ALBME|MLC • Newsletters

Board of Medical Examiners and Medical Licensure Commission Newsletter and Report

The Board newsletter contains information impacting licensees and a list of disciplinary actions against licensees.
All current licensees receive the Board Newsletter and Report at the address of record at no charge.
Licensees may also choose to receive the newsletter by email.
Non-licensee subscriptions to the newsletter are by email only.
If you would like to receive the newsletter by email, please send a request to and include your name, address, city, state, zip code, telephone number and email address.

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Newsletter Archives

Volume 26 (2011)	Featured articles
No. 1	• DEA rules for electronic prescribing of controlled substances • ABME 2010 Annual Report • MASA/ABME prescribing seminar • AMA policy for use of social media • Prescription Drug Monitoring Database
No. 2	• Best of Boards Award - Collaborative Practice Seminar • AQAF membership for physicians • PDMP database system upgraded • PAs controlled substances prescribing protocol • Activities misunderstood to confer Category 1 credit • Providing records of other physicians
No. 3	• 2012 license and registration renewals • Volunteering for health emergencies • CME reminders • ADPH invites physicians to volunteer through Alabama Responds • Prescription drug monitoring program important reminders
No. 4	• Male infertility - a common side effect of testosterone therapy • Registration for office based surgery • DEA e-prescribing rules clarifications • New Board Rule - utilizing controlled substances for weight reduction • Report of public actions of Board and Commission

Volume 25 (2010)	Featured articles
No. 1	• Board discourages use of HCG for treatment of obesity • Office-based surgical procedures • MASA/ABME prescribing seminar • Rules governing the use of lasers • Treating and prescribing to family members
No. 2	• Medical communication • CME requirement change for 2010 • Maintenance of licensure • Treating and prescribing to family members - a follow up • FDA on lipodissolve, refilling pain pumps
No. 3	• Information for 2011 renewals • Understanding CME: what are Category 1 or equivalent credits? • Exercise care in annual renewals • Surveys determine benefit eligibility (ADPH)
No. 4	• Use of non FDA approved hormones • Changes to Office Based Surgery Rules • 2010 Annual Report • DEA policy change - authorized agent • FDA electronic tools

Volume 24 (2009)	Featured articles
No. 1	• New collaborative practice rules by CMS • Appropriate prescription formats • MASA/ABME prescribing seminar • Utilization of mid-level practitioners • PDMP a useful tool
No. 2	• Using controlled substances for the treatment of pain • A Board member's thoughts on obtaining CME • Ala. Act expands PA prescribing • PDMP zero based reporting • FSMB honors MLC member, BME Executive Director
No. 3	• Information for 2010 renewals • CME requirement to change for 2011 renewals • Prescribing controlled substances by PAs • FSMB news
No. 4	• The value of physician health programs • Prescribing controlled drugs seminar • Required information for prescription forms • QACSC rules • Potential indicators of drug abuse/fraud

Volume 23 (2008)	Featured articles
No. 1	• Recommendations for weight loss programs • Online communication with patients • Rules about medical records • Utilization of mid-level practitioners • Signature requirements for prescriptions
No. 2	• Using the PDMP database • Ambulance transport rules • Laser rules compliance date approaching • Retired senior volunteer program • Internet prescribing legislation passes US Senate
No. 3	• Professional sexual misconduct • Criminal background checks • Treating and prescribing to family members • ADPH publishes list of controlled substances
No. 4	• Avoid complaints to the Board • Patient conditions reportable by physicians • What to expect in a collaborative practice audit • Joint Commission issues alert on disruptive behavior • Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act

Volume 22 (2007)	Featured articles
No. 1	• Advertising by physicians • Prescription Drug Monitoring Program • Board opinions - joint injections by mid-level practitioners
No. 2	• Avoid common prescription problems • CMS rule requiring tamper-proof prescription pads • Collaborative agreements/registration • Procedures for PAs performing skin biopsies
No. 3	• Board adopts rules for using lasers • Laser rules increase physician responsibilities • Use of Methadone for chronic pain management
No. 4	• DEA rule change on frequency of prescribing controlled substances • Anabolic steroids and performance enhancing drugs • Weight loss clinics cause concern for the Board • Resigning hospital privileges may have unintended consequences • Over-the-counter insulin users may forego regular doctor visits

Volume 21 (2006)	Featured articles
No. 1	• Using mid-level medical practitioners • Prescription Drug Monitoring Program - Board Rules • Professionalism in the practice of medicine • Board encourages prevention (chemical dependency)
No. 2	• Laser use in clinical medicine • Physician medical records • Board revises PA joint procedures policy • Board opinion - facial biopsies, arthocentesis, joint injection by mid-levels • Board opinion - pain pumps and dispensing physicians • Closing or retiring from a practice
No. 3	• What to expect if a representative of the Board visits your office • Physician responsibilities when managing reports from screening agencies • BME issues opinion on pain pump refills • Internet prescribing
No. 4	• Store-based health clinics - guidelines to promote quality and safety • Communication between physicians and patients • Board opinions - ear stapling • The sagging of medical professionalism