Voluntary industry codes

The FDA Law Blog has posted a note, "PhRMA Releases Revised 'Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals' that is More Restrictive than the July 2002 Version", on this voluntary industry code intended to govern marketing of drugs to health care professionals.  These industry codes are important for two reasons.  First, they can be incorporated by reference into statutes, regulations, and contracts.  A memorandum to which this post refers points out in its last paragraph that "It is important to note that, although the PhRMA Code is a voluntary industry code, it is currently incorporated into the laws governing marketing compliance in two states."  Second, they can become de facto standards for torts, contract performance, and administrative compliance, even if not incorporated explicitly.

EMM