AdvaMed Code of Ethics 2025 Updates: Data-Driven Technologies

The Advanced Medical Technology Association (“AdvaMed”) Code of Ethics on Interactions with U.S. Health Care Professionals serves as the medical technology industry’s comprehensive guidance on navigating ethical interactions and relationships with healthcare professionals. The Code was originally launched in 1993, but AdvaMed periodically updates it to reflect the evolving healthcare landscape, regulatory environment, and emerging technologies.

This latest update in November 2025 adds Section XIV on Data-Driven Technologies to address the ethical considerations surrounding digital health, data privacy, and cybersecurity. Below are key features of the 2025 update.

New Section XIV on Data-Driven Technologies

The most significant update is the addition of Section XIV – Data-Driven Technologies to address the growing role of data-driven medical technologies in healthcare settings. These guidelines provide principles for companies to apply as new technologies develop,  affecting the quantity, mechanisms, and nature of data collection.

The Key Principles under the Section are as follows:

Principles of Trust

• Use data for patient benefit to improve access, outcomes, research, and safety
• Minimize personal data to protect privacy and prevent inappropriate identification
• Use data only for articulated and authorized purposes

Principles of Privacy, Transparency, Consent & Control

• Protect patient privacy through industry best practices and international standards
• Implement organizational security measures for confidentiality, integrity, and availability
• Collect data transparently with appropriate notice and permission
• Give individuals control over their personal data

Principles of Responsibility in Data Management

• Manage personal data according to medical technology ethics standards
• Ensure stakeholder collaboration for clear understanding of data collection, use, and protection
• Deploy appropriate technology and continuous improvement processes
• Train teams in data protection and cybersecurity

These principles emphasize companies’ responsibilities regarding data use and protection, as well as provide a framework for controls and policies in this space.

Additional Minor Updates

 The other revisions to the Code are minor. This version updates the terminology from “Equitable Access for All Patients & Diversity” to “Fair Access for All Patients & Inclusion” in Section I to reflect evolving language around healthcare access and representation. It also expands the description of data-driven devices and solutions under Section I, to emphasize AdvaMed’s intention to promote best practices in the face of evolving technologies.

These updates to the introductory section do not provide any substantive changes to the Code, but indicate updates in language or industry focus.

Why This Matters

The addition of Section XIV reflects the medical technology industry’s response to the rapid growth of digital health technologies, artificial intelligence/machine learning applications, remote monitoring devices, and data analytics platforms. This update demonstrates AdvaMed’s commitment to establishing ethical standards for emerging technologies while maintaining trust with healthcare professionals and patients.

The new section provides companies with guidance on responsibly managing the collection, use, and protection of health data, which is increasingly critical as medical devices become more connected and data-driven. For more information or to discuss how these revisions may affect existing compliance endeavors, please contact Madison M. Pool or Laura S. Dona.