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August 6, 2010

Prescription privacy rule survives appeal

Three medical data companies are waiting on the outcome of a privacy challenge in Vermont before deciding whether to appeal a federal ruling that protects prescription information here in Maine.

The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston this week upheld the constitutionality of Maine's law preventing the release of prescription-writing information, according to the Associated Press. The law, passed last year, thwarts medical data companies that collect, analyze and sell prescription information to pharmaceutical companies, who then use the information in marketing campaigns.

So far, 265 doctors in Maine have signed up for the protection, but the law was on hold pending the Boston circuit court ruling. The appeal was filed by Connecticut-based MS Health; and Verispan LLC and Source Healthcare Analytic Inc., both based in Pennsylvania. A similar law is being challenged in Vermont before the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and a decision there is expected within days, according to AP.

Go to the article by the AP >>

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