Key Topics - Types of Value Transfer
Transfers of value can be made to individuals or organisations. Generally, transfers of value fall into the following categories:
- Sponsorship – e.g. financial support provided to an individual in connection with attendance at a meeting or training course, or sponsorship of an event. Sponsorship usually implies some item in return (recognition of support or opportunity to have a stand etc)
- Contributions – e.g. financial support provided to a healthcare organisation [definition]
- Donations - financial support provided to a charity
- Fees and expenses – this covers fees paid to health professionals who are used as consultants to provide a service (e.g. for participation in an advisory board) or speakers etc
- Items of Value – may include gifts, items of medical utility, items used to assist in screening or diagnosis of patients, items linked to the safe and effective administration of company products, logistical items, samples, awards and patient programmes
Definition of healthcare organisation
In Europe for the purposes of disclosure a healthcare organisation is defined as follows:
“A healthcare, medical or scientific association or organisation such as a hospital, clinic, foundation, university or other teaching institution or learned society, whose business address, place of incorporation or primary place of operation is in Europe: or an organisation through which one or more health professionals or other relevant decision makers provide services.”
In the US for the purposes of disclosure a healthcare organisation is defined as:
“Any institution, facility or agency licensed, certified or otherwise authorised or permitted by law to provide health care to patients or purchase or dispense medications, including any hospital, convalescent hospital, health maintenance organisation, health clinic, nursing home, pharmacy, or extended care facility.”
