Consultation Launched on Proposed Changes to the ABPI Code of Practice for the Pharmaceutical Industry?

Consultation launched on proposed changes to the ABPI Code of Practice for the Pharmaceutical Industry and the Constitution and Procedure for the Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority

Changes are proposed to the 2014 ABPI Code of Practice for the Pharmaceutical Industry and the PMCPA Constitution and Procedure.

There are a number of reasons for the changes including the work done by the group established by the ABPI Board to review the Code. Additional changes are also needed to implement fully the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industry Associations (EFPIA) Code on Disclosure of Transfers of Value from Pharmaceutical Companies to Healthcare Professionals and Healthcare Organisations. 

Updates to the EFPIA Disclosure Code and the EFPIA Code on the Promotion of Prescription-Only Medicines to, and Interactions with, Healthcare Professionals were agreed at the EFPIA General Assembly on 6 June 2014. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) consultation as part of the red tape challenge and the regular update of the Code and its operation have also resulted in proposals.

Key proposals relate to changes around transparency and disclosure of some payments to health professionals including the creation of a central platform for disclosure, updates to certification requirements for Joint Working and the proposed introduction of a Product Related Service Provison.

The attached documents set out proposals to amend the ABPI Code and the Constitution and Procedure.

1.     Proposals to amend the ABPI Code of Practice for the Pharmaceutical Industry

2.     Proposals to amend the PMCPA Constitution and Procedure

3.     EFPIA Disclosure Code

4.     EFPIA template

5.     EFPIA HCP Code

6.     Draft template (UK amendments to EFPIA version).

The timetable is as follows:

Friday, 11 July
Proposals sent to ABPI members, non members that have agreed to comply with the Code and those organisations cited in the PMCPA Constitution and Procedure.  Proposals put on the PMCPA website for public consultation.

Friday, 5 September
Consultation closes.

Tuesday, 7 October
Final proposals to be agreed by the ABPI Board of Management.

Thursday, 20 November
Proposals to be before the ABPI Half-Yearly General Meeting.

Thursday, 1 January 2015
New Code to come into operation.