HB345 Summary

• Establishes the Health Professional Scope of Practice Review Commission to review legislative proposals that revise or create scope of practice laws for health professions regulated under Title 34 of Alabama Code.

• Commission must meet by November 1 annually to review proposals submitted by October 1 and report findings to legislative leaders at least 20 days before the regular session; consists of 11 permanent members (medical educators, physicians, health professionals, insurance representative, at-large members) plus two temporary ad-hoc members appointed per proposal.

• Requires health professional groups to submit proposals with detailed explanations addressing consumer need, required education and training, national examinations, impact on current practitioners, costs, relevant laws in other states, and occupational board recommendations.

• Commission must evaluate scope expansion proposals against criteria including public protection, access to safe care, regulatory necessity, and may not consider competition between professions or health insurance coverage availability.

• Any legislative proposal containing continuing education requirements must include evidence the requirement has been proven effective; Legislature retains discretion but Healthcare and Health Committees must consider commission recommendations if they exist.