Physician Sues Massachusetts Board Over Prescribing Probe
A doctor is challenging state oversight regarding her use of off-label COVID-19 medications.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in COVID-19
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Should medical boards face First Amendment restrictions when disciplining doctors for prescribing off-label treatments?
Massachusetts physician Dr. Tatiana Hamawi has filed a lawsuit against the state's Board of Registration in Medicine to halt potential disciplinary action. The legal challenge follows an investigation into her off-label prescribing of hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin for COVID-19.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing tension between state medical regulatory oversight and the autonomy of physicians to prescribe off-label treatments. For residents, it underscores the importance of discussing treatment plans and the evidentiary basis for any prescription with a primary care provider.
Regulatory records indicate that Dr. Hamawi issued 172 prescriptions for ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine by 2024, compared to only 7 prescriptions for the FDA-approved treatment of scabies. The Board of Registration in Medicine continues to review the case after a formal complaint.
The players
Dr. Tatiana Hamawi
A physician practicing in Worcester, Massachusetts, who is challenging state medical board oversight.
Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine
The state agency responsible for licensing physicians and enforcing professional standards of care.
The details
The lawsuit alleges that the Board of Registration in Medicine is engaging in viewpoint discrimination and violating the physician's constitutional rights through its investigation. The board opened this inquiry in 2023 following a complaint from a pulmonologist regarding the prescribing patterns. One documented case involved a patient who required hospitalization for a body-wide rash after receiving the medications.
Timeline
December 2020: Dr. Hamawi began prescribing ivermectin for COVID-19.
2022: Dr. Hamawi added hydroxychloroquine to her prescribed treatments.
2023: The Board of Registration in Medicine began an investigation.
August 24, 2023: Dr. Hamawi prescribed medications to a patient who later developed a body-wide rash.
October 2026: The Complaint Committee discussed the case of Dr. Hamawi.
Health Landscape
The case reflects the broader national conflict regarding the scope of physician autonomy in prescribing non-standard treatments for infectious diseases. It tests the application of constitutional protections in medical settings where evidence-based guidelines diverge from individual practice.
When evaluating treatment options, it is essential to discuss with your physician whether a medication is approved for your specific condition. Understanding the risks and benefits of any prescribed therapy is a standard conversation to have with your healthcare team.
The takeaway
This litigation serves as a reminder of the importance of clinical standards in navigating complex medical decisions. Patients should always verify if a prescribed treatment is indicated for their diagnosis by consulting with a licensed physician or specialist.
Further reading
For more on evolving public health standards and regulatory guidance, visit our COVID-19 archive.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Universal Hub.
Live Poll
Should medical boards face First Amendment restrictions when disciplining doctors for prescribing off-label treatments?
