Under what circumstances might a physician's immunity from disciplinary action not apply?

A physician's immunity from disciplinary action may not apply when controlled substances are used for non-therapeutic purposes. This is because the use of controlled substances is strictly regulated, and using them outside of accepted medical guidelines or for purposes that do not provide therapeutic benefits constitutes a violation of medical practice standards. When a physician engages in such behavior, it may lead to disciplinary action by the medical board or other regulatory authorities, as it does not align with the principles of responsible prescribing and patient safety.

In contrast, treating chronic pain, while challenging, can fall within acceptable treatment practices if it adheres to established guidelines. Patient consent does not negate the responsibility of the physician to provide care that is both ethical and lawful. Finally, having multiple prescriptions from different providers can indicate a potential issue, but it alone does not automatically exempt a physician from disciplinary actions if they are operating within legal boundaries for their prescribing practices.