Health

Health, delegation of specific medical procedures and training of certain school personnel relating to medical needs of students, limit liability of public schools and certain school personnel, Alabama Safe at Schools Act

Capital punishment, person or entity who participates in an execution or performs any ancillary function shall be confidential, Sec. 15-18-82.1 am'd.

Abortions, information required to be provided to a woman prior to abortion, time period increased from 24 hours to 48 hours, Sec. 26-23A-4 am'd.

Physicians, Medical Licensure Commission or Board of Medical Examiners, administrative fines, physicians authorize to renew licenses when paying administrative fines in installments, Sec. 34-24-383 am'd.

Medicaid, Regional Care Organizations, membership and eligibility of board of directors revised, appointment of executive committee, creation of provider standards committee, establishment of minimum reimbursement rates by the Medicaid Agency, review of provider contract terms, rulemaking authority of the Medicaid Agency, Secs. 22-6-151, 22-6-153, 22-6-155, 22-6-158, 22-6-163, 22-6-164 am'd.

Fetal Heartbeat Act, prohibits physician from performing abortion without first determining fetal heartbeat, physician who does not make determination or who performs abortion when heartbeat detected is guilty of Class C felony

Massage Therapy, Board of, massage therapists further regulated, penalties increased, Secs. 34-43-3, 34-43-5, 34-43-6, 34-43-7, 34-43-9, 34-43-11, 34-43-12, 34-43-14, 34-43-15, 34-43-17, 34-43-20, 34-43-21 am'd; Sec. 34-43-10 repealed

Board of Hearing Instrument Dealers, to provide further for definitions, remove specific fees and authorize board to set by rule, Sec. 34-14-34 added; Secs. 34-14-1 to 34-14-9, inclusive, 34-14-11, 34-14-30, 34-14-32, 34-14-33 am'd.

Optometry, Board of, practice of optometry through telemedicine provided for, Secs. 34-22-80 to 34-22-87, inclusive, am'd.; Sec. 34-22-88 repealed

Tanning facilities, use regulated

Physicians, Medical Licensure Commission or Board of Medical Examiners, administrative fines, physicians authorize to renew licenses when paying administrative fines in installments, Sec. 34-24-383 am'd.

Tobacco products, defintions revised, invoices, penalties, Sec. 40-25-16.1 added; Secs. 40-25-1, 40-25-2, 40-25-4, 40-25-7, 40-25-8, 40-25-9, 40-25-13, 40-25-20, 40-2A-10 am'd.

Schools, meningococcal meningitis, local boards of education to provide information on disease and vaccine provided when other health information provided, Education Department, develop and make information available

Health insurance, licensing of physicians, dentists, chiropractors, and optometrists, not to be conditioned on participation in health insurance plans

Massage Therapy, Board of, massage therapists further regulated, penalties increased, Secs. 34-43-3, 34-43-5, 34-43-6, 34-43-7, 34-43-9, 34-43-11, 34-43-12, 34-43-14, 34-43-15, 34-43-17, 34-43-20, 34-43-21 am'd; Sec. 34-43-10 repealed

Cottage food production operations, baked goods, exempt from obtaining food service permit from health department, labeling of baked goods, other food items, food safety course required

Home Medical Equipment Board, Home Medical Equipment Services Providers Board, renamed, removal of board members, employment of administrator, practicing without a license, penalties, renewal of lapsed license, fees, grounds for revoking, denying, or suspending provided, Sec. 34-14C-1, 34-14C-2, 34-14C-3, 34-14C-4, 34-14C-4.1, 34-14C-5, 34-14C-6, 34-14C-7, 34-14C-8 am'd.

Home Medical Equipment Board, Home Medical Equipment Services Providers Board, renamed, removal of board members, employment of administrator, practicing without a license, penalties, renewal of lapsed license, fees, grounds for revoking, denying, or suspending provided, Sec. 34-14C-1, 34-14C-2, 34-14C-3, 34-14C-4, 34-14C-4.1, 34-14C-5, 34-14C-6, 34-14C-7, 34-14C-8 am'd.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, licensing and regulation of, established

Health, smoking prohibited in places of employment, public places and private clubs, outdoor areas, exceptions, responsibilities of Health Department and State Board of Health, penalties, Smoke-free Air Act, Secs. 22-15A-1 to 22-15A-10, inclusive, repealed

Health care providers authorized to decline to perform services that violate their consciences, exceptions, Health Care Rights of Conscience Act

