Government Affairs
MRA’s Government Affairs arm is the ONE authority protecting the opinion and survey research profession now and for the future. MRA’s Government Affairs team advocates for and defends the profession's interests before state and federal legislators and regulators, whenever legislation or regulation might impact research work and the quality of research. The Government Affairs team works on issues of consumer and data privacy, in defense of most every mode and method of research.
MRA also helps educate members of the profession in compliance and best practices for state and federal laws that impact research, assists members in responding to litigation and reviews and files amicus briefs with the courts.
MRA is the only survey and opinion research association advocating for and protecting the research profession. MRA members are constantly updated on all the latest laws and regulations involving opinion and survey research. Members are always encouraged to help protect and promote the whole research profession by volunteering as a grassroots member.
New Massachusetts Data Security Law Went Into Effect March 1st.
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MRA Reacts to FCC Proposed Restrictions on Cell Phone Research
05.21.10
The Marketing Research Association (MRA) filed official comments today objecting to a new proposed regulation from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The Proposed Rule would add restrictions to calls made to cell phones, making it even harder for researchers to call cell phone users.
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Are New York and New Jersey Trying to Ruin Pharmaceutical MR with Doctors?
04.09.10
Q.Is it true that New Jersey has new regulations restricting incentives for physicians and that New York might do the same?
A.Thankfully, it is not quite that simple.
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New U.S. Health Care Law Contains Huge Victory for Marketing Research
03.23.10
(Glastonbury, CT) The new U.S. healthcare law signed by President Obama today includes the Physician Payments Sunshine Act – and an important win for the survey and opinion research profession. Thanks to lobbying by the Marketing Research Association (MRA) and targeted outreach by MRA grassroots volunteers, the Sunshine Act excludes incentive payments for doctors who participate in marketing research projects.
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New Massachusetts Data Security Law Went Into Effect March 1
03.04.10
A survey and opinion researcher who 'owns or licenses' personal information of a Massachusetts resident or employee will be required to comply with a new data security regulation that goes into effect on March 1, 2010. This new regulation will require encryption, the implementation of a comprehensive data security program and security breach notification. Researchers who have Massachusetts employees or research participants that obtain personal information -- according to their business practices, as defined under the regulation -- should immediately institute a compliance program.
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MRA Volunteer Testifies in Defense of Exit Polling at Committee Hearing
03.04.10
A volunteer leader of the Marketing Research Association (MRA) testified this morning at a Minnesota committee hearing in defense of exit polling. Gayle Belkengren, President of the MRA Minnesota/Upper Midwest Chapter, spoke in the Minnesota State House in support of legalizing exit pollsters’ access to voting places.
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