AL HB311

Health care facilities must report to local police or county sheriff's office any injury suspected to be caused by methamphetamine production without requiring patient written authorization.

Reports must be made as soon as possible but no later than 72 hours after the patient presents to the facility, either orally or in writing with documentation in facility records.

Reporting requirements supersede all state privileges, including the doctor-patient privilege, and cannot be withheld based on physician-patient confidentiality.

Health care facilities and individuals acting in good faith compliance with the reporting requirement are immune from civil or criminal liability.

Only the Attorney General or district attorney can bring enforcement actions; the act creates no private right of action.

The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.