SOURCE: FWST, Associated Press
July 11

New pharma ethics rules eliminate gifts and meals

By MARLEY SEAMAN
AP Business Writer

"NEW YORK -- Drug company sales representatives will have to stop doling out coffee mugs and pens that push their products when they visit doctor's offices. But they can still sneak in the occasional free lunch.

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America announced Thursday that it has revised its conduct code for interacting with health care professionals. The updated guidelines ban the knicknacks bearing company and product logos.

Sales representatives are prohibited from providing restaurant meals and entertainment or recreation. But they can still provide the occasional, modest meal in a healthcare professional's office "in conjunction with informational presentations," according to a statement from PhRMA.
The updated code also emphasizes that drug companies should separate any funding they provide for continuing medical education from their sales and marketing departments. It notes that the funding should support education "on a full range of treatment options and not to promote a particular medicine."

PhRMA said meetings between sales representatives and doctors should be focused on informing health care professionals about products, sharing scientific and educational information and supporting research and education.

The new rules take effect Jan. 1."

Bio on Blog Author

Laura Van Hoosier, MS, APR, is a seasoned health care public relations practitioner who received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Texas A&M University, and a master’s degree in Advertising/PR from Texas Christian University.

She has more than 15 years experience in public relations and marketing with hospitals and banks throughout Texas.

An award-winning professional, she has successfully managed several high-profile crises situations for organizations, and her work has been seen on “Oprah,” CNN, “Good Morning Texas,” and all of the Dallas/Fort Worth media outlets including channels 4, 5, 8, 11, 33, as well as the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, The Dallas Morning News, and The Fort Worth Business Press, just to name a few.

A Fort Worth YWCA “Tribute to Women in Business” honoree, she has received several IABC Bronze and Silver Quill awards for her communications projects, as well as a prestigious honor from The Health Academy with PRSA’s national organization.

Known for her hands-on development of young talent, Van Hoosier is recognized for mentoring dozens of PR professionals who are today leaders in their respective industries.

She is the immediate past president of the Greater Fort Worth Chapter of PRSA, and is a public affairs volunteer for the American Red Cross. During 2009, she'll be serving as the APR Chair for the PRSA Southwest District, and an Assembly Delegate representing the Greater Fort Worth Chapter of PRSA.

A married mother of three girls, Van Hoosier enjoys reading and running.