Episode 9 - Off-label prescribing in functional medicine: why informed consent and defensibility are key

Off-label prescribing in functional medicine: indemnity, informed consent and defensibilityIn this episode of Confidence to Thrive, Owlicity directors Christopher Cloke-Browne and Roger Houston discuss off-label prescribing and how functional medicine practitioners can protect themselves. They define off-label use as prescribing outside British National Formulary licensed indications or doses, and explain how standard indemnity policies often exclude such use, leaving practitioners uninsured and unprotected.They discuss the significance of Owlicity’s functional medicine indemnity with explicit off-label cover, the growing underwriting focus on detailed disclosure and “statement of facts,” and the need for contract certainty. Their discussion also covers the need to build defensible practice through evidence, enhanced monitoring, and transparent informed consent - particularly important with emerging, unregulated treatments like peptides - as well as the added regulatory risk from GMC scrutiny and third-party complaints from other clinicians.Episode time stamps00:45 What is off-label prescribing?02:25 The pitfalls of generic insurance 06:19 Evidence and innovation08:50 The reality of underwriting 10:15 Why peptides offer a unique challenge12:55 The importance of informed consent and disclosure15:24 GMC complaint risks17:04 Thyroid case study24:04 A practical checklist for practitionersWho are Owlicity?This podcast was brought to you by Owlicity Insurance Advisors who support your business ambitions.  Owlicity advises practitioners, owners, and entrepreneurs of healthcare practises on mitigating risks so your business can thrive. Learn more about how Owlicity can support here: Owlicity.co.uk Call us on 0203 988 8090Follow us on social mediaLinkedInInstagramYouTube