Federal and state agencies are scrutinizing medical device firms' sales and marketing practices. Whistleblowers continue to file complaints, and the Justice Department is investigating several of the largest medical device firms.

The AdvaMed Code of Ethics established voluntary guidelines for device company interactions with health care professionals. A recent independent survey of the 20 largest medical device firms found that leading companies embraced the AdvaMed Code; however, the survey revealed areas where compliance practices are uniform and where they differ. It also uncovered innovative practices that some firms have implemented to effectively operationalize the AdvaMed Code.

The survey comes at an opportune time as AdvaMed recently announced its new "AdvaMed Code Supporter Logo" program. Firms that adhere to Code and adopt certain compliance structures may display the AdvaMed Code Logo on electronic and print materials as a visible symbol of the company's commitment to compliance.

To bring you and your colleagues up-to-date on these issues, Device Audioconferences in cooperation with Compliance-Alliance presents a 90-minute audio conference.

• The results of the PricewaterhouseCoopers, King and Spalding and Compliance-Alliance survey of better and current practices under the AdvaMed Code
• Insights from AdvaMed's General Counsel on steps the association is taking to promote compliance
• Information about the new "AdvaMed Code Supporter Logo" program
• The perspective of a leading federal prosecutor on device industry compliance practices, including perspectives on the AdvaMed Code and AdvaMed Logo Code Supporter Logo program

• Jim Sheehan, Associate US Attorney for Eastern District of PA
• Chris White General Counsel, AdvaMed
• John Bentivoglio Partner, King & Spalding
• Peter Claude Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers
• Nancy Singer, President of Compliance-Alliance, Former Special Counsel, AdvaMed

• A summary of the PricewaterhouseCoopers, King & Spalding, Compliance-Alliance survey results
• Background information on the AdvaMed Code Supporter Logo program, including the Logo Licensing Agreement

It is a live event that includes session handouts, an interactive question and answer period, and access for an unlimited number of participants at each call-in site. However, only one site can be offered per registration. It is impermissible for an organization to purchase one registration and to operate multiple sites through an internal telephone system. During the live Audioconference participants will be able to ask questions and make comments. The Audioconference faculty has agreed to take follow-up questions via email. Audioconferences are simple, accessible, cost effective and reach a broad audience locally.

All Faculty Materials will be Posted on the Device Audioconference website: www.DeviceAudioconferences.com/device20061011 in downloadable PDF Formats.