PhRMA's new code bans members from giving small gifts

The Pharmaceutical research and Manufacturers of America has banned member companies from giving physicians meals, pens, mugs and other small gifts under an updated version of PhRMA’s code that governs interactions between drug makers and health-care professionals.

The new code will take effect next January. Companies in compliance will be listed on PhRMA’s Web site and will have to certify their compliance every year. Educational items, such as anatomical models, are still acceptable, as long as they cost less than $100.

“Providing items for healthcare professionals’ use that do not advance disease or treatment education—even if they are practice-related items of minimal value—may foster misperceptions that company interactions with healthcare professionals are not based on informing them about medical and scientific issues.”