Companies Warned Against Doctor Gifts

PHARMACEUTICALS

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Some gifts or financial incentives that drug makers offer to doctors, pharmacists and others to encourage use of particular medicines may be illegal kickbacks, the government said.

The Department of Health and Human Services told drug companies that under guidelines proposed this week, payments or other benefits to encourage switching patients from competing medicines may violate federal law.

Offering entertainment, travel, meals or gifts also may be improper, according to the guidelines written by Janet Rehnquist, the agency’s inspector general.