It’s been a while since we asked about a topic that often seems to get readers riled up: Drug-industry gifts to doctors. We like the subject because it draws comments from all sides. “Getting free meals and all-expense-paid trips to conferences creates a subtle sense of obligation on the part of the doctor,” some will say. “What kind of doctor would be influenced by such petty things?” others will respond. We bring up the subject because, as the WSJ reminds us , new laws go into effect today in Massachusetts and Vermont to radically limit the gifts drug and device makers can give to doctors. Things have

been moving in this direction for a while now, and the drug industry itself has moved away from giving docs the branded trinkets that have traditionally littered waiting rooms. Several other states are looking at tightening the rules that govern gifts to docs, and some academic medical centers and hospitals have put their own restrictions in place. But enough from us; what do you think? Health Blog Question of the Day : What do you think of banning most gifts to doctors from the drug and medical device industries?

Original post:
What Do You Think of Banning Drug Industry Gifts to Doctors?