AL HB162

Amends Section 6-5-549.1 of the Alabama Code to expand the definition of "health care provider" under the Alabama Medical Liability Act of 1996 to include emergency medical services personnel and emergency medical provider services as defined in Section 22-18-1(11) and (20).

Applies protections and provisions of the Alabama Medical Liability Acts of 1996 and 1987 to emergency medical services personnel and emergency medical provider services, subjecting them to the same liability standards as other covered health care providers.

Excludes emergency medical services personnel from certain provisions that apply to optometrists, chiropractors, and podiatrists under the medical liability framework.

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

Passed by the House on April 11, 2023 and the Senate on April 25, 2023.