Guiding Principles for the ASA Corporate Supporter Program

(As approved by the Board of Directors on August 22, 2010)

Guiding Principles

ASA builds corporate relationships that advance ASA’s mission and values and in no way pose a conflict of interest or impact the objectivity of the Society.

ASA shall only engage with companies that share ASA’s mission and values and are in compliance with PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals, as applicable. ASA abides by Accreditation Council on Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) Standards for Commercial Support.

ASA shall control what items are included in the corporate sponsorship program.

ASA communications to all ASA stakeholders shall be transparent and straightforward regarding the purpose and activities of the corporate sponsorship program.

ASA and its Corporate Sponsors shall abide by all applicable codes, ethics guidelines and organizational policies sanctioned by the ASA.

Definitions

ASA Corporate Sponsor: A company that contractually commits to support ASA through the payment of fees, in-kind products or services, or other considerations, in return for a defined recognition package on a year-round basis and/or for the Annual Meeting.

Types of ASA Corporate Sponsors

ASA Industry Supporter. Opportunities for companies in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries to support the ASA mission and values through the payment of fees, in-kind products or services, or other considerations, in return for a defined recognition package offered year-round.

ASA Practice Management Supporter. Opportunities for companies in the practice management field to support the ASA mission and values through the payment of fees, in-kind products or services, or other considerations, in return for a defined recognition package offered year-round.

ASA Annual Meeting Supporter. Opportunities for both pharmaceutical and device companies and practice management companies to support the ASA Annual Meeting through the payment of fees in return for recognition of this support at the Annual Meeting through a defined package.

Corporate Sponsorship Policies

Corporate sponsorships must be in keeping with ASA’s mission and values and must preserve ASA member trust and the public’s trust in ASA. All corporate sponsorships must maintain or enhance ASA’s brand and high standards.

All corporate sponsorships must be communicated with transparency to ASA audiences and follow the guidelines referenced in Guiding Principles, above.

ASA shall not associate with companies that have the potential to damage ASA’s image because of the nature of the companies’ products, services, or reputation. The company’s products or services must be compatible with and complement ASA’s mission and values. The company must have a high degree of integrity, a strong corporate reputation and a track record of maintaining a high level of product/service quality. The company must demonstrate ethical business practices and a positive image, as evidenced by its compliance with all applicable laws and codes of ethics. ASA may, in its sole discretion, approve or reject any application from a potential Corporate Sponsor, and may refrain from comment or explanation regarding the reason for the rejection.

ASA does not directly endorse a corporate sponsor’s product or services and does not offer organization-wide exclusivity in corporate sponsor relationships.

ASA’s corporate sponsorship fees are unrestricted and are to be used at ASA’s sole discretion.

All corporate sponsorships shall be structured, fulfilled, and documented in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations and voluntary codes of conduct and policies set by the government or industry.

These policies related to the Corporate Sponsor program do not preclude ASA from engaging in other relationships through which ASA might derive support for its mission and Strategic Plan.

Editorial Control over All Content and/or Programming

ASA has complete editorial control over all corporate sponsor-created material and/or programming. In every case, all materials in print, broadcast, or electronic media prepared by the corporate sponsor, including ad copy and artwork, must be submitted to ASA for pre-approval prior to release.

Corporate Sponsor Fees and Package

ASA shall set the initial Corporate Sponsor categories, fees and packages, subject to approval by the Executive Committee. Any needed revisions to the Corporate Sponsor categories, fees, and/or packages shall be subject to the approval of the Executive Vice President, Park Ridge. If any concerns are raised, the issues will be brought to the Executive Committee of the Administrative Council for resolution.

Evaluation and Approval of Corporate Sponsors

The evaluation and approval of Corporate Sponsors shall be made by the Executive Committee of the Administrative Council, with recommendations and assistance from the ASA Sponsorship Steering Committee.

Conflicts of Interest

Members of the Executive Committee and the ASA Sponsorship Steering Committee shall complete disclosure statements regarding any potential conflicts of interest with possible Corporate Sponsors. Any person with a potential conflict of interest shall recuse him- or herself from any activities/decisions having to do with this corporation.

Termination of Corporate Sponsorship Relationship

ASA retains the right to terminate a corporate sponsorship relationship without cause and with 30 days' written notice based on actions taken by the Corporate Sponsor that ASA deems have the potential to damage the Society’s image.

Written Agreement with the Corporate Sponsor

ASA shall provide a written agreement to the Corporate Sponsor that specifies the guiding principles and policies contained in these Administrative Procedures and the terms of the corporate sponsorship. ASA shall generate all corporate sponsorship written agreements and shall employ a master document with detailed and consistent language that protects the Society’s commercial interests and prevents discrepancies among its Corporate Sponsors.