Bill > HB1134

This bill, titled "Pharmaceutical Drugs and Devices - Gifts to Health Care Professionals - Prohibition," establishes a new regulation in Maryland that prohibits sellers of certain pharmaceutical drugs and devices from giving or offering gifts to health care professionals if the total retail value of those gifts exceeds $50 within a calendar year. A "gift" is broadly defined to include payments, food, entertainment, travel, subscriptions, advances, services, or anything else of value, unless the health care professional pays its fair market value back. However, peer-reviewed medical literature is specifically excluded from this definition of a gift. A "health care professional" is defined as an individual licensed or certified under the Health Occupations Article and authorized to prescribe or recommend prescription products, or a partnership, corporation, or an officer, employee, agent, or contractor of such individuals acting within their scope of employment or contract related to healthcare provision, but it does not include individuals solely employed by a manufacturer. Violating this provision is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both, and the law is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1134?ys=2026RS