Conflicts of interest are a matter of concern for the American Geriatrics Society (AGS)1. The integrity of scientific, educational, research, and other activities sponsored by the AGS depends on the avoidance of actual or perceived conflicts of interests.
Individuals serving in official capacities on behalf or under the auspices of the AGS have a fiduciary duty to exercise impartial judgments, and must act solely and exclusively for the benefit and in the best interests of the AGS and its members. On occasion, a situation may exist in which an individual serving the AGS in an elected, appointed or volunteer position, or as an employee, has an outside interest that would constitute a conflict of interest or a perceived conflict of interest.
PURPOSE OF POLICY
The AGS Conflict of Interest Policy for Board, Committees, and Senior Staff guides the identification and management of potential conflicts of interest. The purpose of this policy is to protect the interests of the AGS when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of a Director, Officer, Committee Member or Key Employee of the AGS. The AGS will not enter into any such transaction or arrangement unless it is determined in the manner described below to be fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of the AGS at the time of such determination.
REQUIREMENTS
All members of the AGS Board, Committees, and Senior Staff are required to complete a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form detailing the nature and extent of relationships that produce or may be perceived to produce a conflict of interest. The full list of disclosures can be found in the AGS Conflict of Interest Policy for Board, Committees, and Senior Staff.
Members of the AGS Board, Committees, and Senior Staff who have a relationship that produces, or may be perceived to produce, a conflict of interest should abstain from voting or otherwise participating in or influencing any decision or action potentially affected by the conflict. If the individual’s presence will deter open discussion of the issue, the individual should not be present for that discussion. Individuals with a conflict of interest must disclose to staff that they are recusing themselves from a discussion or vote.
1The Association of Directors of Geriatrics Academic Programs (ADGAP), a component organization of the AGS, adheres to AGS policies, including the AGS Conflict of Interest Policy for Board, Committees, and Senior Staff.