The American College of Cardiology (ACC) today announced that it has officially signed on to the Code for Interactions with Companiesreleased by the Council of Medical Specialty Societies. The code exists as a guide to appropriate relationships between specialty societies and for-profit companies, meant to increase transparency and set a standard for independent program development and independent leadership.

“Properly managed partnerships with industry are absolutely critical to maintaining scientific progress in cardiology and other specialties,” said ACC CEO, Jack Lewin, M.D. “This code is a step in the right direction for specialty societies and reaffirms our commitment to the highest ethical standards as we continue to move toward responsible, transparent relationships that will allow us to maintain quality education and research in cardiovascular medicine.”

The ACC has long been a leader in encouraging transparency regarding relationships with industry. All funding sources for the College are readily available on www.ACC.org. The ACC also made significant contributions to CMSS by bringing forth its own principles for relationships with industry as this code was developed.

The American College of Cardiology is committed to the very highest ethical standards in all its activities, including development of clinical policy. In addition, disclosures of trustees, state chapter governors, and committee chairs, are also publicly available on the ACC website.

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About the ACC:
The American College of Cardiology is leading the way to optimal cardiovascular care and disease prevention. The College is a 37,000-member nonprofit medical society and bestows the credential Fellow of the American College of Cardiology upon physicians who meet its stringent qualifications. The College is a leader in the formulation of health policy, standards and guidelines, and is a staunch supporter of cardiovascular research. The ACC provides professional education and operates national registries for the measurement and improvement of quality care. More information about the association is available online atwww.acc.org .