Health insurance and health benefit plans, registered nurse first assistants, reimbursement for services by insurers, Registered Nurse First Assistant Consumer Act

Psychology, practice further defined, unauthorized practice further regulated, membership of Board of Examiners altered, continuing education; license renewal, proof of citizenship or legal status required for applicants for licensure, temporary licenses, emergency disaster licenses, reciprocal licensing, fine and penalty for unauthorized practice, civil procedure for enjoining unauthorized practice, certain fees increased, examinations of applicants, disciplinary evidence required by clear and convincing evidence, judicial review of board's orders, complaints of alleged misconduct, Sec. 34-26-45 repealed; Secs. 34-26-21, 34-26-22, 34-26-41, 34-26-42, 34-26-43, 34-26-43.1, 34-26-44, 34-26-46, 34-26-47 am'd

Massage Therapy, Board of, massage therapists further regulated, penalties increased, Secs. 34-43-3, 34-43-5, 34-43-6, 34-43-7, 34-43-9, 34-43-11, 34-43-12, 34-43-14, 34-43-15, 34-43-17, 34-43-20, 34-43-21 am'd; Sec. 34-43-10 repealed

Chiropractic Examiners, State Board of, practice of chiropractic, licensure and regulation further provided for, permit holders, state at-large member, fingerprinting for applicants, exam for clinic permit applicants, subpoena power, judicial review, fees, unpaid checks, Sec. 34-24-162 added; Secs. 34-24-121, 34-24-123, 34-24-140, 34-24-143, 34-24-160, 34-24-161, 34-24-165, 34-24-166, 34-24-168, 34-24-170, 34-24-172, 34-24-175, 34-24-176 am'd.

Occupational Therapy, definition of occupational therapy, expand referrals for treatment, certain occupational therapists exempt from referral requirement, deletes requirement that Board of Medical Examiners jointly approve certain rules, executive director provided for, Secs. 34-39-3, 34-39-4, 34-39-5, 34-39-6, 34-39-7, 34-39-8, 34-39-11, 34-39-16 am'd.

State Employees' Insurance board, high deductible health plan authorized, linking with a federally qualified health saving account and a federally qualified health reimbursement arrangement (HRA)

Insurance Department, casualty insurance companies, capital requirements, subject to certain action level events, Secs. 27-2B-2, 27-2B-3, 27-2B-4 am'd.

Medicaid Agency, delivery of medical services to Medicaid eligible persons through regional care organizations, organization of a quality assurance committee, contracts with alternative care providers under limited circumstances, authorized

Psychology, practice further defined, unauthorized practice further regulated, membership of Board of Examiners altered, continuing education; license renewal, proof of citizenship or legal status required for applicants for licensure, temporary licenses, emergency disaster licenses, reciprocal licensing, fine and penalty for unauthorized practice, civil procedure for enjoining unauthorized practice, certain fees increased, examinations of applicants, disciplinary evidence required by clear and convincing evidence, judicial review of board's orders, complaints of alleged misconduct, Sec. 34-26-45 repealed; Secs. 34-26-21, 34-26-22, 34-26-41, 34-26-42, 34-26-43, 34-26-43.1, 34-26-44, 34-26-46, 34-26-47 am'd

Home Medical Equipment Services Providers, Board of, name changed to Home Medical Equipment, Board of, duties revised, licensure and regulation, disciplinary hearings, administrative fines, injunctions, penalties, Secs. 34-14C-1, 34-14C-2, 34-14C-4, 34-14C-4.1, 34-14C-5, 34-14C-6, 34-14C-8 am'd.

Pharmacy Board, prescription drugs in nursing homes, dispensing by automated dispensing systems, rule authorized, Sec. 34-23-74 am'd

Breast Cancer, duty of Department of Public Health to develop and physicians disseminate information to patients regarding treatment options, reconstructive options, and coverage

Board of Dental Examiners, authorize to charge and collect impaired annual monitoring fee, authorize president to designate any board member to issue subpoenas, and to provide for filing of depositions in board office, Secs. 34-9-1, 34-9-4, 34-9-6, 34-9-7, 34-9-7.2, 34-9-8, 34-9-9, 34-9-10, 34-9-12, 34-9-13, 34-9-14, 34-9-15, 34-9-16, 34-9-18, 34-9-22, 34-9-26, 34-9-27, 34-9-28, 34-9-40, 34-9-46, 34-9-47, 34-38-2 am'd.

