4. Members’ Employees

Member employees represent both their company and the pharmaceutical industry as a whole in the eyes of Stakeholders. They are the main point of contact between the pharmaceutical industry and Stakeholders in Canada’s health care sector

Member employees must act in accordance with the highest professional and ethical standards at all times. They are expected to understand and abide by the Code whenever they are acting in a professional capacity.

Members must ensure that all employees who are employed by or acting on behalf of the Member Companies receive training about the applicable laws and regulations that govern the employees’ interactions with Stakeholders as well as this Code.1

[[1]]Refers to Guiding Principle #4. Member Companies are responsible for the work of agencies and/or third parties hired to do work on their behalf.

On-line Rx&D Code training, while not mandatory, is available to support Members and third party agencies in fulfilling this obligation.[[1]]

Members must train their employees interacting with Stakeholders, specifically:

4.2.3.1 Standards for Employment and Training

All employees should have sufficient knowledge of their subject matter, reflecting the requirement of their professional practice. Employees interacting with Health Care Professionals must have sufficient knowledge of general science and product specific information to provide accurate and up-to-date information.

4.2.3.2

Member Sales Representatives interacting with Health Care Professionals must successfully complete the accreditation course offered by the Council for Continuing Pharmaceutical Education (CCPE) within two years of commencing their employment. Sales representatives hired to only deliver samples are not required to complete the CCPE accreditation course.

4.2.3.3

Member employees whose job function includes responsibility for Continued Health Education (CHE) development and design as well as other relevant professionals must take a certified course in CHE training prior to or within one year of attaining responsibility for CHE activity.