....Is a wonderful movie.  Highly recommended.  A bit racy, but the message regarding a particular industry is spot on.  As I've learned today.....

I've received notification from a lawyer representing an "unnamed collective of inflammatory disease groups" that I had to remove all references to said collective from this Facebook page.  Or else.

And I have done this.  This group shall not be named on this page.  Anymore.  Nope.  Never again.  Zip.  Zero.  Nada.  I know when I'm out-classed.  And these people are lawyered-up.

This is from the United States Department of Justice, and it's a public press release...so I think I'm OK to link it.  

http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2011/May/11-civ-565.html

“It’s imperative that medical determinations are guided by a patient's needs, not tainted by illegal incentives or fraud,” said Tony West, Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Division. “We are committed to ensuring that the chronically ill and other vulnerable members in our communities who rely on Medicare and Medicaid programs receive the best possible care.”

“Health care decisions must be based solely upon what is best for the individual patient and not on which pharmaceutical company is paying the doctor the biggest kickback,” said Rod J. Rosenstein, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. “All consumers have the right to know that their health care provider’s judgment about medications they should take has not been undermined by kickbacks from pharmaceutical manufacturers.”

And I think it's OK to say that Serono paid over $44 million dollars to settle this case, but they claim they didn't do anything wrong.  But if they didn't do anything wrong, why the $44 million, and why would the US Attorney mention pharmaceutical companies paying doctors kickbacks???   Twice???  Doesn't he worry about getting sued?   Greater legal minds than mine might have a better understanding.  I'm gonna let them figure it out.

Here's another link to check out (shh...)

http://www.bnet.com/blog/drug-business/how-ms-drugs-are-promoted-8220we-have-a-whole-money-laundering-thing-going-on-8221/8217

So, back to that movie, Love and Other Drugs.  Check it out.  And please, if you comment on this thread, don't mention the collective-that-shall-not-be named....or you're risking a lawsuit, as well.

sigh,

Joan