Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists
2209 Dickens Road 
Richmond, Virginia 23230-2005

Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists representatives, whether employees, volunteers, executive officers or members of the Board of Directors, will not engage in any activity, practice or act which conflicts with or appears to conflict with the interests of the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (SCA). SCA representatives shall not be involved in activities which adversely affect SCA reputation or relations with others, or which interfere with the fulfillment of its mission. Neither employees nor volunteers shall use their position or influence or information to which they have access to as a result of their association or any assets or resources of SCA for their own personal gain, for trading, or for the improper benefit of others.

This policy is not intended to inhibit, prevent, or discourage SCA representatives from continuing to actively participate in impartial and unbiased decision making and policy setting. This policy does not preclude employees, volunteers, executive officers, members of the Board of Directors, or committee members from actively participating in other organizations which may be of benefit to medical communities except as stated in the society bylaws.

SCOPE
This policy applies to on and off-the-job activities of all SCA employees and to volunteers when they are performing functions related to SCA, or when acting on behalf of SCA. Specifically, this will also include all members of the educational committee charged with the delineation of Continuing Medical Education activities. Declaration and signing of the conflict of interest policy should be performed on an annual basis.

PROCEDURES
It is not possible to list every circumstance that could violate this policy. The following is provided as a guide to the types of employee/volunteer activities that could create either actual violations or perceptions of violations.

1. Conduct, which is either directly or indirectly disruptive, competitive or damaging to SCA.
2. Directing or acting in a manner intended to influence decision making on SCA business to organizations or businesses in which they have a financial or personal interest.
3. Directly or indirectly influencing the allocation of funds, or purchase of goods or services, based on a personal or family interest in or affiliation to specific agencies or businesses.
4. Accepting travel, a loan, or cash in any amount, excessive entertainment, services, favored treatment, or substantial or unusual accommodation of any nature or a gift while acting as a representative of the SCA or working on behalf of SCA of more than nominal value ($100 or above) from any person or concern, which does or is seeking to do business with SCA.

(This prohibition is not intended to apply to gifts, entertainment and/or other benefits of nominal value that clearly are in keeping with good business practices and ethics and which do not obligate the recipient or the SCA.)

1. Using or disclosing sensitive or confidential information in a manner that might be prejudicial to the best interests of SCA, or disclosing non-public information regarding persons or firms doing business with SCA.
2. Using the SCA name, time, property, or information (sensitive or confidential) in making personal investments or financial transactions.
3. Acting in a manner that might cause others to reasonably believe that the action is using “inside” information for their own personal profit or the profit of friends, relatives or others.
4. Performing compensated services for or having a beneficial interest in, or being substantially obligated to (or a similar relationship for any family member or close relative), any of SCA's suppliers of goods or services or any other organization doing business with SCA unless such fact has been properly disclosed to the Executive Committee of the Board of SCA, and such relationship has been specifically approved by the Board on the basis of a full disclosure of the facts.