Bill > S1584

This bill aims to prevent pharmaceutical and medical device companies from unduly influencing healthcare practitioners' prescribing behaviors by establishing stricter regulations on meals, refreshments, and presentations. It defines "Modest Meals and Refreshments" as food and drinks provided by pharmaceutical or medical device companies that do not exceed the U.S. General Services Administration's per diem meal allowance for Massachusetts, which will be updated annually. The bill mandates that educational presentations must prohibit alcoholic beverages, occur in professional settings (not recreational venues like resorts or casinos), and take place during the informational presentation itself, not before or after. Additionally, the bill requires pharmaceutical companies to report detailed information about these presentations, including total expenses for meals and venues, presentation content, number and names of prescriber attendees, presenter credentials, and any other economic items provided. The Department of Public Health will be responsible for collecting receipts for all reported expenditures, enhancing transparency and oversight of interactions between medical companies and healthcare practitioners.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1584