Texas Senate Bill SB151

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/10/08

Caption

Relating to the disclosure of certain expenditures by prescription drug manufacturers; imposing a penalty.

Impact

If enacted, SB151 would impose mandatory requirements on pharmaceutical companies operating within Texas. Each company would be obligated to file an annual report with the Department of State Health Services and the Texas State Board of Pharmacy detailing the nature and value of any economic benefits provided. This could significantly impact how these companies engage with healthcare providers, shifting the focus towards more ethical marketing practices and potentially reducing conflicts of interest in patient care.

Summary

SB151, introduced in Texas, focuses on the disclosure of financial expenditures by prescription drug manufacturers. This bill targets the increasing concern over the marketing practices of pharmaceutical companies, particularly the gifts and financial incentives offered to healthcare professionals and institutions. By requiring detailed reporting of such activities, the bill aims to enhance transparency in pharmaceutical marketing and ensure that healthcare providers are not unduly influenced by manufacturers' promotional efforts.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB151 include concerns from pharmaceutical companies about the potential for overregulation and the disclosure of trade secrets. Critics argue that the requirements could burden smaller companies while larger firms may have more resources to comply. Supporters, however, contend that the benefits of enhanced transparency far outweigh the potential drawbacks, as evidenced by rising public trust in healthcare systems when patients know their providers are not biased by hidden incentives. Additionally, the maximum civil penalty for non-compliance stands at $10,000, which may also be a point of discussion among legislators considering the bill.