HB381 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Section 22-8-1 to allow licensed physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to provide medical or mental health services without consent when a person is physically or mentally unable to consent and has no known relatives or legal guardian.

• Requires two or more licensed physicians, psychiatrists, or psychologists, or one licensed physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist plus one or more nurse practitioners or physician assistants to jointly sign a written statement finding that medical services are necessary.

• Permits treatment without consent only when attempting to secure consent from a court or to locate unknown relatives would result in a delay that would increase risk to the person's life or health.

• Becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor, or upon otherwise becoming law.

• Passed House on 02-MAY-19 and Senate on 23-MAY-19.