Discuss laws, codes and/or other sources governing gifts by pharmaceutical representatives to doctors.

To maintain professionalism and ethics, pharmaceutical representative gifts to doctors may be subject to laws, codes or other regulations. First, the Anti-Kickback Statute is a law that prohibits payments or offers which may influence prescriptions of drugs.

The Physician Payment Sunshine act also requires that companies who sell products covered under Medicare/Medicaid report all transfers in value over $10. Failure to do so can lead to substantial financial penalties. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association’s (PhRMA), which has its own marketing code, also includes guidelines for when and how gifts may be given.

In order to prevent any conflict of interests, it’s important that physicians and pharmaceutical reps are both aware of these guidelines. Such interactions should put the patient first.