Disclosing drug makers payments to docs gets boost

Eli Lilly and Co. have endorsed legislation that would require prescription drug makers to disclose payments to doctors. The legislation addresses concerns that payments, such as picking up paying travel expenses for a conference at an exotic locale, can influence a doctor's prescribing habits. The legislation would not ban the payments, but require that companies report them beginning March 31, 2011. It would also pre-empt laws in the few states that already require drug makers to disclose their payments to doctors.