AL SB444

Establishes the "Registered Nurse First Assistant Consumer Act" to encourage the use of qualified registered nurse first assistants as surgical first assistants and ensure adequate reimbursement for their services.

Requires insurers to directly reimburse registered nurse first assistants for surgical first assistant services on all health benefit policies issued, executed, or renewed in Alabama on or after July 1, 2014, when benefits are payable for such services.

Defines a registered nurse first assistant as a person licensed as a registered professional nurse in Alabama who is certified in perioperative nursing, has completed an approved education program meeting Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses standards, and was practicing in that capacity as of January 1, 1993.

Applies the reimbursement requirement to accident and sickness insurers, managed care companies, health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, and workers' compensation carriers, but excludes state programs funded under Title XIX (Medicaid) and other publicly funded state health care programs.

Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.