investigators document the clinical trials process. She also regularly provides compliance advice and training with respect to pharmaceutical sales and marketing activities, and frequently speaks on various healthcare and research issues. She has been active in providing pro bono legal service and is a recipient of the Massachusetts Bar Association's Pro Bono for Law Firms Award. Maria received a J.D. degree from Suffolk University Law School, and a B.S. from Boston University. She is an active member of the Health Law Section of the Boston Bar Association.

Who should attend?

• Managers, Directors and VP Medical Affairs
• Managers, Directors and VP CME Providers
• Legal counsel for industry supporters and CME providers
• Medical education / communication providers

This audio conference is rated General Interest.

*Please note: Each registration covers one line connected to the audio conference. Attendees dialing from separate locations are required to have separate registrations.