Veterinary Practice Act, definition of practice of veterinary revised to prohibit unlicensed persons from directly supervising services, spay neuter clinics included as veterinary facilities, certain nonprofit employed vets exempted from prohibition against working for unlicensed employer, Secs. 34-29-61, 34-29-87, 34-29-88 am'd.

Pharmacy Board, prescription drugs in nursing homes, dispensing by automated dispensing systems, rule authorized, Sec. 34-23-74 am'd

Health insurance and health benefit plans, registered nurse first assistants, reimbursement for services by insurers, Registered Nurse First Assistant Consumer Act

Optometrists, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of opthalmic materials leasing space to prohibited from controlling or attempting to control professional judgment of optometrist

Abortions, health insurance coverage of elective abortions, prohibited, exceptions, Abortion Coverage Prohibition Act

Insurance, optometric or dental plans, certified registered nurse services, insured or beneficiary, assignment of benefits, applicable to health care service plans and health maintenance organizations

Midwives, State Board of Midwifery, established, licensure and regulation, penalties, Secs. 34-19-11 to 34-19-19, inclusive, added; Secs. 22-9A-7, 34-43-3 am'd; Secs. 34-19-2 to 34-19-10, inclusive, repealed

Health care providers authorized to decline to perform services that violate their consciences, exceptions, Health Care Rights of Conscience Act

Abortion, physician involvement and admitting privileges at local hospital required, certain standard in treatment and care required, reporting of name of minor child to Human Resources Department and law enforcement under certain conditions, criminal penalties, Women's Health and Safety Act

Civil actions, obesity or weight gain, suits prohibited, limited exceptions, Commonsense Consumption Act

Third Party Prescription Program Act, not applicable to Public Education Employees' Health Insurance Plan, Sec. 34-23-116 am'd.

Solid waste landfill, permits, prohibition against issuance by Alabama Department of Environmental Management and local governments of new permits pursuant to Act 2011-297 extended until after May 31, 2014, Act 2011-297, 2011 Reg. Sess., am'd; Sec. 22-27-5.2 am'd

Insulin, insulin syringes, and related items to treat diabetes, exempt from state, county, and municipal sales and use tax, retroactive applications under certain conditions

Pharmacies, disposition of unused or expired dispensed medication for destruction, Sec. 34-23-70 am'd

Board of Physical Therapy, impaired professional wellness committee and program created; executive director appointment, licensing in lieu of registration of physical therapists assistants, Secs. 34-24-191, 34-24-193, 34-24-194, 34-24-195, 34-24-210, 34-24-211, 34-24-212, 34-24-213, 34-24-217 am'd

Cottage food production operations, baked goods, exempt from obtaining food service permit from health department, labeling of baked goods, jams and jellies, herbs

Methamphetamines, further regulation of the sale of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine products, licensed pharmacies solely authorized to sell, criminal penalties enhanced, membership of Alabama Drug Abuse Task Force revised, Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center to create an electronic drug offender tracking system, Secs. 13A-12-260, 20-2-190 am'd; Sec. 20-2-190.2 added

Health Care Sharing Ministries Freedom to Share Act, program for matching of health care and financial needs, disclaimers required, program not subject to Insurance Department regulations

Health, smoking prohibited in places of employment, public places and private clubs, outdoor areas, exceptions, responsibilities of Health Department and State Board of Health, penalties, Smoke-free Air Act, Secs. 22-15A-1 to 22-15A-10, inclusive, repealed

Abortions, health insurance coverage of elective abortions, prohibited, exceptions, Abortion Coverage Prohibition Act

Lifespan Respite Resource Network, established, Alabama Respite Coalition, established

Sports, local boards of education to develop policy regarding concussion, youth athlete with concussions or head injuries, participation in practice or athletic games prohibited for certain number of days, Act 2011-541, 2011 Reg. Sess., am'd; Sec. 22-11E-2 am'd

Health benefit plans, prescription drugs, specify prescription drugs and methodology to determine coverage of a drug, Sec. 10A-20-6.16, 27-21A-23 am'd

Health benefit plans, group insurance, coverage of autism spectrum disorder to age eight under certain conditions, Secs. 10A-20-6.16, 27-21A-23 am'd

Abortions, ectopic pregnancies excluded from definition of "abortion" when used in Code of Alabama 1975 and the Alabama Administrative Code, certain requirements relating to probable post-fertilization age clarified

Medicaid programs, ensuring appropriate access to medicines for premature infants, created, Medicaid program required to develop and implement policies to streamline process for access to covered drug for premature infants.

