The bill, designated as SB72, seeks to protect physicians in Alabama from adverse actions by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the Medical Licensure Commission when they prescribe or recommend off-label medical treatments. Specifically, the bill prohibits these regulatory bodies from revoking, suspending, or failing to renew a physician's license based solely on their off-label treatment recommendations, unless such treatments pose a significant threat of harm to patients or the public. The bill defines "off-label medical treatment" as the use of FDA-approved drugs, biological products, or devices in a manner not approved by the FDA.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that it does not apply to the prescribing, administration, or dispensing of controlled substances as defined in Alabama law. The new legal language inserted into the current law includes the definitions of key terms and the specific protections for physicians, while no deletions from existing law are noted. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 41-9A-1
Engrossed: 41-9A-1
Enrolled: 41-9A-1