Proposed Legislation Expands Gift Disclosure

Upon returning from its summer recess, the U.S. Senate was considering legislation that would require public reporting of all payments and gifts to physicians from drug and medical device manufacturers. The recently introduced legislation is more comprehensive than any similar regulation in place in any state. For instance, Minnesota and Vermont require such disclosures and Maine and West Virginia have passed measures that may soon require disclosure.

The new Senate bill expands disclosure to medical device manufacturers and creates a more inclusive list of gifts and benefits that companies must disclose. For instance, financing of continuing medical education activities would be included. The bill was introduced by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis).