AL HB132

Amends Section 14 of Act 387 of the 1965 Regular Session to transfer all Jefferson County Indigent Care Fund proceeds to the Alabama Department of Public Health or a health care authority for administration.

Authorizes the Department of Public Health or health care authority to acquire, operate, and maintain hospitals and clinics for medical care and treatment of indigent county residents, including out-patient care, emergency services, and provision of drugs and medicines.

Requires the designated indigent care hospital to collect fees from "part-pay" patients and other sources of public or private funding to benefit the Indigent Care Fund.

Mandates the county set aside at least 25% of the annual indigent care fund for capital improvements, with 1% of funds distributed monthly to the Alabama Department of Public Health or health care authority for administering the fund.

Designates any hospital created under this act as the Cooper Green Mercy Hospital and makes the act effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval.