Bill Positions

Bill Number: HB 50

Bill Title: Prescription Drugs - Use of Prescriber Identifying Information

Bill Sponsor(s): Delegate Montgomery

Subject: Health

Committee: HGO

Bill Summary: This bill would prohibit pharmaceutical manufacturers, health insurance carriers, pharmacy benefits managers, and other companies doing business with the state from using prescriber identifying information to market or promote prescription drugs. The bill would also prohibit the use of a prescriber's identifying information without their consent, specify how prescription drugs must be marketed, and impose fines and criminal penalties for violations.

History: In 2007, similar legislation (SB 266) was opposed by the Chamber and received an unfavorable report in FIN.

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: Limiting access to physician prescriber data will impede the ability of pharmaceutical manufacturers to conduct necessary research and notify physicians of new information regarding drug risks. The bill will do nothing to improve the privacy of patient prescription data, while causing significant patient safety problems resulting from the loss of an efficient data collection and notification process.

Position Statement: Coming Soon

Chamber Staff: Ron Wineholt

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.