United States v. Moore
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Summary

In this 1975 case, the Supreme Court held that physicians treating addiction with controlled substances like methadone can be prosecuted under the Controlled Substances Act if their prescribing falls outside accepted medical practice.

1975 | Federal Juristiction

United States v. Moore

Keywords Controlled Substances Act; methadone; addiction treatment; medical practice
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The 1975 Supreme Court Decision on Methadone Prescribing

The 1975 Supreme Court ruling established that medical practitioners administering controlled substances, such as methadone for addiction treatment, are subject to prosecution under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) if their prescribing practices deviate from established medical norms. This decision underscored the legal boundaries of medical practice within the context of controlled substance regulation. The court's interpretation emphasized adherence to accepted medical standards in the treatment of addiction using controlled substances. A departure from these standards, regardless of therapeutic intent, exposes medical professionals to potential legal repercussions under the CSA. The ruling served to clarify the intersection of medical treatment and legal compliance in the context of addiction medicine.

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The Controlled Substances Act and Medical Practice

The 1975 Supreme Court decision established that the Controlled Substances Act permits prosecution of physicians employing controlled substances, such as methadone, in addiction treatment when their prescribing practices deviate from established medical norms. This ruling underscores the legal boundaries surrounding the use of controlled substances in medical practice. The court's interpretation emphasizes the importance of adherence to accepted medical standards when utilizing such medications, even within a therapeutic context. Failure to do so can expose healthcare providers to legal repercussions under federal law. The ruling highlights the delicate balance between providing necessary medical care and maintaining compliance with controlled substance regulations.

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The 1975 Supreme Court Ruling on Methadone Treatment

The 1975 Supreme Court case established that doctors who use controlled substances, such as methadone, to treat addiction can face legal consequences under the Controlled Substances Act. This happens if the way they prescribe these medications isn't considered standard medical practice.

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The Doctor and the Drugs

In 1975, the Supreme Court made a ruling about doctors who help people with drug problems. The Court said that if doctors give patients medicine like methadone without following the rules of good medical care, they could be in trouble with the law. The law they could break is called the Controlled Substances Act. This law is about carefully controlling certain powerful medicines.

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Footnotes and Citation

Cite

423 U.S. 122 (1975)

Highlights