State Policy: Texas introduces Two Transparency Bills “Everybody Loves Transparency”

”Everybody loves Transparency – this was the theme of a recent Dallas Morning News article outlining two transparency bills SB 151and SB 296 introduced in the Texas State Senate.

States across the country are introducing “Transparency” bills.  Texas, a normally conservative state, is not likely to pass a bill without significant modification to the current versions.  The language covers the value of any “gift,” fee, payment, subsidy, or any other economic benefit received in connection with detailing, promotion, or other marketing activities.

There is a school of thought that doctors are prescribing expensive, higher-level drugs as a result of these drug companies – who throw elaborate dinners and provide them gifts," said Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, who filed one of the bills.

"We want to make sure there is no inappropriate influence."

The bills, one of which would also apply to medical device manufacturers, follow several Dallas Morning News reports about Texas doctors' and researchers' relationships with drug companies.  They would force the pharmaceutical firms to submit an annual list to the state of every payment or gift made to a doctor, pharmacist, hospital, or nursing home.

Dr. Josie Williams, President of the Texas Medical Association, said her organization "supports transparency in health care, and favors transparency in this area as well."

One Republican State Senator, Bob Deuell, M.D., stated —  he does not see anything wrong with doctors who are paid for their services.  That said, he believes the reporting requirements are appropriate.

Reference

Dallas Morning News:  Bills Seek Disclosure of Pharmaceutical Companies’ Payments to Doctors.

Bills in Texas Legislature:

Sponsor SB 151 –  State Senator Rodney Ellis (Democrat)

Legislative History – Bill Track SB 151

Text of Bill SB 151

Sponsor SB 296 – State Senator Royce West (Democrat)

Legislative History – Bill Track SB 296

Text of Bill SB 296