AL HB431

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

Authorizes the Alabama 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 and emergency services.

Requires the designated indigent care hospital to collect patient payments and funds from other sources for the benefit of the Indigent Care Fund, with provisions for prenatal care registration and paternity collection procedures.

Mandates the county earmark at least 25 percent of the annual indigent care fund for capital improvements, with one percent of funds distributed monthly to the Alabama Department of Public Health or health care authority for fund administration.

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