Bill > S884

This bill seeks to establish clear guidelines for pharmaceutical and medical device companies when providing meals and refreshments during educational presentations to healthcare practitioners. The bill defines "Modest Meals and Refreshments" as food and drinks whose cost does not exceed the per diem allowance set by the U.S. General Services Administration for Massachusetts localities, with these allowances to be updated annually. The legislation stipulates that such presentations must occur in a professional setting, prohibit alcoholic beverages, and take place during the educational session itself, not before or after. Additionally, the bill requires detailed reporting for these presentations, mandating that companies disclose specific information such as total meal and venue expenses, presentation content, number and names of attendees, presenter credentials, and any other economic value provided. The Department of Public Health will be responsible for collecting receipts and overseeing compliance with these new reporting requirements, which aim to increase transparency and reduce potential conflicts of interest in pharmaceutical education settings.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S884