Nurses, certified registered nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives, authorized to prescribe certain controlled substances, Secs. 20-2-214, 20-2-217 am'd; Secs. 20-2-250 to 20-2-259, inclusive, added

Methamphetamine laboratories (meth labs), decontamination and certificate of inspection by Health Department, public disclosure of location required to be recorded on website

Acupuncturists, licensure and regulations, penalties

Pharmacies and Pharmacists, pharmacy services defined and Board of Pharmacy authorized to provide for pharmacy services permit, Sec. 34-23-1, 34-23-30 am'd

Beef, labeling and notice of presence of lean finely textured beef products, Public Health and Agriculture and Industries, rules, civil penalties

Examiners of Assisted Living Administrators, Board of, continued until October 1, 2016, pursuant to Sunset Law

Dental Examiners, Board of, continued pursuant to Sunset Law until October 1, 2013

Hospitals and emergency medical services, statewide trauma system and council, council amended, coordination of pre-hospital and hospital care, regulated by Health Department and other systems and other health services for other illnesses, Secs. 22-11D-1 to 22-11D-9, inclusive, am'd; Sec. 22-11D-10 added

Health benefit plans, infertility, coverage for treatment, Secs. 10A-20-6.16, 27-21A-23 am'd

Abortion, physician guidelines prior to administering an abortion-inducing drug, civil and criminal penalties, Abortion-Inducing Drug Safety Act

Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine, State Board of Health required to classify as controlled substances, exemptions, removed from list of precursor chemicals maintained by State Board of Pharmacy, Secs. 20-2-20, 20-2-181 am'd.

Health, smoking prohibited in places of employment, public places and private clubs, outdoor areas, exceptions, responsibilities of Health Department and State Board of Health, penalties, Smoke-free Air Act, const. amend., Secs. 22-15A-1 to 22-15A-10, inclusive, repealed

Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine, State Board of Health required to classify as controlled substances, exemptions, removed from list of precursor chemicals maintained by State Board of Pharmacy, Secs. 20-2-20, 20-2-181 am'd.

Persons, defined to include all humans from moment of fertilization and implantation into the womb

Food nutrition labeling, restaurants and vending machines, regulation reserved to the Legislature, not to affect certain federal regulations

Vital statistics, stillborn child, parent listed on report of fetal death authorized to request Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth from State Registrar, procedures for issuance, State Board of Health to administer

Health care, persons, employers, or health care providers, mandatory participation in any health care system prohibited, const. amend.

Medicaid Agency, procurement procedures, exempt for health professionals for task forces, boards, committees, Sec. 41-16-72 am'd.

Nursing facilities, Medicaid reimbursement, supplement assessment extended, supplemental provider privilege assessment increased, inflation factor moved to zero, Medicaid Agency authorized to create reimbursement formula for ventilator care units, Secs. 40-26B-21, 40-26B-22, 40-26B-23, 40-26B-24, 40-26B-25, 40-26B-26 am'd.; Act 2010-520, 2010 Reg. Sess. am'd.

Sports, youth athletes, concussions and head injuries, each sport or recreational organization governing body to develop guidelines regarding medical evaluation, removal from practice or game, written clearance from health care provider to return to play, athletic head injury safety training required (2011-20301)

Home Medical Equipment Services Providers, Board of, name changed to Home Medical Equipment, Board of, duties revised, licensure and regulation, disciplinary hearings, administrative fines, injunctions, penalties, Secs. 34-14C-1, 34-14C-2, 34-14C-4, 34-14C-4.1, 34-14C-6, 34-14C-8 am'd.; Act 2010-148, 2010 Reg. Sess. am'd.

Home Medical Equipment Services Providers, Board of, name changed to Home Medical Equipment, Board of, duties revised, licensure and regulation, disciplinary hearings, administrative fines, injunctions, penalties, Secs. 34-14C-1, 34-14C-2, 34-14C-4, 34-14C-4.1, 34-14C-6, 34-14C-8 am'd.; Act 2010-148, 2010 Reg. Sess. am'd.

