Policy on Corporate Support for AAFP Congress of Delegates Activities

The AAFP Congress of Delegates meets annually. This event is a business meeting, not a continuing medical education activity, nor an educational conference. Technically, business meetings fall outside the purview of the ACCME Standards for Commercial Support of Continuing Medical Education and the AMA CEJA Ethical Opinion 8.061 on Gifts to Physicians from Industry. However, the AAFP chooses to comply with the spirit of these guidelines for the elements of its business meetings that are supported by corporate funding. Accordingly, the social events that are supported by corporate funding (e.g., the delegates' reception prior to the meeting, two delegate luncheons, and dinner at the conclusion of the meeting) will not be lavish, elaborate, or unusual in their entertainment aspect, they will facilitate discussion among participants, and they will not compete or take precedence over the business events. Giveaways supported by corporate funding will not be of substantial value and will primarily entail a benefit to patients, relate to a physician's work, or serve an educational purpose.