Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) Code of Practice

The MTAA Code is only applicable to member companies.

The Medical Technology Industry Code of Practice (the Code) sets out the ethical framework within which MTAA member companies must work, in their relationships with HCPs &, where relevant, with the consumer. The Code is not legislation, however, MTAA members must comply with the provisions set out in the code, & all non-member companies in the industry are encouraged to comply with its provisions.

The Code is part of a wider regulatory framework for ensuring appropriate behaviour by industry. Several industry codes apply to different therapeutic sectors. It is the intention that the ode is to apply to the supply of Medical Technology products & to interactions between HCPs & Australian Companies. Where there is another therapeutic Industry code that is more relevant in the circumstances, then that code will generally be the more appropriate code. It is complemented & supplemented by a range of training & related programs to assist awareness of ethical responsibilities of industry. 

The Code ensures that companies in the Medical Technology industry conduct their arrangements with Healthcare Professionals in a transparent manner so that decision-making on selection & use of products by doctors, or hospital purchasing departments, is based solely on the quality &

suitability of the product, not on inducements (perceived or otherwise) paid to the doctor or other decision-maker. 

Anyone who believes that the actions of a Medical Technology company breach the Code, may bring a complaint to the Code Authority. People are encouraged to raise concerns first with the company directly, as it may have been an isolated incident that can be readily resolved. Complaints may be referred by the Code Authority to a complaints committee, chaired by an independent person & including two industry & two independent panelists representing different bodies including healthcare professionals & consumers. 

The Code covers many areas of interaction between doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals and the Medical Technology industry. These include: 

• Company-sponsored Training and Education on products. Many Medical Technology products require hands-on training to ensure that the product is well-understood, and the correct technique is used. 

• Sponsorship of Third-Party Educational Conferneces and the restrictions on financial support for Healthcare Professionals to attend such events. 

• Hospitality for Healthcare Professionals which is only permitted in very limited circumstances during training and education events, or in conjunction with the presentation of scientific, educational or commercial information. 

• Consulting arrangements with Healthcare Professionals and payment of appropriate fees for the input provided in development of a product or participation on a company advisory board. 

• Prohibition on the giving or receiving of gifts. 

• Research and educational grants and charitable donations. Industry is a major contributor to medical research and without the contribution much research would not be funded. However, the arrangements must be transparent and arms’ length. 

• Provision of fellowships within the framework of accredited educational programs auspice by a medical professional association.