In their capacity as leaders of AMIA, all individuals have an obligation to make decisions and conduct affairs of the organization based upon the desire to promote AMIA and its mission. AMIA’s policy aims to educate leaders on what constitutes a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest, to set standards for full disclosure of professional and relevant personal activities and relationships that created a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest, to remedy and resolve conflicts of interest per AMIA’s conflict of management options, and to encourage leaders to remain aware of and take initiative to manage, disclose, and resolve conflicts of interest appropriately.
AMIA’s Complete Conflict of Interest Policy includes a table which describes preferred ways the AMIA Executive Committee suggests individuals manage COI. Individual should complete this online form using these preferred methods. If the suggested management option should not apply, the individual should indicate why with detailed information. The AMIA Executive Committee will confirm their agreement with, or recommend change to, the appropriate management option.
In order to proactively address any potential conflicts of interest, each leader is required to annually complete and submit a disclosure form. Disclosures and agreed to methods of management are summarized yearly on the internal AMIA website allowing all AMIA members to review the COI disclosures of leaders.
Existing, past 12 months or anticipated support by industry, or other funding entities relevant to AMIA’s mission usually through a grant or contract. Example: An AMIA member is funded by an electronic health record (EHR) vendor to test a new voice assistant for the EHR.
The existing, past (recent) or anticipated licensing of technologies or content to industry. Example: An AMIA member developed a new EHR search technology that is licensed to a software vendor.
The existing, past (recent) or anticipated ownership interest of AMIA members or staff or their family members that exceeds 5% or $25,000 (whichever is smaller) in the founding and/or ownership of companies commercializing informatics research or health information technology. (Does not apply to stocks held in mutual funds unless they are purely health and/or technology focused funds). Example: An AMIA member owns stock or is an owner in a software vendor or other entity that is or about to be public.
The existing, past (recent) or anticipated transfer of scientific and nonscientific resources, independent of research grants or contract, from industry to an AMIA member or staff. Generally, any item over $100 in value would be considered a gift relationship. Example: A software vendor representative sends an AMIA member an iPad as a thank-you gift for advice on how to get involved in the working group. An AMIA staff member receives a free 7-night personal hotel stay from a hotel.
The existing, past (recent) or anticipated support of another AMIA member or staff in an attempt to obtain a promotion or introduction into ACMI or nomination to an election slate. Example: An AMIA member, who was recently supported in a promotion by another AMIA member, is asked to vote on the supporting member’s inclusion on an election slate.
The existing (recent) or anticipated participation by AMIA members or staff on another organization’s board of directors or other organizational or committee leadership that is seen to have a direct impact to AMIA’s current goals and/or mission. Example: An AMIA board member serves on the program committee for a meeting that competes with AMIA’s annual symposium.
The existing (recent) or anticipated conviction of an AMIA staff or leader of a crime beyond a misdemeanor.
Example: An AMIA agent has been convicted of embezzling money from their employer.