Pharmacy Marketing Ethics

Paper Summary:

The paper looks at the problems with a proposal to mail prescription drugs through bulk mail and then examines what is permitted under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). The paper examines the legal, economic and moral considerations affecting this plan. The paper also considers the views of those who believe that the proposal is sound because it addresses the profit and competition factors that are impacting the pharmaceutical industry, as well as those that suggest that the pharmacy industry must return to a more ethically stable environment. The paper concludes with the recommendation that the manufacturer require the administrators and marketing professionals to undergo ethics training. The paper is of the opinion that when consumer confidence is built, the company will ultimately prosper.

Outline:
The Problem
Issues for Consideration
Legal, Economic and Moral Considerations
Opposition
Recommendations

From the Paper:

"The problems in this case are related to several issues. First, the use of patient records to promote a product creates privacy issues of the individual, as the patient has not agreed to divulge personal health information simply by receiving a prescription drug. Second, the issue of business practices must be considered. This is because the tactics that are used by any company in relation to the public must focus on the moral concern for the individual and not the monetary gain of the business. While businesses may be functioning to gain prosperity, business administrators must also understand that they have a social contract with the public that makes them obligated to care for their fellow human beings above all else."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Adams, Mike. "Big Pharma and Profit Priorities: Why Business Ethics Never Trickle Up". New Target. 2005. 1 May 2007. <http://www.newstarget.com/012579.html>
• Christopher, Abby. "Navigating the Maze of Privacy Law". PBS. 2005. 1 May 2007. <http://www.pbsmag.com/Article.cfm?ID=163>
• Mack, John. "Corporate Moral Values Anyone?". Pharma Marketing News. 2004. 1 May 2007. < http://www.pharma-mkting.com/news/PMNissue310archive.htm>
• "Pharmaceutical Marketing: Just What the Doctor Ordered?". NG Pharma. 2007. 1 May 2007. < http://www.ngpharma.com/pastissue/article.asp?art=26432&issue=159>
• "Prescription Drug Marketing Act". ASQ. 1 May 2007. <http://www.asqlongisland.org/PrescriptionDrugMarketingActPDMA2005.ppt>

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