Bill Name: House Bill 1136 (HB 1136)

Primary Sponsor: Rep. Sam Creekmore IV

Status: 02/03/2026 Committee recommends to pass

AmSpa’s Take: GLP-1 medications have grown in popularity and use in the last few years. It is inevitable that states would examine and update their regulations in this area.

Analysis: Currently, in Mississippi, as in most states, weight loss medications using glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists such as semaglutide and tirzepatide are regulated the same way as other prescription medications. And the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure has issued policies and opinions on GLP-1 prescribing. Licensed prescribers such as physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants are able to prescribe these medications to their patients within these guidelines. Practitioners are prohibited from prescribing controlled substances for weight loss. HB 1136 would authorize physicians to prescribe non-controlled substance weight loss medications provided they meet certain requirements. 

Under HB 1136, treating and prescribing for weight loss is referred to as “obesity medicine.” This term includes prescribing both FDA approved medication and lawfully compounded medication. However, the definition requires that the prescribing physician hold a certification in obesity medicine from the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) or another certifying body approved by the medical board. This definition would not include other physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants.

HB 1136 would authorize a physician certified in obesity medicine to prescribe non-controlled weight loss medication, such as GLP-1s, including through telemedicine if the following requirements are met:

1. The physician must obtain a patient history, perform lab and diagnostic tests, screen for contraindications, and create a medical record that supports the treatment.
2. The physician must conduct periodic follow up while the patient is being treated; these can be in person or through telemedicine.
3. The medical record documents the medical necessity for the treatment and lays out a monitoring plan for continued treatment.

This bill is unusual in that prescribing non-controlled medicine for weight loss through telemedicine is already allowed in Mississippi. And nothing in this bill prohibits the practice. However, what it does is prevent a regulatory board from adopting a new rule or advisory statement that would restrict this practice. Note that this protection only extends to physicians who hold a certification in obesity medicine from the ABOM. So, potentially, other physicians, physician assistants or nurse practitioners could be subject to potential restrictions. If you would like additional information, to read the language of this bill or to contact the sponsors or committee, you can find the information you need through this link: HB 1136.