AL SB265

Creates the Alabama Assisted Living Board of Mitigation to resolve disputes between licensed assisted living facilities or specialty care assisted living facilities and the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Board comprises seven members: a physician with long-term care or geriatric experience (4-year term), an elder law attorney (3-year term), two licensed assisted living administrators (2-year terms), and three public members age 65+ (1, 3, and 4-year terms), with subsequent terms of four years and one reappointment maximum.

Board members receive $200 per diem for official business, must meet at least twice per year, and can hold hearings and compel testimony from complainants and department employees.

Board issues nonbinding recommendations that the Alabama Department of Public Health must take into consideration, and recommendations may be used as evidence in appeals; department cannot take action against a facility for 10 days after notice or until board issues final recommendations if a complaint is filed.

Board must annually report to Senate and House Health Committees detailing complaint numbers, nature, and resolutions, and may recommend legislative changes; act becomes effective three months after passage.