MedPAC Calls for Disclosure
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission has called on Congress to adopt five recommendations that would require drug, device, and medical supply makers, and hospitals to disclose their financial ties to physicians and physician groups. They manufacturers would have to disclose financial relationships with pharmacies and pharmacists; health plans; pharmacy benefit managers and their employees; hospitals and medical schools; organizations that support continuing medical education; patient organizations; and professional organizations. MedPAC also urged Congress to require drug makers to post on a Web site all details about free drug samples. Lawmakers are not required to implement MedPAC recommendations.