Tighter pharmaceutical marketing codes eliminate swag, restaurant-based events
Published: July 17, 2008
Meeting planners working with pharmaceutical companies have a new set of regulations to learn. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) Board of Directors revised the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals, which regulates pharmaceutical marketing practices to ensure they comply with ethical standards, encourage transparency in the industry and increase patient trust in the healthcare system. The tighter, voluntary restrictions will go into effect January 2009.
Changes to the code include:
- A prohibition on distributing non-educational items (i.e., pens, mugs and logo-ed giveaways) to healthcare providers and staff.
- A prohibition on providing restaurant meals to healthcare professionals. No entertaining or providing recreation is allowed either, and statements to that effect in the revised code clarify and strengthen previous regulations. However, catering in-office meals in conjunction with informational presentations is allowed.
Click here for more information on PhRMA Code updates.
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