ISSN Imprimir: 2151-805X
ISSN En Línea: 2151-8068
The Role of the Sunshine Act in Reducing Conflict of Interest in Medical Research and Patient Care
SINOPSIS
Financial ties between the medical industry and healthcare professionals have a long history. This relationship is vital to innovations in patient care. However, it is feared that such relationships may pose a conflict of interest influencing medical education, research, and even decisions regarding patient care. Also, this conflict of interest might be contributing to rising healthcare costs. Most medical journals require that physicians disclose conflicts of interest when publishing their research results. To increase transparency and shed light on the often under-reported ties between industry and physicians, Congress has passed the Sunshine Act. Currently, applicable manufacturers and group purchasing organizations (GPOs) must report payments and other transfers of value to covered physicians and teaching hospitals. Ownership and investment interest of physicians and immediate family members are to be reported as well. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will soon be posting this information annually on a public website. The goal of the Sunshine Act is not to undermine beneficial relationships but to provide public information regarding payments, so that bias due to conflict-of-interest issues can be considered. The law stipulates that failure to report accurately and without delay will incur civil monetary penalties. Hopefully, this law will increase objectivity in published medical literature.