Maryland Advocates Say PhRMA Violated State Law in Trying To Defeat Prescription Drug Bills

The Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative, a group working to expand coverage for the uninsured, on March 19 filed a complaint with the State Ethics Commission claiming that lobbyists for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association engaged in a "deceptive" lobbying effort to defeat proposed state legislation, the Baltimore Sun reports (Craig, Baltimore Sun, 3/19). The complaint centers around legislation designed to lower prescription drug costs in the state's Medicaid program by establishing a rebate program through which the state could negotiate drug prices with manufacturers. The pharmaceutical industry opposes the legislation, claiming that it would limit beneficiaries' treatment options (Biemer, AP/Washington Times, 3/19). In its complaint, MCHI said that PhRMA "has employed blatantly deceptive tactics -- in the guise of a consumer organization -- to do the bidding of the pharmaceutical industry" (Baltimore, Sun, 3/19). MCHI said that a fax marked "urgent" was sent in late February to the Associated Black Charities of Maryland "urg[ing]" the group to sign a petition to "stand up for poor children, adults and seniors who have it hard enough without the state stepping in to make it harder for them to get the medicines they need." The fax did not reference the pending legislation and the letterhead indicated that the fax was sent by the Consumer Alliance, a not-for-profit Michigan company. However, the AP/Times reports that a phone number listed on the fax is affiliated with Bonner & Associates, a lobbying group hired by PhRMA to oppose the proposed legislation. MCHI Director Vincent DeMarco said that such tactics violate a Maryland ethics law requiring "disclosure of employment of lobbyists." DeMarco said, "They purport to be a consumers group, but they're actually a front group for the pharmaceutical companies. I have no problem with PhRMA raising its objections. But don't use front groups and don't try to deceive people" (AP/Washington Times, 3/19). In a statement released March 18, PhRMA spokesperson Bruce Lott said, "These allegations ... are unfounded and directly contradict the actions already taken by PhRMA ... and Bonner & Associates to fully comply with the law." Suzanne Fox, executive director of the Ethics Commission, said she could not comment on the complaint or confirm that one was filed. However, Fox said that a person found guilty of violating state ethics laws could face up to $5,000 in fines (Baltimore Sun, 3/19).