AL HB468

Authorizes licensed physicians to prescribe, administer, or dispense long-term antibiotic therapy (oral, intramuscular, or intravenous antibiotics for periods exceeding four weeks) to patients clinically diagnosed with Lyme disease, tick borne diseases, or displaying symptoms consistent with these conditions.

Requires clinical diagnoses to be based on medical history and physical examination alone or combined with testing that provides supportive data, and mandates documentation and monitoring in the patient's medical record.

Provides immunity from discipline by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners for physicians prescribing long-term antibiotic therapy for Lyme disease or other tick borne diseases when diagnosis and treatment are documented and monitored in patient medical records.

Requires the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners to post and maintain a statement on its public website clarifying that licensees cannot be subject to disciplinary action solely for prescribing, administering, or dispensing long-term antibiotic therapy for clinically diagnosed Lyme disease or tick borne disease with documented treatment.

Takes effect on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.