No freebies? No entry for pharma reps

Is this the shape of things to come? Two years after the state of Minnesota prohibited doctors from accepting more than $50 worth of food or gifts per year, pharma sales reps are having a tough time reaching them. Hospitals and clinics are banning routine visits, and doctors are turning away sales reps at twice the rate as doctors in other states.

The $50 limit doesn't apply to consulting fees, but drug makers do have to report those payments. Several other states also require disclosure of those fees, but none limits free food and tchotchkes--yet. New Jersey's attorney general has said she's considering it, and with so much attention on links between drug makers and physicians these days, other states may not be far behind.

- read the report from the New York Times

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