Arizona 1st State to Make Off-Label Drug, Device Promotion Legal

PHOENIX — Arizona has passed “The Free Speech in Medicine Act,” making it legal for drug makers to discuss with healthcare providers safe, effective off-label uses for approved drugs and medical devices.

On March 24, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed HB 2383, which allows drug companies or their representatives to “engage in truthful promotion of an off-label use of a drug, biological product or device” and bars state enforcement of the Food and Drug Administration’s bar on such communication.

Representative Phil Lovas (R) sponsored the bill, which provides that “Notwithstanding any other law, an official, employee or agent of this …