Massachusetts Drug Firms Oppose New Law Publicizing Gifts To Doctors

Boston, MA (AHN) - Drug firms and biotechnology groups have launched a major campaign against a newly passed state law which sets conditions for gifts and donations to doctors.

The state House and Senate approved the law last week, which mandates pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms to report to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health any payment or gift over $50 give to a healthcare worker. The gifts will be published in the state's portal. Violators of the law will be fined $5,000.

The law seeks to limit the influence of drug firms on physicians so the medical practitioners would diagnose and prescribe based on the best treatment or medication for patients, not on economic rewards from the pharmaceutical companies.

Among the groups with known political connections which are lobbying against the law were the Massachusetts High Technology Council, Associated Industries of Massachusetts and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

As part of their lobby efforts, members of these groups have sent letters and emails, made phone calls and issued action alerts to the state government to air their opposition to the law because of its potential chilling effect on biotech companies, which are now flourishing in the state.

John Hefferman, vice president of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, wrote to Gov. Deval Patrick, "We are convinced this legislation will erode the state's competitive edge... In fact, news of Massachusetts' toughest-in-the-nation policy has already created negative buzz in the life sciences industry."

The governor has until Aug. 13 to veto the law, which prompted 24 percent of practicing physicians in Massachusetts to threaten to move out of the state.