Massachusetts seeks ban on pharma gifts to doctors
Would be most restrictive in United States
Some lawmakers in Massachusetts have introduced legislation that would make the state the first in the nation to impose an outright ban on all pharmaceutical marketing gifts to physicians. The bill also seeks statewide adoption of electronic medical records.
The ban on gifts would forbid pharma representatives from offering gifts, and physicians from accepting them. The proposed ban extends to physicians' staff and family, but would permit distribution of drug samples for exclusive use of patients.
Gifts, as defined by the bill, would include payments, entertainment, meals, travel, honorariums, subscriptions, and office supplies with drug company logos imprinted on them. Violation of the ban would carry a $5,000 fine, two years in prison, or both.
The Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) immediately issued a statement praising the intent of the proposed legislation, but taking strong issue with how it would accomplish its aims.
"While understanding the intent of this provision to prevent undue influence by drug companies on the prescribing patterns of physicians and sharing that concern, the Society believes this proposal would have the unintended consequences of limiting support for legitimate continuing medical education programs," the MMS stated. "It would also potentially curtail the distribution of scientifically accurate information in medical and scientific publications."
Current MMS policy states that gifts accepted by physicians "should be related to a patient benefit or the physician's work and must be modest in nature." The current MMS stance on gifts to physicians aligns with policy or guidelines held by most medical associations, including the American Medical Association, which permit gifts of continuing medical education sponsorships and small gifts (office supplies, models, etc.) that are practice-related and modest in cost.
Less-restrictive legislation has been passed in other states, most of which set dollar limits on the value of gifts to physicians from the pharmaceutical industry.
Some lawmakers in Massachusetts have introduced legislation that would make the state the first in the nation to impose an outright ban on all pharmaceutical marketing gifts to physicians. The bill also seeks statewide adoption of electronic medical records.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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