Massachusetts Leads the Way in Controlling Drug Company Gifts
The government of Massachusetts has taken a big step to control the amount of influence that drug companies and medical device manufacturers have on doctors in their state. Governor Deval Patrick has signed a bill into law that will put more transparency into financial relationships between doctors and suppliers.
Payment to doctors was an important part of the Act to Promote Cost Containment, Transparency and Efficiency in the Delivery of Quality Health Care. The bill contains a section that requires pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing companies to report any gifts to healthcare professionals of $50 or more. The state Department of Public Health will record such payments and make them publicly available on the state’s website: http://www.mass.gov.
State Senator Mark Montigny was one of the first to compliment the governor on signing this bill into law. He had been the author of earlier legislation aimed at banning all such gifts. The legislation that did pass at the $50 mark represented a compromise between members of the state’s House of Representatives and the Senate.
“Biased marketing and financial inducements are destructive to the sacred doctor-patient relationship,” Senator Montigny said. “Cost controls, disclosure and transparency are imperative as we demand universal access to quality healthcare. I commend the governor for standing firmly on the side of the patient and the taxpayer.”
Many states are getting more involved in working to control the rising costs of healthcare and it is likely that more restrictions will be forthcoming on the doctor and pharmaceutical industry relationships in the future. Massachusetts has taken the lead in implementing such reforms according to Senate President Therese Murray. “Massachusetts is known around the world for cutting-edge, top notch healthcare and medical research. We are leading the way, and this legislation allows us to continue that leadership, while proving the best healthcare possible for the people of the Commonwealth.”
Governor Patrick added his thoughts on the expectations he has for doctors and suppliers as a result of this bill. “This measure will set a marketing code of conduct to help ensure healthcare providers make choices about prescription drugs and medical devices for their patients based on therapeutic benefits and cost-effectiveness.”
Also included in this bill along with the transparency measures were an adoption of uniform billing and electronic health records, incentives for medical students and nurses to continue their education, and awards to hospitals who wish to upgrade their computer technology. It also gives the state more influence over curtailing the rising cost of health insurance.
Source: The State of Massachusetts Office of the Governor.
“Governor Patrick Signs Bill Enhancing Quality, Cost-Effectiveness and Transparency of Health Care.” August 2008.
http://www.mass.govfipageID=gov3pressreleasediL=18t1.0=Homedtsid=Agov3dtb=pressreleasedtf=080811_dr_gifts&csid=Ag
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