Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) of No Medical or Osteopathic Value in the Treatment of Obesity or Weight Loss

PURPOSE: This rule provides clarification of the approved use of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG). (1) Pursuant to authority granted to the board by section 334.100.2(4)(f), RSMo, the board declares the use of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) on a patient is of no medical or osteopathic value in weight loss or the treatment of obesity. (2) The board shall not seek disciplinary action against a licensee based solely on the use of HCG for weight loss and obesity treatment if the licensee has the patient sign the Informed Consent for HCG form, included herein, before beginning the non-approved use of HCG on a patient. AND INSURANCE Informed Consent for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) Patient’s Name: _______________________________________ Address: _______________________________________ _______________________________________ Age: _______ Sex: ___Male ____Female Name and Address of Treating Physician: Malignancy, disease, illness or physical condition diagnosed for medical treatment with HCG: My physician has explained to me and I fully understand: (a) that the FDA package insert for HCG states, “HCG has not been demonstrated to be effective adjunctive therapy in the treatment of obesity. There is no substantial evidence that it increases weight loss beyond that resulting from caloric restriction, that it causes a more attractive or ‘normal’ distribution of fat, or that it decreases the hunger and discomfort associated with calorie-restricted diets”; (b) because of the potential for side effects, the FDA package insert suggests that HCG should be used with caution in patients with certain conditions, including cardiac diseases, renal disease, epilepsy, migraine and asthma; (c) that the American Society of Bariatric Physicians has issued a position statement that the use of HCG for weight loss is not recommended. Bariatric medicine is the field of medicine which specializes in the evaluation and treatment of overweight people through medical management; (d) prior to prescribing medication for weight loss a physician should obtain a complete medical history, perform a comprehensive physical examination of the patient and order appropriate tests to include, but not limited to, an EKG and tests of thyroid function, liver function, and kidney function to confirm that there are no medical conditions which are a contraindication to the use of HCG; (e) that there are no peer-reviewed studies supporting the use of HCG in weight loss; (f) that the federal government and most insurance companies do not pay for or reimburse for treatment with HCG; (g) that the Missouri State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts has monitored the development of the scientific literature on HCG and has concluded that HCG has been authoritatively demonstrated to be ineffective in the treatment of obesity and weight loss; (h) that the Missouri State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts has determined that the use of HCG for obesity or weight loss by Missouri citizens may be harmful to their health; (i) as of December 6, 2011, the FDA has prohibited the sale of "homeopathic" and over the counter HCG diet products and declared them fraudulent and illegal; (j) that neither the American Medical Association, the American Osteopathic Association, nor any other recognized independent medical association recommend the use of HCG for the treatment of obesity or weight loss; (k) that the Missouri State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts strongly recommends that Missouri citizens not undergo HCG treatment for obesity or weight loss; and (l) that treatment with HCG may not begin until three business days have expired after the date of my execution of this informed consent. __________________________________ ______________________ Physician’s Signature Date I have read and understand the above. Notwithstanding having read and understood the above, I hereby elect to undergo treatment with HCG. __________________________________ ________________________ Patient’s Signature Date AND INSURANCE AUTHORITY: section 334.125, RSMo 2000, and section 334.100.2(4) (f), RSMo Supp. 2012.* Original rule filed Aug. 15, 2012, effective Feb. 28, 2013. *Original authority: 334.100, RSMo 1939, amended 1945, 1959, 1963, 1974, 1976, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1997, 2004, 2010, 2011 and 334.125, RSMo 1959, amended 1993, 1995.