Regional News: Regionals Roll Up Their Sleeves For Legislative Action


How often do you multi-task?
All the time, it's the only way I get things done. Sometimes, I try not to but sometimes I can't help it. Never, I just can't do more than one thing at a time.

Article Tools: Print

| Email

| Add Comment

Share |

Regional News: Regionals Roll Up Their Sleeves For Legislative Action

Issue: 2009jun

Ohio Promotional Professionals Association (OPPA) and Rocky Mountain Region Promotional Products Association (RMRPPA) have gotten to work making their voices heard on state legislation that would affect the use of promotional products in the healthcare industry.

In Ohio, PPAI and OPPA member Eric Ekstrand, MAS, and OPPA Executive Director LaDonna Belcher attended a hearing at the state’s capitol to give testimony regarding House Bill 94. Ekstrand, who is also a PPAI board member, spoke before the Health Committee, asking for an amendment to section 3715.99 and for the committee to enact section 3715.93 of the revised code regarding prescription drug marketing disclosures.

Ekstrand says he first shared information about the promotional products industry with committee chairperson Rep. Barbara Boyd and other committee members, and explained that promotional products are provided to healthcare industry clients as a form of advertising. “I told them that there are approximately 867 promotional products companies in Ohio,” says Ekstrand, “and they employ more than 13,000 constituents.”

Ekstrand adds that he told the committee the bill could have a great financial and labor impact on the the industry if healthcare companies choose not to distribute promotional products rather than report their value. “Our goal was to make people aware that there is an industry that will be affected, and it will affect the economy,” he says. “We also had a goal to build a relationship [with legislators]. It was a fantastic experience.”

Also speaking in opposition to the bill was a representative from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). Ekstrand says Kristin Armshaw, director of state policy for PhRMA, told committee members that the group’s voluntary guidelines are effective and legislation would be unnecessary.

Belcher adds that one of the Ohio state representatives let them know he would work to have the original bill killed. “They listened and heard,” says Belcher. “We found support.”

At an educational meeting last week in Colorado for members of RMRPPA, 22 attendees learned what the regional legislative committee is doing on their behalf and about the importance of member involvement. Attendees also discussed S. 301, the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, and several committed to making appointments with their respective legislators.

At an educational meeting last week in Colorado for members of RMRPPA, 22 attendees learned what the regional legislative committee is doing on their behalf and about the importance of member involvement. Attendees also discussed S. 301, the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, and several committed to making appointments with their respective legislators.

Ekstrand says regional members who want to become more involved with their states’ legislative processes should be persistent. “Don’t be afraid to contact your legislators. And I’ve found that legislative aides are helpful in walking you through the process.

Comments (0)

* Name:
* Email:
Company:
* Title:
* Comments: