AL HB81

Adds Section 34-24-53.1 to Alabama Code establishing that the State Board of Medical Examiners and Medical Licensure Commission may adopt rules prioritizing patient safety and wellness even if anti-competitive.

Immunizes the Board of Medical Examiners and Medical Licensure Commission and their members from liability under state and federal anti-trust laws for adopting rules that prioritize patient safety and wellness but may be anti-competitive.

Permits rules adopted under Sections 34-24-53 and 34-24-311 to define and regulate medical and osteopathic practice in ways that prioritize patient safety and wellness, subject to the limitation that rules may not conflict with existing statutory definitions.

Establishes legislative findings that patient safety and wellness are primary goals of healthcare and that these goals may sometimes conflict with state and federal anti-trust law objectives of promoting competition and efficiency.

Becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.