Government Seeks Tighter Regulation of Internet Pharmacies

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Friday July 30, 1999 09:04 AM

Government Seeks Tighter Regulation of Internet Pharmacies

Washington-AP -- As consumers flock to the Internet for cheaper and more convenient prescription drugs, the government wants to make sure patients are protected.

Members of the Federal Trade Commission admit they've been frustrated in their attempts to enforce the law because many Web sites contain incomplete information. So the commission wants Congress to back tighter regulations for Internet pharmacies -- including better disclosure about the pharmacies supplying drugs and the doctors prescribing them. It's illegal for doctors to prescribe in states where they're not licensed to practice medicine.

F.T.C. chief Jodie Berstein testifies about the proposal today before the House Commerce Committee. She says Web sites should at least contain names, addresses and phone numbers for the pharmacy and doctor actually dispensing a drug.

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), July 30, 1999


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