FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 26, 2009

Contact: Michael Cox (503) 986-1904

 

House Democrats Require Disclosure by

Pharmaceutical Companies

HB 2376 would require disclosure of payouts to doctors and medical professionals

 

SALEM – House Democrats today voted to shine a light on the intense marketing techniques used by pharmaceutical and medical device companies.  House Bill 2376 will require these companies to annually disclose to the Oregon Department of Justice the value, nature and purpose of any gift or payment over $500 given to health care professionals.  Disclosure information will be compiled into an easily-accessible online searchable database.  The bill passed by a vote of 34-25.

 

“There must be some measure of transparency and accountability for the drug companies who spend billions of dollars marketing to the medical professionals who are responsible for prescribing their products,” said Representative Carolyn Tomei (D-Milwaukie), a chief co-sponsor of HB 2376.  “Patients need to be able to trust that their doctors have not been unduly influenced by the intense promotional efforts of the pharmaceutical companies.”

 

Citizens today are acutely aware of the pharmaceutical industry’s efforts to market prescription drugs directly to the consumer.  However, most people are not aware that pharmaceutical companies spend billions more dollars contracting with, and marketing to, doctors who, in addition to prescribing drugs, also advocate for their use at medical conferences and in medical journals.

 

“The behind-the-scenes financial arrangements between doctors and drug companies have the real potential to create conflicts of interest,” said Representative Mitch Greenlick (D-Portland), co-chief sponsor of HB 2376.  “By passing HB 2376 today, we will allow patients to find out whether their doctor has a financial relationship with a drug or medical device manufacturer.”

 

Modeled after bipartisan federal legislation, HB 2376 includes provisions that protect competition in the pharmaceutical and medical device industry.  This bill makes special accommodations to delay the reporting of payments for development or research and also does not require these companies to reveal proprietary information.  Additionally, similar laws in other states such as Minnesota have not proved to burden or chill industry affairs.  Ultimately, HB 2376 will control health care costs by providing financial transparency to patients.

 

HB 2376 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

 

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