Monday, June 29, 2009

Breaking News - SCOTUS

Reuters reports that the U.S. Supreme Court this morning refused to hear an appeal requested by two companies that want a New Hampshire prescription privacy law overturned. According to the article, the high court rejected without comment the request of Verispan and IMS Health, who argued that a law prohibiting companies from using physicians' prescribing records to boost drug sales violates their First Amendment rights to free speech. The Supreme Court's refusal means a 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision to uphold the law stands. Last week, the companies asked the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to block implementation of a similar law in Vermont.   For further information about the New Hampshire and Vermont laws, see our advisories.