2007 Sustainability Report - Baxter Sustainability Report

Public PolicyMore online:sustainability.baxter.com/public_policyMany legislative issues affect Baxter's business – reimbursement,tax, trade and a variety of regulatory concerns. Baxter's GovernmentAffairs and Public Policy (GAPP) teams work with lawmakers,governments and policymakers to support patient access to Baxter'slife-saving therapies, increase understanding of the benefits of thosetherapies, address barriers to care and explore possible solutions.Following is a sampling of GAPP activity in 2007 around the world:Brazil— Many hospital-acquired bloodstream infections are caused by use of “open” versus“closed” IV systems. Baxter, which introduced the first closed, flexible IV container system,worked with Brazilian regulatory authorities to set quality standards for conversion to closedsystems in the country.Europe— Baxter worked with the European Parliament on preparedness planning to protectcitizens against bio-terrorism and infectious disease threats. Baxter officials highlighted thecompany’s expertise in providing critical products for use in medical emergencies, includingdevelopment and production of cell culture-based avian flu vaccine.United States— Baxter met with members of Congress in support of the Kidney DiseaseEducational Benefits Act, which would provide Medicare reimbursement for pre-end-stagerenal disease education for patients with chronic kidney disease.above (left to right) Peritoneal dialysispatients Rev. Richard Kailbasa, CeciliaSantana, William “Nick” Nicholas andBetty Cherry in Washington, D.C., UnitedStates, where they met with legislatorsabout the Kidney Disease EducationalBenefits Act that would provide Medicarecoverage for pre-dialysis education forpatients with chronic kidney disease.Vietnam— Baxter participated in a trade mission led by the U.S. Secretary of Commercefocused on increasing opportunities in the Vietnamese market for global companies.Political Contributions and Lobbying ExpensesEvery country has different laws about taking part in the political process, and Baxterrespects local political customs. Whenever the company advocates its position togovernment authorities, or offers support for any political purpose, it obeys the law.In the United States, Baxter contributed $19,250 to state candidates in 2007. U.S. law doesnot allow companies to make contributions to federal candidates. Baxter also contributed$40,000 to two 501(c)(4) organizations that do not make political contributions and $72,000to five 527 organizations during 2007.Baxter’s Political Action Committee, BAXPAC, allows U.S. employees to make voluntaryindividual contributions to support U.S. congressional and state candidates who championand protect the legislative interests of Baxter, its employees and its patients. The BAXPACmade $106,700 in contributions in 2007.In 2007, Baxter spent $2,240,000 on federal lobbying-related activities in the United Statesto promote policies that support the company’s objectives. Baxter adheres to all federal, stateand local laws to ensure compliance with any guidelines in this area.See more information about Baxter’s public policy activities in the full report online.38 BAXTER 2007 sustainability report | public Policy