Topic

Key Points Raised

Decision/Action

1. Receiving funds from pharmaceutical companies

• Jennifer reviewed standards from AMA, MMA, Pharma trade association and ACCME. No model is readily available or directly applicable to MCA situation
• ONS local chapter does accept unrestricted grants from pharma for educational offerings
• Experience with Pfizer has been good – they funded technical development of the web portal and now reps will help distribute info to physicians’ offices.  Neither materials nor website acknowledge Pfizer
• From a practical standpoint, this is one of the few sources of funds for MCA activities

Draft a policy statement to bring to Steering Committee meeting for approval – gist is that MCA will accept unrestricted funds from pharma as long as there is no influence on content and/or program.

MCA will determine how acknowledgement of the contribution will be done

2. Fiscal agent for MCA

• Angie reported that it may become increasingly difficult for ACS to accept and pay out funds for the MCA, particularly for things over and above the annual Summit
• Other partnerships have faced similar dilemmas re handling finances
• Options include finding a true fiscal agent, such as a foundation or other non-profit or to become a 501c3.  Each has pros and cons. States have done both now.  Jury is out of what works best. 501c3 has legal implications re governance, tax filing, etc.
• Need to understand more about the legal implications and requirements re 501c3
• Possible fiscal agents: HP Foundation, BC Foundation, Medica Foundation, Fairview Foundation, Mayo Foundation, Minnesota Medical Foundation, Minnesota Institute of Public Health.
• ACS can use the funds it is holding now to cover the Summit in 2007 but it would be best if new moneys went elsewhere

Jane will contact MMF and MIPH to see whether these are possibilities

Recommend to SC that we pursue the fiscal agent option for the next 2 years, beginning with January 2007

Jennifer will consult w with the MN Council of Non-profits at a later date re 501c3 and Jane will consult with legal expert

Angie will sign contract for ACS with Earle Brown for Summit 2007

3. Use of “discretionary” MCA funds

• Need a way to handle revenue which exceeds Summit expenses
• It would be nice to provide task forces with seed money to help them get started, but not to undermine their search for more funding to support their work
• In principle, could give small internal grants ($5000 range) to Alliance projects, although these would need to be based on MCA priorities
• Priority-making process needs to be developed with Steering Committee
• “Application” would be simple and require clear-cut steps, budget, outputs and outcomes expected.  Could re reviewed by this committee or another.  Could keep open ended, depending on available funds.
• Might be good to accompany this with training for task force leaders

Recommend this approach to Steering Committee

Obtain approval from funders