Government
Heart-device makers investigated
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Nov. 14, 2005
The U.S. Dept. of Justice last month issued subpoenas to the nation's three leading heart-device manufacturers seeking information about whether the firms made payments to physicians in exchange for using their products.
Medtronic, St. Jude and Guidant released statements notifying the public about the subpoenas.
Under federal law, companies are prohibited from making payments or giving any benefit to a physician in a position to recommend that a certain device be used.
The subpoenas were issued by the office of U.S. District Court of Massachusetts Attorney Michael J. Sullivan. Neither Sullivan's office nor the heart-device companies would comment further on the matter.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/11/14/gvbf1114.htm.