TMA Supports Attorney General on Hormone Therapy Investigation

Nashville – The Tennessee Medical Association agrees with and supports the State Attorney General’s actions to halt and investigate alleged questionable hormone replacement therapy practices by HRC Medical Centers, Inc. (HRC).

“The investigation is ongoing and while we make no judgment one way or the other specifically regarding HRC, the TMA received a number of concerns from our physician members about these types of centers. Member concerns included patient safety issues alleging a lack of appropriately trained physician involvement and oversight of non-physicians,” said TMA President Dr. Wiley Robinson of Memphis.

Following a lawsuit filed by Tennessee AG Bob Cooper, the Davidson County Circuit Court ordered HRC Medical Centers, Inc. (HRC) to temporarily halt certain claims and contractual practices related to its "bio-identical" hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) known as Amor Vie. The lawsuit charges HRC with allegedly making unsubstantiated health claims and failing to advise consumers of possible risks and side effects associated with the Amor Vie therapy.

“The TMA supports all efforts to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care and encourage strong disciplinary action against any physician who does not uphold these high standards. Patients deserve no less,” said Dr. Robinson.

In 2012, the TMA worked closely with State Representative Phillip Johnson (R-Pegram) and State Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson) to enact Public Chapter 836. The law requires physicians who either provide or supervise others who provide hormone replacement therapy in facilities that focus on this type of medical service to ensure that before undergoing hormone treatment, every patient receives an appropriate medical examination and understands the potential complications and reasonable expectations deriving from such therapy.

The Tennessee Medical Association is the state’s largest physician organization.