"Congress shall make no law...
abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press"
—-First Amendment, Constitution of the United States

The Coalition for Healthcare Communication defends the right of health professionals and consumers to receive truthful information regarding pharmaceuticals and medical products, as safeguarded by the Constitution of the United States. Founded in 1991, the Coalition represents organizations, rather than individuals, dedicated to assuring the free exchange of scientific information without undue government interference.

The importance of communications in successful medical care cannot be overstated, especially as it relates to the application and use of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Responsible product promotion and other communications directed to healthcare professionals assure that those who prescribe, administer and dispense prescription drugs and medical devices, and the patients who use them, will have the information necessary to use these products appropriately, effectively, and safely.

Unless medical professionals are aware of important advances in diagnosis and treatment, these advances may not be used to the greatest advantage of patients who could benefit from them. Without free access to appropriate medical information, the lay public will not be able to assume greater responsibility for its own health, a critical factor in the Nation's effort to achieve efficient and effective usage of the healthcare system.

The Coalition's role is first, to defend the rights of medical professionals and consumers to receive appropriate health care information, and second, to act to prevent or reverse actions interfering with the free flow of healthcare information.

Whenever open communication regarding a pharmaceutical or medical product is obstructed, the Coalition proactively explores ways to break down barriers. Issues are raised and discussed in depth at monthly member meetings, typically held in New York City. Subcommittees are often formed to research specific topics and propose solutions to the larger group.

Once the Coalition thoroughly investigates an issue, it formulates a position that reflects the concerns and desires of its member organizations. Often, it seeks input from other important authoritative bodies.

As one example, we have campaigned to prevent interference with the conduct of continuing healthcare education, while supporting adherence to strict rules protecting the quality of the process.

Some other important issues that the Coalition has addressed in the past and monitors regularly are:

• Can the government stop the distribution of a medical textbook widely recognized as a standard in its field?
• How can truthful therapeutic information be disseminated on the Internet?
• Can the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulate continuing medical education (CME)?
• How should credit for CME be awarded to physicians seeking to keep abreast of the medical literature?
• Why are marketing communications an essential component of every prescription drug?
• Is there a better way of communicating essential prescribing information?

The adage "there is strength in numbers" rings true for the Coalition. Its membership is made up of organizations and industry leaders that share common interests and goals. Thus, the Coalition's track record in making a positive difference has been excellent.

The members are:  American Association of Advertising Agencies , American Advertising Federation, American Business Media, American Medical Publishers Association, Association of Medical Publications, Association of National Advertisers, Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, Healthcare Marketing and Communications Council, Medical Marketing Association, Midwest Healthcare Marketing Association. For more information see the Members page.