Pdocs give out samples all the time to those who cannot afford the medications they are on...unless it is in generic then the drug companies stop giving the pdocs samples. Then you have to go to plan B. But yes, it is normal.

They are not paid, that is illegal, but they will get "perks" as long as no money is exchanged. The laws could vary from state to state, but I have never heard of them being actually paid by a drug company for giving out their meds. That is definitely a conflict of interest and opens the pdoc up for lawsuit.