Hello Meggie;
You are right - it's a violation. No grey area about it. But formula
companies do this all over the USA. In my area, the sponsoring company does
identify Dr. XX as presenting information for the sponsoring company. They
also claim that all other speakers are presenting their own information with
no interference or influence by the sponsoring formula company. Wonder if
that includes specifying the topic. If there is an IBCLC on the planning
committee or anywhere on that brochure, it's a big Ethics issue for her.
No IBCLC will get CERPs for attending. If your employer mandates you attend
it, and pays the fee for you, don't risk your job. Go - but take your own
lunch, or skip it by being out of the room, or whatever you feel works best
for you in the situation. If / when you explain the Code violation, you will
likely get a combination of glassy-eyed stares in disbelief, or the typical
OMG eye roll.
If you don't HAVE to go, that's a good thing, but look for your oppty to
explain the Code and conflicts of interest, etc. Somebody has to say it to
people who need to hear it.
Good Luck.
Phyllis


Phyllis Adamson, BA, IBCLC, RLC

-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Meggie Ross
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2011 4:10 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Code violation?

Dear Lactnet
I'm not a code expert but am pretty sure this is a code violation but need
to confirm. Our local referral hospital is hosting a neonatal care workshop
for staff (physicians, nurses) that is co-sponsored by several medical
supply companies including a formula company. The workshop has a small
registration fee ($75). Workshop content includes topics such as:
discuss the medical management of providing nutrition to preterm infants.
Topics discussed will include when to start parenteral nutrition and
transitioning to enteral nutrition. When and what type of enteral nutrition
to provide will be covered as well as how fast to progress and how to assess
and manage complications.
Specialized Approaches to Human Milk Fortification and Use of Infant
Formulas in the NICU. The recent World Health Organization guidelines for
the safe use of powdered formulas will also be discussed.
The formula company is the supplier of our health authority's formula (I'm
not certain of the exact arrangement but it is essentially free formula - or
a very reduced price) We obviously aren't Baby Friendly, but are embarking
on the 'journey'.
I'm wondering if this is considered a 'grey' area or if it is a clear
violation. Should we be addressing this with the organizers or since we are
in 'up to our necks' with the formula company already by accepting 'free'
formula, is this not a battle worth addressing?
Many thanks for your wisdom,
Meggie, PHN, IBCLC
BC Canada
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