To protect the integrity and the quality of Satellite events and to ensure a successful outcome for all involved parties, the AAFP requires each Satellite event sponsor to agree that they, their employees, facilitator(s) (if applicable), activity organizers, and supporters will observe all applicable AAFP and AMA guidelines. Additionally, the AAFP reserves the right and discretion to restrict and/or dismiss at any time any event which it deems undesirable, in poor taste, or offensive to attendees. Sponsors are responsible for informing all of their employees and agents of these guidelines and ensuring their compliance.
The sponsor of the Focus Group is held responsible for the event.
Events will be monitored for compliance and penalties will be cited for, including, but not limited to, the following situations:
Compliance Policy
- Distributing CME enduring materials in conjunction with the event (before, during, or after).
- Promoting products for unapproved uses.
The above infractions will result in the sponsor being placed on a one year suspension with ineligibility to participate in any Satellite events during the next year’s Assembly and/or permanently losing the privilege of participation in future Satellite events held in conjunction with AAFP Scientific Assembly.
If a violation is noted, the AAFP will issue a written notice, upon completion of the post-event evaluation process, outlining all infractions and consequent penalties to the sponsor, the entity responsible for the event. The sponsor will be instructed to send letters to the organizer and supporter outlining the infractions and penalties and reviewing the importance of presenting a focus group based on specific criteria related to the purpose of research, not formal education, sales or promotion. AAFP will not reinstate the sponsor, following its probationary period, until this condition has been met.
If a sponsor organization is suspended and later merges with another organization, the suspension status remains in effect with the newly merged organization until the provisions for reinstatement are met.
If a supporter, activity organizer, or facilitator is involved in one or more events where infractions such as those described above are noted and a trend is apparent, or if a single infraction is particularly offensive, the AAFP reserves the right to restrict the supporter(s), the activity organizer(s), or the facilitator(s) from participating in future Satellite events held in conjunction with the AAFP Scientific Assembly for the period of time deemed appropriate to their role in the infraction.
The AAFP reserves the right to terminate an event at its discretion; warnings and penalties from prior years may be taken into account. In the event of such restriction or eviction, the AAFP will not be liable for any refunds, rentals or program/other related expenses.
If a violation is noted, the AAFP will issue a written notice, upon completion of the post-event evaluation process, outlining all infractions and consequent penalties to the sponsor, the entity responsible for the event. The sponsor will be instructed to send letters to the organizer and supporter outlining the infractions and penalties and reviewing the importance of presenting a focus group based on specific criteria related to the purpose of research, not formal education, sales or promotion. AAFP will not reinstate the sponsor, following its probationary period, until this condition has been met.
If a sponsor organization is suspended and later merges with another organization, the suspension status remains in effect with the newly merged organization until the provisions for reinstatement are met.
If a supporter, activity organizer, or facilitator is involved in one or more events where infractions such as those described above are noted and a trend is apparent, or if a single infraction is particularly offensive, the AAFP reserves the right to restrict the supporter(s), the activity organizer(s), or the facilitator(s) from participating in future Satellite events held in conjunction with the AAFP Scientific Assembly for the period of time deemed appropriate to their role in the infraction.
The AAFP reserves the right to terminate an event at its discretion; warnings and penalties from prior years may be taken into account. In the event of such restriction or eviction, the AAFP will not be liable for any refunds, rentals or program/other related expenses.
