AL SB97

Creates the Alabama Health Command as an independent state agency led by a Governor-appointed director to oversee development of a virtual AI-assisted health platform for rural communities

Requires the agency to designate an Alabama-headquartered business entity to develop a uniform, interoperable platform using patented avatar-based virtual encounter technology

Platform services include wellness education, appointment scheduling, provider navigation, telehealth connections, and follow-up assistance—but explicitly excludes diagnosis, treatment, or prescription of medical conditions

Mandates standards for patient privacy protection, electronic health records interoperability, algorithm transparency, and guardrails against misinformation or unauthorized medical practice

Exempts rural hospitals, clinics, and state health institutions contracting with the platform from competitive bidding requirements; effective October 1, 2026