Guiding Principles
ASA supports corporate relationships that advance ASA’s mission and values and in no way pose a conflict of interest or negatively impact the mission of the Society.
ASA shall only engage with companies that share ASA’s mission and values and are in compliance with PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals, as applicable. ASA abides by Accreditation Council on Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) Standards for Commercial Support.
ASA shall control what is included in the Corporate Support Programs.
ASA communications to all ASA members shall be transparent regarding the purpose and activities of the Corporate Support Programs.
Definitions
ASA Corporate Supporter: A company that contractually commits to support ASA and/or ASA initiatives through the payment of fees, or other considerations, in return for defined recognition (aka Supporter benefits).
Corporate Supporter Policies
Corporate support must be in keeping with ASA’s mission and values and must preserve ASA member and the public’s trust in ASA. All corporate supporters must maintain or enhance ASA’s brand and high standards.
ASA shall not associate with companies that have the potential to damage ASA’s image because of the nature of the companies’ products, services, or reputation. The company’s products or services must be compatible with and complement ASA’s mission and values. The company must have a high degree of integrity, a strong corporate reputation and a track record of maintaining a high level of product/service quality. The company must demonstrate ethical business practices and a positive image, as evidenced by its compliance with all applicable laws and codes of ethics. ASA may, in its sole discretion, approve or reject any application from a potential Corporate Supporter, and may refrain from comment or explanation regarding the reason for the rejection.
ASA does not directly endorse a Corporate Supporter’s product or services.
ASA’s corporate supporter fees are unrestricted and are to be used at ASA’s sole discretion.
All Corporate Support agreements shall be structured, fulfilled, and documented in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations and voluntary codes of conduct and policies set by the government or industry.
These policies related to the Corporate Supporter Program do not preclude ASA from engaging in other relationships through which ASA might derive support for its mission and strategic plan.
Editorial Control over All Content and/or Programming
ASA has complete editorial control over all corporate supporter-created material and/or programming. In every case, all materials in print, broadcast, or electronic media prepared by the Corporate Supporter, including ad copy and artwork, must be submitted to ASA for pre-approval prior to release.
Corporate Supporter Fees and Packages
ASA shall set the Corporate Support categories, fees and package benefits. If any concerns are raised, the issues will be brought to the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Committee of the Administrative Council for resolution.
Termination of Corporate Supporter Relationship
ASA retains the right to terminate a corporate supporter relationship without cause and with 30 days’ written notice based on actions taken by the Corporate Supporter that ASA deems have the potential to damage the Society’s image.
Written Agreement with the Corporate Supporter
ASA shall provide a written agreement with terms to the Corporate Supporter that specifies the guiding principles and policies contained in these Administrative Procedures.
ASA shall generate all Corporate Support written agreements and shall employ a master document with detailed and consistent language that protects the Society’s commercial interests and prevents discrepancies among its Corporate Supporters.
ASA Corporate Support Programs and information is available here.