Vermont restricts prescribing data use

Medical and consumer groups applauded Vermont after Gov. Jim Douglas signed into law a bill that will sharply limit the marketing and data-mining capabilities of drug manufacturers. The most controversial aspect of the law is a restriction on access to prescription drug records. Doctors will have to agree to allow drug manufacturers access to their prescribing information for use in sales efforts. The bill was revised after a similar law in New Hampshire, which completely banned the practice, was struck down by a federal court earlier this year. In addition, the Vermont law provides doctors with vouchers for generic drugs intended to balance the influence of free samples of brand drugs. Similar bills have also been introduced in Maine, New York, and Texas.

To see more Hot off the Press news articles, click here.

To go to the Drug Topics homepage, click here.