Earlier this month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released final regulations implementing the federal Physician Payment Sunshine Act contained in the Federal Accountable Care Act.  Among other things, the Sunshine Act requires manufacturers of drugs, biologics, devices and medical supplies to track and report payments (including anything of value) made to physicians.  As many physicians receive compensation from these types of manufacturers for consulting, teaching and the like, physicians should understand that the payments they receive are likely to become matters of public record.  Regardless of the legalities of such payments (which are, of course, subject to various kickback and fee splitting laws), when entering into these types of arrangements, physicians should consider whether disclosure of such payments could have a negative implications from a public relations standpoint.  The regulations can be seen here:  https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/02/08/2013-02572/medicare-medicaid-childrens-health-insurance-programs-transparency-reports-and-reporting-of