Committee approves bill to allow physician‑administered autologous stem‑cell therapies with registry

The Select Water Committee advanced Senate File 48, a proposal to permit physician‑supervised autologous stem‑cell therapy not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under a framework modeled on the state's Right‑to‑Try law.

Senator Barlow, the bill sponsor, said the measure is narrowly drawn to allow only autologous treatments ("your cells for your use") provided by physicians with oversight, an institutional review board or investigational‑drug pathway where appropriate, and good‑manufacturing‑practice standards. "This is your cells for your use," Barlow said when explaining the autologous definition; he emphasized informed consent, physician‑patient relationship requirements and recordkeeping as protections.

Kevin Bond, executive director of the Board of Medicine, told the committee the board supports a registry approach to increase transparency: physicians would notify the board and follow reporting rules but the registry would not be a licensing endorsement. Bond said the medical practice act does not currently bar these services and that the board's rules would require informed consent, records and protections against imminent risk.

Patient testimony underscored demand: Beth Blackwell described living with multiple chronic illnesses and urged the committee to expand lawful options that could improve quality of life. Tyler Lindholm of Americans for Prosperity also testified in favor, describing the bill as "pro‑innovation, pro‑patient."

Barlow offered, and the committee adopted, an amendment to create a physician registry with the Board of Medicine and to remove a limiting word in the eligibility line (striking "eligible" and replacing it with "any" to broaden access). The sponsor said the bill includes a provision that would not prevent actions taken later by federal authorities if the FDA were to approve broader use.

On roll call the clerk recorded Senators Crum, Hutchings, Steinmetz and Chairman Brennan as 'Aye' and Senator Scott as excused; the committee approved the bill as amended and it will proceed in its amended form for further consideration.