JAMA editorial calls for new gift-giving guidelines

An editorial in the Journal of the American Medical Association authored by a group of prominent physicians suggests new guidelines that would restrict drug and device company gift-giving and impose tighter limits on continued medical education programs. The group also wants better disclosure of consulting deals and says "no strings attached" arrangements should be done away with. The authors concede that many hospitals are "likely to ignore their suggestions," but hope that a few will adopt them. The article is co-authored by Institute of Medicine President Dr. David Rothman and Harvard's Dr. David Blumenthal. The group's research into medical professionalism was funded by a $7.5 million grant by financier George Soros, known for his support for liberal political causes but not for his opposition to making money.

- see this article from The New York Times
- read the abstract from JAMA