HB468 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Becky Nordgren

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Lyme Disease, physicians authorized to prescribe long-term antibiotic therapy, discipline by the Medical Examiners Board precluded under certain conditions, insurance coverage

Summary

HB468 would allow Alabama physicians to prescribe long-term antibiotics for Lyme disease or other tick-borne diseases and shield them from board discipline if the diagnosis and treatment are documented, with the board posting this information publicly.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes licensed physicians to prescribe, administer, or dispense long-term antibiotic therapy (over four weeks) for Lyme disease or other tick-borne diseases when clinically diagnosed. The diagnosis and treatment must be documented in the patient's medical record and based on medical history and exam, with possible supportive testing. Physicians meeting these criteria would not be subject to discipline by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, and the Board must publish a public notice confirming this policy.

Who It Affects

• Licensed physicians in Alabama who may prescribe long-term antibiotics for Lyme or tick-borne diseases, provided they document and monitor the diagnosis and treatment in the patient’s medical record.
• Patients diagnosed with Lyme disease or other tick-borne diseases who may receive long-term antibiotic therapy under this framework, with the Board publicly clarifying disciplinary protections.

Key Provisions

• Definition: Long-Term Antibiotic Therapy means antibiotics given for more than four weeks, by any route.
• Definition: Lyme Disease includes clinical diagnosis with signs/symptoms compatible with Borrelia burgdorferi infection, including late/chronic forms and related strains identified by CDC criteria, or other presentations as determined by the treating physician.
• Authorization: Licensed physicians may prescribe, administer, or dispense long-term antibiotic therapy for Lyme disease or other tick-borne diseases if the diagnosis and treatment are documented in the patient’s medical record.
• Documentation: Diagnosis must be based on medical history and physical examination, with supportive data from testing if used.
• Disciplinary protection: Physicians who document and monitor the diagnosis and treatment are not subject to discipline by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners.
• Public posting: The Board must post on its public website a statement that no licensee may be disciplined solely for prescribing long-term antibiotic therapy when diagnosis and treatment are documented and monitored.
• Effective date: The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health