AL HB135

Hospital providing inpatient services must give written notice by certified mail at least 90 days before planned closure to the Department of Public Health, Certificate of Need Review Board, Department of Mental Health, county commission chair, probate judge, county sheriff, and municipal mayor (if applicable).

Hospital must conduct a public hearing in the affected community at least 30 days before closure date to provide information on the planned closure and address community questions and concerns.

Hospital must publish notice of the public hearing in a newspaper having general circulation within the affected community once per week for two weeks, starting at least 30 days before the hearing, at its own expense.

Hospital requesting waiver of requirements to provide certain health-related services under State Board of Health rules must provide written notice at least 45 days before the proposed date of service termination to the same entities listed above.

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