<P> On 17 November 2015, the American Medical Association called for a ban on all U.S. prescription drug and medical device advertising directly to consumers . Representatives of the leading physician's association argued that such commercial broadcasts encourage patients to take medications unnecessarily and to choose more expensive drugs . However, such a ban would require authorization by the United States Congress . </P> <P> On 4 March 2016, Senator Al Franken introduced a bill to Congress that would eliminate tax breaks for pharmaceutical companies advertising directly to consumers . In a similar move, representative Rosa DeLauro called for a three - year moratorium on advertising of newly approved prescription drugs . Such bans on advertising have faced substantial criticism by the pharmaceutical industry . Representatives from Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) stated that drug advertising campaigns are aimed at providing consumers with information to become actively involved in their own health care . </P> <P> Supporters of DTCPA argue that advertisements increase competition which leads to lower prescription drug prices and new development, citing, for instance, that between 1997 to 2001, spending on research and development in the US increased 59% while spending on promoting drugs directly to patients increased 145% . However, other experts have asserted that funding for R&D is determined by several other factors . </P> <P> Arguments in favor of DTCPA assert that advertising informs consumers of new treatment options, generating new doctor visits and thereby reducing the rate of undiagnosed illnesses . </P>

When did direct to consumer advertising become legal