Germany's parliament has adopted a bill extending German anti-corruption legislation to large parts of the country’s healthcare sector.
The bill, “Combatting Corruption in the Health Sector," was drafted last year by Justice Minister Heiko Maas. Contrary to the draft bill, the adopted bill entrusts the initiative for prosecution exclusively to the German public prosecution services.
The bill proposes criminal liability for healthcare professionals who accept a benefit for themselves or others when prescribing or procuring pharmaceutical products, or when introducing patients. Those who offer, promise or grant a benefit to healthcare professional under these circumstances will be also be held criminally liable.
The bill will likely take effect during the second or third quarter of 2016.
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