March 12, 2008
Medical Society Warns Of 'Unintended Consequences'
By Matthew L. Brown
The Massachusetts Medical Society says it supports the state Senate's proposed health care legislation, but argues that restricting drug company gifts to physicians could hurt doctors.
The Waltham-based society praised Senate Bill 2526 in general, especially its measures concerning health care costs, transparency and efficiency. But the society also said the bill as it's currently drafted could have unintended consequences for hospital workforces, technology, professional liability, medical malpractice and with regard to gifts to physicians.
The bill would restrict drug company gifts to doctors in order to prevent undue influence on prescriptions. The society argues that the measure would limit drug company support for medical education programs and curtail the distribution of scientifically accurate information in medical and scientific publications.
The Waltham-based society praised Senate Bill 2526 in general, especially its measures concerning health care costs, transparency and efficiency. But the society also said the bill as it's currently drafted could have unintended consequences for hospital workforces, technology, professional liability, medical malpractice and with regard to gifts to physicians.
The bill would restrict drug company gifts to doctors in order to prevent undue influence on prescriptions. The society argues that the measure would limit drug company support for medical education programs and curtail the distribution of scientifically accurate information in medical and scientific publications.
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