The Future of Conflicts of Interest: A Call for Professional Standards

Abstract

Stricter policies regarding conflicts of interest policies will increase transparency but have limitations and unintended adverse consequences. Physicians and the medical profession should take the lead in developing policies, rather than responding to external regulations. The goal is to reduce significant risks of undue influence, while keeping the burdens and opportunity costs of policies acceptable. © 2012 American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics, Inc.