| Comment Number: | 525547-00527 |
| Received: | 12/15/2006 9:26:40 AM |
| Organization: | |
| Commenter: | Doug and Helen Hansen |
| State: | MA |
| Subject: | Telemarketing Sales Rule |
| Title: | Request for Public Comment |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 310 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
Dear Sirs We have become aware that the FTC is considering changing FTC policy regarding computer generated phone calls, especially in the medical field, from drug and service providers that have an existing relationship with a patient. For example, my elderly aunt, Helen Crowder, recently received a computer call generated by her pharmacy to remind her to fill a prescription. She was greatful to be reminded to confirm whether she did want to refill the prescription before she actually ran out of a needed medication. I am confident that there are thousands, perhaps millions of people who are, or could be aided by reminder calls through health care and drug providers WITH WHOM THE PATIENT HAS A RELATIONSHIP. Computer generated telephone calls to a data base of EXISTING customers seems to be a cost effective way to remind patients of routine medical procedures or refills of medications. Although we appreciate the current policy of banning telephone and computer solicitations from random sources, we urge you NOT to generalize the "no call" policy to include providers who are currently serving the person being called. If the person does not want to be called, she can easlily be asked to be taken off the list. If the person does not want to answer questions asked by a computer, they simply say "no" or hang up the telephone. The benefits of the reminders to the vast majority should be considered. Thank you for your attention, and we hope this e-mail will be forwarded to the proper FTC department if this department is not dealing with the hearings concerning computer calling by a company who has a relationship with a person. Thank you for your consideration of our opinion. Douglas and Helen Hansen