To reduce the perception of undue industry influence, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America or PhRMA, a trade association, instituted a voluntary code in January that prohibits noneducational gifts to doctors and restricts meals. About 50 manufacturers [signed] the code.

With such a code, Vermont’s new reporting requirements seem redundant, said Marjorie E. Powell, a senior lawyer for PhRMA.

“We think this is unnecessary, and it is not going to improve patient care,” Ms. Powell said. “It makes it onerous not only for the company but also for the physician in Vermont, because this is going to be on a Web site.”

In other words, "Well, yes, we did grotesquely abuse the lack of regulation previously, but we put a voluntary self-reported rule in place (which we won't let you audit or monitor) and now we won't do it any more! Trust us!"

Bah.