AL HB623

Establishes the "Registered Nurse First Assistant Consumer Act" to encourage use of registered nurse first assistants for quality, cost-effective surgical first assistant services.

Requires insurers issuing health benefit policies in Alabama on or after July 1, 2014, to provide reimbursement for first assistant at surgery services rendered by registered nurse first assistants.

Defines a qualified registered nurse first assistant as a person who is licensed as a registered professional nurse in Alabama, certified in operating room nursing, completed an approved education program, and was functioning as a first assistant as of January 1, 1993.

Applies to managed health care agencies, workers' compensation carriers, and all private insurance companies, excluding state programs funded under Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act 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.