SB180 Summary

• Establishes the Maternal and Infant Health Board comprised of chief medical officers from University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System, University of South Alabama Health, and Huntsville Hospital to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in Alabama's Black Belt region.

• Requires the board to develop comprehensive prenatal to perinatal maternal and infant health care programs including community health clinics with birthing centers, mobile health clinics, home visitation programs, telehealth services, and a specialized advanced practice nurse program.

• Permits advance practice nurses to practice without physician presence in community health clinics and allows clinics and mobile units to be staffed by licensed and advanced practice nurses notwithstanding other state laws.

• Authorizes the board to establish tuition reimbursement and grant programs for advance practice nurses and health care professionals providing maternal and infant health services in underserved areas.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.