SB72 Alabama 2024 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Arthur OrrSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2024
Title: Off-label medical treatment; adverse action by occupational licensing board because of recommendation, prohibited; patient informed consent, required; cause of action, provided
Summary: SB72 would shield Alabama physicians from board action when they recommend off-label treatments, require written informed consent from patients for such use, and provide a legal remedy if a board violates these rules.
What This Bill Does
It prohibits the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the Medical Licensure Commission from taking adverse action against a physician solely for recommending or prescribing off-label treatments, unless there is a threat of significant harm. It requires a patient's written informed consent to receive an off-label treatment if the use is not FDA-approved for that purpose. It creates a cause of action against the boards if they violate these provisions. It does not apply to prescribing, administering, or dispensing controlled substances. The act takes effect October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects
Physicians licensed to practice medicine in Alabama: protected from disciplinary action by the state boards solely for recommending off-label treatments, unless there is a threat of significant harm.
Patients who receive off-label treatments: must provide written informed consent before receiving an off-label use that is not FDA-approved for that purpose.

Key Provisions
Prohibits the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the Medical Licensure Commission from taking adverse action against a physician solely for recommending or prescribing off-label medical treatment, unless there is a threat of significant harm to patients or the public.
Requires a patient’s written informed consent to receive an off-label medical treatment if the use is not approved by the FDA for that use.
Creates a cause of action against the boards for violating these provisions.
Excludes the prescribing, administration, or dispensing of controlled substances from these protections.
Effective date: October 1, 2024.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Health