The current version of the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE) went into force on 1 January 2021.
A Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) grants athletes the permission to use an otherwise prohibited substance or method for therapeutic (medical) reasons.
The purpose of the ISTUE is to establish the:
- Conditions that must be satisfied in order for a TUE to be granted
- Responsibilities imposed on Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) in making and communicating TUE decisions
- Process for an athlete to apply for a TUE
- Process for an athlete to have a TUE that was granted by one ADO recognized by another ADO
- Process for WADA to review TUE decisions
- Provisions for strict confidentiality that apply to the TUE process
Guidelines
The International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE) Guidelines is intended to provide clarity and additional guidance to the Code and the ISTUE. Unlike the Code and ISTUE, the ISTUE Guidelines is not mandatory. In the event of conflict between the Code and/or the ISTUE and the Guidelines, the Code and/or ISTUE (as applicable) must prevail.