U of M Regents consider new ethics policy

The University of Minnesota is moving closer to a sweeping overhaul of its conflict of interest policies, which advisors say will put it at the forefront of universities nationally.

The Board of Regents heard a presentation Friday on the new policy, which has been the subject of discussion within the university for months. A vote is expected in March.

The policy calls for the regents to set the ethical standards for the institution and define who is covered, but delegates the details to university officials.

University General Counsel Mark Rotenberg says the policy is unusual because it covers all university employees, not just those in medicine or medical research.

He says it also gives the university the flexibility to more closely monitor employees with high-risk jobs, including those doing human research.

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