Table 2 Proposed criteria for conflicts of interest

1. CEs that are members of an ERN can receive unrestricted grants as well as research grants from a pharmaceutical company provided full and timely (i.e., advance) disclosure of receiving such grants is given to the ERN’s Steering Committee and the amount does not conflict with other criteria

2. Centres of Expertise (CEs) cannot become a member of an ERN if it is primarily funded by and financially dependent on industry for a substantial part (to be defined by an independent body)

3. Healthcare professionals and patient representatives involved in CEs and ERNs cannot take part in the development of clinical guidelines and protocols, such as care pathways, treatment guidelines and diagnostic strategies, if they have the following serious conflicts of interest relevant to the CE or ERN:

 a. being employed by a company with commercial interest

 b. having equity or other ownership interests in a company with commercial interest

 c. receiving fees for work related activities on a personal bank account

 d. receiving fees that are disproportional to the work done (i.e., maximum fee more than locally agreed standards per hour)

4. Healthcare professionals and patient representatives involved in CEs and ERNs can take part in the development of clinical guidelines and protocols, such as care pathways, treatment guidelines and diagnostic strategies, if they have the following conflicts of interest, provided that they fully disclose these relationships and compensation is reasonable (according to local standards):

 a. performing activities in the context of clinical trials

 b. performing consultancies for a company

 c. giving presentations during meetings organized by a company

 d. receiving reasonable reimbursement of travel and hotel costs as part of meetings organized by a pharmaceutical company