Conflicts of Interest

Guidelines for Vendor Relationships
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Equipment Trial and Purchase

Q: The sales representative from Acme Corporation has offered us a krypton-X machine for our clinical practice on a trial basis. May I accept?
A: There must be clear agreement between your department and Acme Corporation on what "trial basis" means and what the obligations are for both parties. Free equipment cannot be accepted unless the department provides the vendor with a fair market value equivalent for its use; for example, if it is a product under development, the department might provide detailed feedback on the equipment's performance during a short-term trial. See Mount Sinai's Purchasing Policy for more detailed guidelines.

Q: A manufacturer of biomedical equipment knows that I am interested in purchasing a new microscope, and has invited me to visit the company's manufacturing plant to see how the latest equipment is made. The company has offered to pay all expenses for the trip. Can I go?
A: If the trip would be useful for evaluating the equipment and making a purchasing decision, you should pay your own way.