State Representative Jason Lewis, recently sworn in for his third term representing the communities of Stoneham and Winchester, has filed new legislation designed to tackle healthcare costs, specifically the high cost of many pharmaceutical drugs.

“While the state legislature made great strides last session in tackling healthcare costs with the passage of landmark payment reform legislation, there is more we can and must do to ensure high quality healthcare at the lowest possible cost for all residents of Massachusetts,” said Rep. Lewis.

In order to help address the problem of rapidly rising drug costs, Rep. Lewis has filed the following legislation that will be considered during the new legislative session that recently got underway:

An Act to define modest meals and refreshments in prescriber educational settings: This bill strengthens the state’s gift ban law which is intended to reduce undue influence and conflicts of interest as a result of marketing activities by pharmaceutical and medical device companies targeted at doctors and nurses.

An Act to reduce healthcare costs by promoting non-biased prescriber education: This bill establishes an independent and sustainable funding mechanism for Massachusetts’ academic detailing program.  Academic detailing provides evidence-based, non-biased information on pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices to healthcare professionals.

These bills will help ensure that prescriber decisions on medications are based on the best information available concerning patient health and cost-effectiveness.

Both bills have been assigned to the Joint Committee on Public Health for review and consideration.  Representative Lewis welcomes feedback on these bills, and all legislation that has been filed in the General Court this session.  He can be reached at Jason.Lewis@mahouse.gov or (617) 722-2017.