This was communicated by the General Medical Council, which has reworked a stricter code of conduct for 'white coats'. A document under examination, which should be published at the end of the year. The new stakes will stipulate that the right to practice will be at risk if doctors accept more than small gifts from drug companies. In practice, the 'white coats' will be explained that they will not have to accept anything (hospitality included) which could affect prescriptions or patient care. In short, it seems that small gadgets are not in the viewfinder, like pens or pads, often given away by pharmaceutical companies, rather more important 'gifts'. But the new ones rules are not yet fully understood. The goal, however, seems to be to avoid undue and creeping pressure on white coats. From DoctorNews 12-07-06
