Bill > S1480

This bill aims to prevent undue influence on prescriber behavior by regulating the provision of modest meals and refreshments by pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturing companies to healthcare practitioners. Key provisions include: 1) Defining "Modest Meals and Refreshments" as food and/or drinks provided by or paid for by a pharmaceutical or medical device company, with costs not exceeding the U.S. General Services Administration per diem rate for Massachusetts. 2) Prohibiting the provision of alcoholic beverages during informational presentations by pharmaceutical or medical device companies, and requiring meals and refreshments to be provided within the context of the presentation, not before or after. 3) Expanding reporting requirements to include details on the total amount spent on meals, venue, and other items provided during such presentations, as well as the names and credentials of attendees and presenters. 4) Requiring the Department of Public Health to collect receipts for all reporting expenditures under this law. The overall goal is to limit the ability of pharmaceutical and medical device companies to unduly influence prescriber behavior through the provision of meals, refreshments, and other items of value.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S1480