Laetrile

Bulletin 38 LAETRILE August 22, 1979 In 1977, the Indiana Legislature enacted Public Law 186, amending I.C. 16-8-8-1 to 16-8-8-7. Public Law 186 allows a physician to prescribe or administer amygdalin (Laetrile) to a patient. The Indiana Department of Insurance is not qualified to, and, therefore, does not take a position as to whether Laetrile is or is not effective treatment for any illness, disease, or malignancy. The Department does, however, take a position regarding an insurer's contractual responsibility to its insureds. Indiana insurers shall pay claims according to the terms of their contract with the insured. If the contract does not specifically exclude coverage for the use and administration of Laetrile, and such treatment has been prescribed by the insured's licensed physician, it is the Department's position that failure to pay will result in charges of unfair trade practices. H. P. Hudson INSURANCE COMMISSIONER