About
What is a Conflict of Interest (CoI)?
A conflict of interest may exist when an employee's financial or other interests interfere, or appear to interfere, with the obligation to act in OHSU's best interest. Because the appearance of a conflict may be as damaging to the public trust as an actual conflict, potential conflicts must be disclosed, evaluated, and managed with the same thoroughness as actual conflicts. One example of a conflict of interest would be signing a contract for OHSU to do business with a company in which you own stock.
Who is required to report a CoI?
All employees of OHSU are responsible for reporting potential CoIs.
What should be reported as a CoI?
A CoI includes situations such as: hiring or supervising a relative or domestic partner (see policies 03-05-045 and 03-05-040 ); acceptance of a gift in violation of the Gifts to Individuals policy No. 10-01-025 ; endorsing a vendor's products or services on behalf of OHSU without obtaining prior approval as required under Policy No. 08-10-009 . Additional examples are listed in the Conflicts of Interest Policy (No. 10-01-020).
When should a CoI be disclosed?
Whenever a real or apparent conflict of interest is thought to exist and has not already been disclosed on the Outside Activity CoI disclosure form, Conflict of Interest in Research disclosure form, or the Institutional Conflict of Interest form.
Where do I send a CoI disclosure for review?
- Employee discloses to department chair or supervisor for resolution.
- If necessary, Provost or Executive Vice President is consulted for approval.
Resources
- Policy: Conflicts of Interest (No. 10-01-020).
- Disclosure Form: no specific form required
- Contact: OHSU Integrity Office – 503-494-8849
