The state of Maryland’s Public Ethics Law, U.S. Public Health Service Regulations (PHS), and UMB Conflict of Interest Policies require the disclosure and approval of certain financial interests and relationships.
Please visit the UMB Conflict of Interest Office for more information. The following are a few examples of conflict of interest matters requiring disclosure and approval.
State of Maryland Public Ethics Law
Faculty and staff are encouraged to inquire, through the Conflict of Interest Officer, whether specific relationships fall under the law and require an exemption in order to be a lawful relationship. The State of Maryland Public Ethics Commission may also be consulted for questions concerning the public ethics law.
- Secondary Employment and Participation Restrictions:
- Having a financial interest in or relationship with an entity doing business with UMB.
- Spousal collaboration on research projects.
- Other prohibitions apply such as the prohibition on solicitation or acceptance of gifts and honoraria, prohibition of the use of the prestige of office for private gain, and prohibition of disclosure or use of confidential information obtained as a faculty member for personal economic benefit or the economic benefit of another.
PHS Regulations
- Mandatory training and significant financial interest disclosures are required for each individual participating in PHS-funded research.
Institutional Conflict of Interest
- Institutional Conflict of Interest (ICOI) involves covered university transactions or covered senior official relationships. Senior Officials, which includes the President, Provost, Deans, Department Chairs, Division Chiefs, Center/Institute/Program Directors, and Vice Presidents (if they have responsibility for approval, conduct, funding, or oversight of research, scholarship, or teaching at the University) are required to complete annual ICOI disclosures by May 15 and complete ICOI training once every four years. Identified University Offices must complete semiannual reports on covered University transactions. Please review the ICOI policy for more details.
eDisclose Application
eDisclose is the electronic portal for the submission and review of external professional relationships and conflicts of interest disclosures. The myUMB portal has a link for eDisclose or you may access eDisclose at cicero.umaryland.edu and select dashboard.