California Health Care Compliance Information
DECLARATION FOR CALIFORNIA COMPLIANCE LAW
As part of Biosense Webster, Inc.'s ongoing efforts in the area of compliance, we have developed a Comprehensive Compliance Program that is designed to comply with applicable federal and state laws and industry standards relating to the marketing and promotion of our products. To our knowledge as of the date of this declaration, Biosense Webster, Inc. is in compliance with our Comprehensive Compliance Program, as described here, and with California Health & Safety Code sections 119400-119402.
Dated: July 1, 2009
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NOTICE: this information is provided pursuant to the requirements of Cal. Health & Safety Code § 119402 (S.B. 1765), which requires certain pharmaceutical and medical device companies doing business in California to make available their program for compliance with applicable federal and state laws and industry standards regulating the marketing and promotion of their products |
I. INTRODUCTION
Biosense Webster, Inc. has established a program designed to materially comply with applicable federal and state laws and industry standards relating to the marketing and promotion of its products. Additionally, Biosense Webster, Inc. recognizes that adherence to these standards can be furthered through a compliance program that is based on the Compliance Program Guidance for Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, published by the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (the "OIG Guide") and on the Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals (AdvaMed Code), published by the Advanced Medical Technology Association ("AdvaMed"). The OIG Guide advises that effective compliance programs are comprised of seven elements. As described below, these elements form the basis of Biosense Webster, Inc.'s program for compliance with the standards regulating the marketing and promotion of its products.
II. Overview of Compliance Program
1. Written Policies and Procedures
Biosense Webster, Inc. has written policies to assure substantial compliance with the
applicable laws and regulations and standards governing the marketing and promotion of our
products. Among these standards are recognized industry codes of conduct including the Code
of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals (AdvaMed Code), published by the
Advanced Medical Technology Association ("AdvaMed"). Biosense Webster, Inc. has
established written policies that govern activities involving communicating with customers about
the appropriate use of our products including appropriate instruction, education, training, service
and technical support required for the safe and effective use of our products. Biosense Webster,
Inc. also has policies governing activities involving the advancement of scientific and
educational activities supporting medical research and education. These policies include:
Policy on Educational Grants and Research Grants
Biosense Webster, Inc. may provide grants for specific educational purposes that benefit patients and customers. These may include, but are not limited to, continuing medical and paraprofessional education programs, fellowships provided to teaching institutions and similar organizations with a demonstrated commitment to scientific and technical education, and programs operated by organizations that provide high-quality, nationally recognized patient education. Funding of educational programs will generally be provided only to organizations and institutions and not to individual practitioners.
Research grants to support customer-initiated research may be provided for programs involving research in areas of legitimate interest to the company. All requests are subject to scientific review prior to funding approval.
Policy on Charitable Contributions and Patient Assistance
Biosense Webster, Inc. will consider charitable contributions and requests for patient assistance in the areas of children's health, health care education, access to health care and community responsibility, consistent with Biosense Webster, Inc. policies.
Policy on Travel Expense Reimbursement for CME, Promotional or Product Training Meetings
Biosense Webster, Inc. will, with very limited exceptions that are in accordance with nationally recognized standards, not reimburse for travel and lodging expenses of attendees at promotional and educational programs.
Biosense Webster, Inc. may reimburse attendees for their reasonable travel and lodging expenses associated with attendance at product training meetings. Product training meetings will be conducted in locations conducive to the exchange of information such as educational or conference settings. Where face-to-face or hands-on customer training is reasonably necessary for the safe and effective use of Biosense Webster, Inc.'s medical device products is required, Biosense Webster, Inc. may provide training at company facilities, at independent teaching centers such as medical institutions, or in other appropriate clinical settings.
Policy on Business Meals
Biosense Webster, Inc. may occasionally offer a modest meal, consistent with the standards of the AdvaMed Code as part of an educational presentation or a business discussion. Venues that feature entertainment or recreation, and attendance by spouses or guests, are not permitted. Modesty is to be judged by local standards, but in general cost of meals with customers should not exceed $25 for breakfast, $50 for lunch or $125 for dinner.
Policy on the Provision of Educational and Patient Benefit Items
On occasion, Biosense Webster, Inc. representatives may provide items that benefit patients or serve a genuine educational function for Health Care Professionals, consistent with the standards of the AdvaMed Code.
Total Annual Dollar Limit for Meals and Educational or Patient Benefit Items
Biosense Webster, Inc., has established an annual limit of $1,500 for meals and educational or patient benefit items as the aggregate value of the items or activities that may be provided to California health care professionals pursuant to the requirements of Cal. Health & Safety Code § 119402 (S.B. 1765).
Policy Prohibiting Entertainment
It is the policy of Biosense Webster, Inc. not to provide Entertainment (e.g. sporting events, golf outings, concerts, hunting, etc.) to customers.
2. Assigned Compliance Officer
Biosense Webster, Inc. has appointed a Health Care Compliance Officer. Our
Health Care Compliance Officer has been empowered with appropriate authority to
exercise independent judgment and has free and unencumbered access to senior
management.
Biosense Webster, Inc. has appointed a Health Care Compliance Committee. The committee is comprised of the company's Health Care Compliance Officer and members of the company's management team. The Health Care Compliance Committee is the Health Care Compliance leadership team.
3. Training.
Biosense Webster, Inc. has an annual Health Care Compliance training process
that includes testing and annual certification of appropriate employees. The training
covers applicable guidelines governing our compliance program. Employees are also
trained on the consequences of failure to comply with the requirements of the company's
compliance program.
4. Communication.
Biosense Webster, Inc. encourages open and candid discussion between
management and employees regarding any compliance concerns. Biosense Webster, Inc.
employees are encouraged to report their concerns to their manager, to the Human
Resources Department, to the Law Department or to the company's Health Care
Compliance Officer.
5. Auditing and Monitoring.
Biosense Webster, Inc. self-assesses and periodically audits its compliance with
its policies and procedures.
6. Enforcement and Disciplinary Guidelines.
Biosense Webster, Inc. will take disciplinary actions in response to violation of the
company's compliance policies or procedures. Biosense Webster, Inc. will conduct a fair and
diligent investigation of matters that are brought to the company's attention in order to ensure the
consistent application of the company's standards.
7. Responses To Detected Problems and Actions To Correct Issues.
Biosense Webster, Inc. requires a prompt and diligent response to potential violations of
the company's compliance program, including its standards regulating the marketing and
promotion of our products. Actions in response to detected problems may include improving
policies, procedures, training, communication and monitoring or may require disciplinary action
to prevent future violations.
If you would like Biosense Webster, Inc. to send or fax a copy of the Comprehensive Compliance Program and Declaration of Compliance, contact us toll-free at 800-729-9010.

