UAMS ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDE

NUMBER: 5.1.07
DATE: 01/15/97
REVISION:

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to inform all departments within the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) of the requirements to be followed in the use of Professional Preference Procurements. Certain professionally preferred medical items used by physicians within UAMS are among the commodities which are exempt from Arkansas State Purchasing Law and qualify for Professional Preference Procurement. Request for approval of Professional Preference must be submitted in writing, signed by the physician, and approved by the UAMS Director of Procurement Services.

PROCEDURE

1. Any item requested by a physician specifically for hands-on patient care may be considered as "professionally preferred", and is therefore exempt from Arkansas State Purchasing Law.
2. Those items specifically requested by a physician for treatment or diagnosis of patients in his or her care include prosthetic devices, surgical instruments, heart valves, pacemakers, radioisotopes, and catheters.
3. The Procurement Services Department may obtain bids on professionally preferred items, if they can be obtained from more than one source.