All types of vendors need guidelines
All types of vendors need guidelines
When discussing industry relations guidelines, most of the emphasis falls on pharmaceutical companies and device manufacturers, because they are the most prominent when it comes to gifting and buying meals. But good industry relations guidelines should cover all aspects of a health care provider's operation, not just the physicians.
There are many more interactions with vendors that are less obvious and less flashy, notes Gabriela Cora, MD, MBA, president of the Executive Health & Wealth Institute, a consulting practice in Miami, and managing partner of Florida Neuroscience Center in Fort Lauderdale. Depart-ments such as IT, maintenance, housekeeping, and supply management also may have interactions with vendors that should fall under the purview of your industry relations guidelines, she says.
"If one vendor becomes a little cozy with your people, then that supplier may have an edge over all their competitors," Cora points out. "Even setting aside any legal and regulatory concerns, your hospital may not be getting the best deal because the supplier is doing whatever makes the department head happy."
When discussing industry relations guidelines, most of the emphasis falls on pharmaceutical companies and device manufacturers, because they are the most prominent when it comes to gifting and buying meals. But good industry relations guidelines should cover all aspects of a health care provider's operation, not just the physicians.Subscribe Now for Access
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