Changes Coming to Australian Advertising Rules
Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has opened a consultation on proposed changes to the current regulatory framework for the advertising of therapeutic goods to the general public. The TGA noted that it is not proposing any changes relating to the advertising of prescription and certain pharmacist-only medicines to the general public, which will remain prohibited in Australia.
The objectives of the proposed reforms are to:
- Improve the timeliness and simplicity of advertising controls
- Ensure that the regulatory framework for advertising therapeutic goods to the general public is adequate to manage the public health risks posed by exposure to false, misleading and socially irresponsible advertising of therapeutic goods
- Establish systems that effectively monitor and achieve compliance with advertising requirements and efficiently resolves complaints about non-compliance
- Improve transparency of advertising decision-making by government
- Develop more appropriate controls to facilitate timely, effective and efficient responses to breaches of the advertising controls in and under Australian law
- Improve public confidence and trust in the system by avoiding potential conflicts of interest on the part of individuals or organizations that undertake advertising functions on behalf of the TGA.
This consultation expands on the options for advertising reform released in May 2012 that targeted pre-approval arrangements, the complaints handling processes and to the sanctions and penalties that apply to advertising breaches. The deadline for comments on the proposed amendments is 12 July 2013.