AL SB481

Amends Sections 34-24-380 and 34-24-381 of the Alabama Code to modify how attorney fees are handled in medical licensure proceedings before the State Board of Medical Examiners and Medical Licensure Commission.

Allows the State Board of Medical Examiners to assess administrative fines up to $10,000 per violation and require physicians or osteopaths to pay board costs and expenses, including "reasonable and necessary attorney fees and expenses" (removing previous language limiting this to "outside counsel").

Allows the Medical Licensure Commission to similarly assess administrative fines up to $10,000 per violation and require violating physicians or osteopaths to reimburse board costs, including "reasonable and necessary attorney fees and expenses."

Specifies that both boards may require payment of costs for independent medical review, expert testimony, deposition costs, travel expenses, and documentary evidence charges incurred in disciplinary proceedings.

Takes effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.