Academic medical centers write their own rules.

The interaction between pharmaceutical and device companies and hospitals and physicians has undergone significant transformation in the past few years due to the public's perception that bias may result when such relationships are not disclosed and monitored. Policies need to be written by medical centers and hospitals to preserve and retain the trust of the public. The policy written by Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions is outlined and its implications discussed in this article. The importance of such policies in guiding young faculty and staff as they begin their careers cannot be overemphasized.