AL SB82

Eliminates the certificate of need (CON) requirement for any new or expanded medical facility or health care service located in a rural area, effective October 1, 2026

Defines "rural area" as any location in Alabama outside of a metropolitan statistical area listed in the Office of Management and Budget Bulletin No. 20-01 dated March 6, 2020

Requires rural health care providers to continue submitting reports to the State Health Planning and Development Agency (SHPDA) despite the CON exemption

Repeals Section 22-21-278 relating to an existing exemption for certain kidney disease treatment centers

Makes technical, nonsubstantive revisions to update existing code language, including removing references to reduced application fees previously available to rural hospitals