Vermont law to boost generic prescribing

The US state of Vermont has ratified legislation designed to increase the proportion of drug prescribing in favor of generic products. Governor Jim Douglas (Republican) signed the Bill, despite some objections by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).

Among the provisions of the new State law, a restriction would be imposed on access to the prescribing records of individual physicians by pharmaceutical companies. Doctors would need to opt into registers that are available to drug firms. Julie Corcoran, vice president of state policy for the drug industry group, described the decision as "unfortunate" and argued that an opt-out clause would have been preferable.

The Vermont Medical Society issued a statement praising the restriction, claiming that it would limit what it alleges is "one of the biggest health care cost drivers - aggressive pharmaceutical marketing."