Alabama Administrative Code
Title 540 - ALABAMA BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS
Chapter 540-X-17 - GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FOR THE UTILIZATION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES FOR WEIGHT REDUCTION
Section 540-X-17-.01 - Preamble

(1) The purpose of these rules is to provide guidelines, and in some instances standards, for licensed medical doctors (M. D.s) and doctors of osteopathy (D. O.s) who determine that the use of a controlled substance as an adjunct for a weight reduction regimen is medically appropriate for a patient.

(2) The Board of Medical Examiners is obligated under the laws of the state of Alabama to protect the public health and safety. The Board recognizes that inappropriate prescribing of controlled substances, including those used for the purpose of weight reduction, may lead to drug diversion and abuse by individuals who seek drugs for other than legitimate medical use. Physicians should be diligent in preventing the diversion of drugs for illegitimate purposes.

(3) Prescribing or dispensing a controlled substance for weight reduction or the treatment of obesity should be based on accepted scientific knowledge and sound clinical grounds. All such prescribing and dispensing should be in compliance with applicable state and federal law.

(4) Each case of prescribing or dispensing a controlled substance for weight reduction or the treatment of obesity will be evaluated on an individual basis. The Board will not take disciplinary action against a physician for failing to adhere strictly to the provisions of these guidelines and standards, if good cause is shown for such deviation. Whether the drug used is medically and/or pharmacologically recognized to be appropriate for the patient's individual needs will be considered by the Board in evaluating individual cases. The Board will judge the validity of prescribing based on the physician's treatment of the patient and on available documentation.