Vermont Legislature Passes Bill Banning Most Gifts from Device Companies to Healthcare Providers

The Vermont Legislature has passed legislation that bans almost all gifts from medical device companies to healthcare providers, administrators and facilities in the state.

The legislation, which is expected to be signed into law by Republican Gov. Jim Douglas, would stop pharmaceutical companies and device makers from giving providers no-cost meals.

Vermont’s legislation would go further than similar laws that have been passed in Massachusetts and Minnesota by requiring drug and medical device manufacturers who give gifts to health providers to publicly disclose recipients’ names and dollar amounts of payments and gifts.