The Vermont Legislature quietly approved a physician secrecy law in May. While initially fashioned like the New Hampshire Physician Secrecy Law, this one is different. From the little I've been able to find out it would essentially restrict the flow prescription information, while creating a mechanism where doctors would need to join a special State-run program to see pharmaceutical sales representatives.
This bill was thrown together at the eleventh hour after a Federal Judge decimated similar legislation in neighboring New Hampshire (see
New Hampshire Data Ban Struck Down ). Proponents of secrecy legislation have toned down their rhetoric in Vermont, taking a different approach from the high-profile, major media blitz used in New Hampshire.
Sometime last week, the Governor signed the bill. The data companies will surely challenge the law. Rather than see the outcome of the appeal in NH, the Governor wanted to push forward. Lots of state funds will probably be burned in a costly legal challenge.
This bill was thrown together at the eleventh hour after a Federal Judge decimated similar legislation in neighboring New Hampshire (see New Hampshire Data Ban Struck Down ). Proponents of secrecy legislation have toned down their rhetoric in Vermont, taking a different approach from the high-profile, major media blitz used in New Hampshire.
Sometime last week, the Governor signed the bill. The data companies will surely challenge the law. Rather than see the outcome of the appeal in NH, the Governor wanted to push forward. Lots of state funds will probably be burned in a costly legal challenge.