Taking ethics into account: the HAS perspective

The HAS is unique in France due to its status as an independent public authority. Its closest equivalent is the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in England and Wales. It stands out from other French health agencies by its independence and wide scope, covering health and the social and medico-social sectors. Its independence, guaranteed by law, is combined with regular dialogue with public authorities and external partners. Independence does not come without accountability; it must report its actions to the state and its control bodies (Parliament ant Justice in particular) and more broadly to society and health actors. Scientific rigor, independence, and transparency are at the heart of its values. The 2011 health law, adopted following the French Mediator scandal, established a common legal framework for preventing conflicts of interest in health. The has also developed its own complementary prevention tools. It ensures that the composition of its expert committees balances different schools of thought. In terms of transparency, the HAS publishes all its opinions and decisions, as well as methodological and practical guides. In a demanding context where scientific expertise is particularly scrutinized and the risk of a health crisis, such as Covid-19, is imminent, the HAS must maintain the highest standards of conflict of interest prevention and transparency. This is essential for the quality of expertise and public trust.