MA House repeals ban on medical gifts

BOSTON (AP) - The Massachusetts House of Representatives has voted to repeal a law requiring medical companies to disclose some of their gifts to doctors while banning other gifts outright.

Lawmakers voted 128-22 Tuesday to end the law as part of their state budget debate.  The 2008 law banned companies from giving doctors sporting tickets, tickets to the theater and vacation trips.

The law also requires pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers to report to the state Department of Public Health, all gifts over $50 to doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, pharmacists and other health providers.

Critics say the law harms the state's competitive edge while backers say it helps prevent pharmaceutical groups from encouraging doctors to prescribe pricier brand-name drugs.  Violators face $5,000 fines.

The repeal faces a tougher fight in the Senate.