Definition - What does Therapeutic Use Exemption mean?
A therapeutic use exemption (TUE) is a grant of permission to use an otherwise prohibited substance or method of treatment under a claim of medical necessity.
These exemptions are granted by a sports or athletic organization's governing body to permit an athlete to compete after having used an otherwise prohibited treatment method or medication.
Examples of substances that might be prohibited and require a TUE include stimulants used to treat ADHD, diuretics, and steroids. Non-drug treatments that manipulate a person's blood, such as kidney dialysis or intravenous oxygen injections may also require a TUE.
SureHire explains Therapeutic Use Exemption
While various sports and athletic organizations may maintain their own rules and guidelines, many adhere to the standards set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
The World Anti-Doping Agency serves as an independent agency for sports organizations around the world. The rules that participating organizations adhere to are set forth in the World Anti Doping Code. The International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE) is the international standard promulgated by WADA to establish the conditions under which a TUE may be granted, the communication of grants or denials of TUEs, the application process for TUEs and the management of related administrative tasks.
In general, to qualify for a therapeutic use exemption or TUE, the athlete must present evidence that his or her health will be significantly impaired without the treatment for which the exemption is sought.
