§34-24-601. Legislative findings.

The Legislature finds that the diversion, abuse, and misuse of prescription medications classified as controlled substances under the Alabama Uniform Controlled Substances Act constitute a serious threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the State of Alabama. The Legislature further finds that the registration of all physicians providing pain management services, as defined in this article, will assist the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners in preventing the diversion, abuse, and misuse of controlled substances by regulating these registrants. The Legislature further finds that it is in the best interests of the public safety to give the Board of Medical Examiners the authority it needs to suspend the registration of these physicians providing pain management services when the public health, safety, or welfare requires immediate action.

(Act 2013-257, p. 673, §1.)