Mass. legislature votes to repeal pharma gift ban   I know
Boston restaurants have been clamoring to repeal the two-year-
old Massachusetts Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Manufacturer
Code of Conduct law, saying it's hurt their business hugely to
lose the doctor dinners. The code restricts informational
presentations accompanied by a meal that are sponsored by
medical device or drug companies to medical offices, hospitals,
or device training facilities—no restaurants allowed (others
blame the falloff in restaurant business to the economy, not the
law). Economic development folks also wanted it gone, saying
it's been scaring off pharma and bio business: the code also
bans companies from providing entertainment or recreational
items of any value to HCPs, and giveaways, including pens,
coffee mugs, and gift cards, along with fairly strict reporting
and disclosure rules around any financial interaction between
docs and drug companies.  It sounds like the Mass. House heard
them all the way up on Beacon Hill: Yes