Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Bill SB299

Introduced
4/3/25  

Caption

Stem cell therapy; permitted in certain circumstances, notice and consent requirements provided, exceptions provided, State Board of Medical Examiners required to adopt rules

Impact

If enacted, SB299 could significantly change how stem cell treatments are administered in Alabama. It allows for a broader range of stem cell therapies to be offered to patients, which could lead to increased access to alternative treatment options. However, the stipulation that providers must give detailed disclosures and obtain consent aims to protect patients by ensuring they are fully aware of the risks and lack of FDA endorsement for these therapies, thereby establishing a level of accountability within the medical community.

Summary

SB299, introduced by Senator Melson, seeks to permit licensed health care providers in Alabama to perform stem cell therapy that is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The bill outlines specific requirements that providers must follow, including providing informed written consent to patients and posting clear notices about the unapproved nature of the therapy in their offices and advertisements. The legislation reflects a growing interest in innovative therapies despite the regulatory hurdles associated with FDA approval.

Contention

Notably, the bill may spark debate regarding the ethics of permitting unapproved therapies and the potential risks associated with them. Supporters argue that it promotes patient choice and encourages innovation in medical treatments, while critics worry about the dangers of unregulated therapies that could lead to ineffective or harmful medical practices. This could result in a contentious atmosphere among medical professionals and regulatory bodies as they navigate the balance between enabling advanced therapies and ensuring patient safety.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL SB72

Off-label medical treatment; adverse action by occupational licensing board because of recommendation, prohibited; patient informed consent, required; cause of action, provided

AL HB299

Pardons and Paroles, requirements for release on parole further provided for, apply for appellate relief when parole denied in certain circumstances, require medical parole hearing held within a certain time frame, allow an inmate released on medical furlough place of residence

AL HB246

Consent to medical treatment; age of medical majority, established at 18; circumstances in which a minor may receive medical treatment, revised

AL SB137

Alabama Board of Massage Therapy, terminated pursuant to the Sunset law and replaced by the Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board

AL HB232

Scope of practice of physical therapists

AL HB309

State employees, eight weeks paid parental leave provided for, State Personnel Department required to adopt rules

AL SB224

Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing, created within the Department of Labor; oversight provided to professional or occupational licensing boards.

AL SB173

Scope of Practice of Physical Therapists

AL SB305

Employees of local boards of education; twelve weeks of paid parental leave following birth of child, placement of child for adoption, miscarriage, or stillbirth provided for; State Board of Education authorized to adopt rules

AL HB216

Public school safety, silent panic alert technology required and provided for, Board of Education required to adopt rules

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.