Conflict FAQs

  • What is the definition of “no direct financial relationships with industry?”
    • A direct financial relationship is a compensated relationship held by an individual that should generate an IRS Form W-2, 1099 or equivalent income report.  
       
  • How is a majority defined for those committees/groups requiring that a majority of members have no direct financial relationships with industry? 
    • A simple majority, 51%.
       
  • To whom does the $50,000 in income in aggregate from industry apply?
    • For those committees/groups requiring that a majority of members have no direct financial relationship with industry, the rule applies to the remaining 49% minority.
       
  • Which SVS Committees have special COI requirements?
    • The following have special requirements: All SVS Practice Guideline and Reporting Standards writing groups; the VAM Program Committee; the Post Grad Education Committee; Document Oversight Committee; Conflict of Interest and Professional Conduct Committee; Performance Measures Committee.
       
  • Are there other positions that have special COI requirements?
    • Yes, the SVS officers, JVS editors, Rutherford editors and VESAP editors.
  • Does having industry income preclude me from serving on an SVS committee?
    • No, it does not. Not all SVS committees, groups or positions are restricted from receiving industry income. Please see the above questions and refer to the attached chart for those with special requirements.
       
  • I serve on an Industry Advisory Board for XYZ Device Company. All remuneration is paid to my hospital. Does this constitute a financial relationship with industry?
    • No, as long as you do not receive a 1099, W-2, or equivalent income report directly from the company.
       
  • I serve on an Industry Advisory Board for XYZ Device Company. The company pays for my travel expenses only. Does this constitute a financial relationship with industry?
    • The COI policy defines a financial relationship with a company as income that generates a 1099, W-2, or equivalent income report directly from the company.
       
  • ACME Pharma provided a CME grant to my regional society’s meeting. I received an honorarium for speaking at the meeting. Does this count as industry income? 
    • No, as long as you do not receive a 1099, W-2, or equivalent income report directly from the company.   
       
  • I am a PI for Downton Endo’s clinical trial at my institution. All research grant monies go to my hospital. I am paid an extra stipend by the hospital for running the trial. Is this considered a direct financial relationship?  
    • No, as long as you do not receive a 1099, W-2, or equivalent income report directly from the company. 
       
  • I have no direct financial relationships with industry. Do I still need to disclose research grants and funds paid directly to my institution?
    • Yes, you still need to disclose the information.​
       
  • I received an honorarium from a medical education company for a lecture at the XYZ conference which was a CME event. Is this considered industry income?
    • No, this would be an exception to “industry income.”

Find out more about SVS Conflicts of Interest.