The bill, identified as SB72, aims to protect physicians in Alabama from adverse actions by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the Medical Licensure Commission of Alabama when they prescribe or recommend off-label medical treatments. Off-label medical treatment is defined as the use of a drug, biological product, or device approved by the FDA in a manner other than the use approved by the FDA. The bill specifies that neither the board nor the commission can revoke, suspend, fail to renew, or take any action against a physician's license based solely on the physician's recommendation or prescription of off-label medical treatments, unless such treatments present a significant threat of harm to patients or the public.

The bill also clarifies that its provisions do not apply to the prescribing, administration, or dispensing of controlled substances as defined in Section 20-2-2, Code of Alabama 1975. The act is set to become effective on October 1, 2024. The bill has passed through the legislative process, as indicated by the certification of passage in the Senate and the concurrence of the Senate in the House amendment. The bill is enrolled and awaits the signatures of the President and Presiding Officer of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

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