Over the weekend the Governor of Massachusetts signed into law the Gift Ban. (Boston Globe Article Governor Signs Gift Ban). As we described in a previous posting Massachusetts S2660 – Gift Ban is a Case Against Nightshift Work, and Massachusetts S2660: Confusing "compromise" on Massachusetts gift ban, this bill is a mess.
The Governor sent a signal that perhaps they would use discretion in meeting the bills requirements:
“This measure will set a marketing code of conduct to help ensure health care providers make choices about prescription drugs and medical devices for their patients based on therapeutic benefits and cost-effectiveness,” said Governor Patrick. “I am confident the Department of Public Health, pursuant to its regulatory authority, will safeguard the confidentiality of companies’ trade secrets and proprietary information and protect against roadblocks to medical research or the education of health care providers.”
Several legislators are quoted in the Governors Press Release:
“I congratulate the Governor for his action today,” said Representative Pat Walrath (D-Stow), House Chair of the Health Care Financing Committee. "This legislation lays a firm foundation for the serious kind of cost containment that is necessary if we are to realize the goals of health reform, and I look forward to a continued partnership with the administration as we implement the law."
"Biased marketing and financial inducements are destructive to the sacred doctor-patient relationship. Evidence based academic detailing enhances this relationship. 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 taxpayer," said Senator Mark Montigny, author of the gift ban legislation and a former chair of the Health Care Committee.
The proponents of the Bill Prescription Project, Daniel Carlat, Blue Mass Group, and Massachusetts Healthcare for All are gloating over this bill.
This bill does nothing but pull resources from developing new medications and devices to filling out forms for the state and a boom to the compliance industry.
In the end, with the loss of high paying research jobs to the state, the state of Massachusetts will regret their decision.
Key Documents:
Text of Bill: Gift Ban
Boston Globe Article Governor Signs Gift Ban
Massachusetts S2660 – Gift Ban is a Case Against Nightshift Work
Massachusetts S2660: Confusing "compromise" on Massachusetts gift ban
Massachusetts Healthcare for All
Over the weekend the Governor of Massachusetts signed into law the Gift Ban. (Boston Globe Article Governor Signs Gift Ban). As we described in a previous posting Massachusetts S2660 – Gift Ban is a Case Against Nightshift Work, and Massachusetts S2660: Confusing "compromise" on Massachusetts gift ban, this bill is a mess.
The Governor sent a signal that perhaps they would use discretion in meeting the bills requirements:
“This measure will set a marketing code of conduct to help ensure health care providers make choices about prescription drugs and medical devices for their patients based on therapeutic benefits and cost-effectiveness,” said Governor Patrick. “I am confident the Department of Public Health, pursuant to its regulatory authority, will safeguard the confidentiality of companies’ trade secrets and proprietary information and protect against roadblocks to medical research or the education of health care providers.”
Several legislators are quoted in the Governors Press Release:
“I congratulate the Governor for his action today,” said Representative Pat Walrath (D-Stow), House Chair of the Health Care Financing Committee. "This legislation lays a firm foundation for the serious kind of cost containment that is necessary if we are to realize the goals of health reform, and I look forward to a continued partnership with the administration as we implement the law."
"Biased marketing and financial inducements are destructive to the sacred doctor-patient relationship. Evidence based academic detailing enhances this relationship. 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 taxpayer," said Senator Mark Montigny, author of the gift ban legislation and a former chair of the Health Care Committee.
The proponents of the Bill Prescription Project, Daniel Carlat, Blue Mass Group, and Massachusetts Healthcare for All are gloating over this bill.
This bill does nothing but pull resources from developing new medications and devices to filling out forms for the state and a boom to the compliance industry.
In the end, with the loss of high paying research jobs to the state, the state of Massachusetts will regret their decision.
Key Documents:
Text of Bill: Gift Ban
Boston Globe Article Governor Signs Gift Ban
Massachusetts S2660 – Gift Ban is a Case Against Nightshift Work
Massachusetts S2660: Confusing "compromise" on Massachusetts gift ban
Massachusetts Healthcare for All