1. (1) A physician should not initiate or should discontinue utilizing a controlled substance for the purpose of weight reduction or treatment of obesity of a patient immediately upon ascertaining or having reason to believe:

   1. (a) That the patient has failed to progress toward medically established goals while under treatment with the controlled substance over a period of seventy (70) days, which determination should be made by assessing the patient with regard to previously established goals at least every thirty-five (35) days.
   2. (b) That the patient has developed tolerance to the anorectic effects of the controlled substance being utilized.
   3. (c) That the patient has a history of or shows a propensity for alcohol or drug abuse or has made any false or misleading statement to the physician or PA or CRNP relating to the patient’s use of drugs or alcohol.
   4. (d) That the patient has consumed or disposed of a controlled substance other than in compliance with the treating physician’s directions.
   5. (e) That the patient has repeatedly failed to comply with the physician’s treatment recommendations.
   6. (f) That the patient is pregnant.

Author: Alabama Board of Medical Examiners

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §34-24-53.

History: New Rule: Filed December 16, 2011; effective January 20, 2012.