Is it permissible for a drug representative from a pharmaceutical company to give an “update” on a product before the CME activity begins?
There is a risk in such an arrangement. CME activities must be strictly educational and free of any commercial bias or influence. Therefore, at no time can materials with company information, logos or product names be displayed or left in the room during the CME activity (e.g. pens, pads, penlights). At no time should there be any opportunity to confuse the two “events.” Nor should attendees be required to get the commercial-interest message in order to get to the bias-free education. Consequently, if the same room is used, please allow time for one to end before the other begins — and make certain the room is “scrubbed” of all commercial material.
