AL HB65

Adds Section 34-21-2.1 to the Code of Alabama 1975 to clarify the State Board of Nursing's rulemaking authority regarding state and federal antitrust laws.

Declares that patient safety and wellness is a primary goal of healthcare and that the Board of Nursing is best positioned to determine nursing practices that prioritize these objectives.

Authorizes the Board of Nursing to adopt rules under Sections 34-21-2, 34-21-85, or 34-21-87 that prioritize patient safety and wellness even if such rules are anti-competitive.

Provides immunity to the Board of Nursing and its members from liability under state and federal antitrust laws for adoption of rules prioritizing patient safety and wellness but that may be anti-competitive.

Restricts Board rulemaking by prohibiting rules that conflict with existing statutes defining nursing practice and limits the scope of this section to not expand rights beyond those existing prior to the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision N.C. State Board of Dental Examiners v. FTC.