Colorado Medical Society

Introduced by: James Regan, MD

Subject: "Off Label" Prescribing of Medication

Referred to: Reference Committee on Health Affairs

WHEREAS, the judicious practice of so-called "off label" prescribing of medicine has proven to be highly beneficial to our patients without posing significant risks not already recognized by the FDA, and

WHEREAS, "off label" prescribing is commonly accepted amidst community standards of care and clinical guidelines, and

WHEREAS, "off label" prescribing is currently being portrayed as reckless, or even dangerous by trial lawyers, as evidenced by myriad web sites to that effect, or by recent class action suits against major pharmaceutical companies, and

WHEREAS, the considerable efforts of the legal community are witnessed by our state legislators, as well as our patients, and

WHEREAS, any legislative action to restrict or curtail our freedom to prescribe "off label" would have a profoundly negative effect upon a multitude of Colorado citizens, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Colorado Medical Society recognizes the therapeutic importance of "off label" prescribing of medicine which is an established, safe, and necessary strategy widely utilized by physicians in compliance with community standards of care around Colorado.

FISCAL IMPACT: None