VT lawmakers look to reveal physician-pharma relationships

A group of lawmakers in Vermont wants to add the state to the ranks of states forcing physician transparency. Their idea is to launch an online database detailing relationships between state physicians and the pharmaceutical industry.

Currently, the Vermont Attorney General's Office releases an annual report that gives similar information; unfortunately, critics claim that it is not complete or user-friendly.

So some lawmakers are trying to amend the state law that set up the report, including eliminating the trade-secret exemption currently included. Not surprisingly, there is stiff opposition from the pharmaceutical industry.

To learn more about the suggested changes:
- read this iHealthBeat piece

Related Articles:
WellPoint, Blues team up to fight for transparency
SPOTLIGHT: A hospital CEO's pitch for transparency
Bush signs federal data-sharing bill