Health, smoking prohibited in places of employment, public places and private clubs, outdoor areas, exceptions, responsibilities of Health Department and State Board of Health, penalties, Smoke-free Air Act, Secs. 22-15A-1 to 22-15A-10, inclusive, repealed

Nursing facilities, Medicaid reimbursement, supplement assessment extended, supplemental provider privilege assessment increased, inflation factor moved to zero, Medicaid Agency authorized to create reimbursement formula for ventilator care units, Secs. 40-26B-21, 40-26B-22, 40-26B-23, 40-26B-24, 40-26B-25, 40-26B-26 am'd.; Act 2010-520, 2010 Reg. Sess. am'd.

Abortions, health insurance coverage of elective abortions, prohibited, exceptions, Abortion Coverage Prohibition Act

Civil actions, obesity or weight gain, suits prohibited, limited exceptions, Commonsense Consumption Act

Income tax, qualifying employers and qualifying employees authorized tax deductions for 100 percent of amounts paid for health insurance premiums, Sec. 40-18-15.3 am'd.

Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians supervised by pharmacist, appropriately trained, authorized to provide therapeutic diabetic shoes and inserts

Health, abortion coverage by exchange participating health plans, State of Alabama opts out of authorizing, Federal Abortion Mandate Opt Out Act

Abortion, physician required to perform ultrasound prior to performing abortion, medical emergency excepted, civil and criminal penalties, Right to Know and See Act

Abortions, health insurance coverage of elective abortions, prohibited, exceptions, Abortion Coverage Prohibition Act

Mental Health Department, term intellectual disability changed to developmental disability and people with intellectual disabilities changed to people with developmental disabilities, Code of Alabama 1975 changed as appropriate, definitions, Medicaid waiver for applicants with developmental disabilities, Sec. 22-50-2.1 am'd.

Social workers, practice, clinical treatment and diagnosis related thereto authorized, Sec. 34-30-34 added

Chiropractors, authorized to refer person to licensed physical therapist for treatment, Sec. 34-24-122 am'd.

Chiropractors, chiropractors authorized to prescribe and administer certain drugs and natural compounds, education requirements, schools teaching chiropractic required to be accredited by Council on Chiropractic Education, Sec. 34-24-120 am'd.

Pharmacy, Alabama State Board of, prescription drugs for patients in residential care facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities, repackaging and storing of noncontrolled legend drugs, board may provide by rule

Physical therapists, referral by physician or dentist, requirement removed, Secs. 34-24-191, 34-24-217 am'd.

Certificates of need (CON), applications, procedure for granting or denying, process of contested cases streamlined, direct appeal to Court of Civil Appeals, monetary limits on costs and administrative law judge fees, Sec. 22-21-275 am'd.

Dentists and dental hygienists, Dental Practice Act and Alabama Impaired Professionals' Committee substantially revised, Sec. 34-9-9.1 added; Secs. 34-9-1, 34-9-2, 34-9-6, 34-9-7, 34-9-7.1, 34-9-9, 34-9-10, 34-9-11, 34-9-12, 34-9-13, 34-9-14, 34-9-15, 34-9-15.1, 34-9-16, 34-9-17, 34-9-18, 34-9-19, 34-9-19.1, 34-9-20, 34-9-21, 34-9-24, 34-9-25, 34-9-26, 34-9-27, 34-9-29, 34-9-40, 34-9-42, 34-9-43, 34-9-43.1, 34-9-45, 34-9-46, 34-9-47, 34-9-80, 34-38-2, 34-38-3, 34-38-5, 34-38-6, 34-38-7, 34-38-8 am'd.

Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine, State Board of Health required to classify as controlled substances, exemptions, removed from list of precursor chemicals maintained by State Board of Pharmacy, Secs. 20-2-20, 20-2-181 am'd.

Assisted living administrators, licensure and regulation, voting members, fees, disciplinary actions, Secs. 34-2A-2, 34-2A-3, 34-2A-11, 34-2A-12, 34-2A-13 am'd.

Pharmacy, Alabama State Board of, pharmacists, regulation and licensing, pharmacy and permit defined, Sec. 34-23-1 am'd. (2010-20449)

Alzheimer's Disease Task Force, established to assess the current and future impact of Alzheimer's disease in Alabama, members, duties, Mental Health Department to provide administrative support, report of findings to Governor and Legislature, termination date

Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, over-the-counter products, sales further regulated, on-line electronic verification system operated by Criminal Justice Information Center, penalties, Drug Abuse Task Force, established, members, Sec. 20-2-190 am'd.; Act 2009-283, 2009 Reg. Sess. am'd.

Health Department, cancer, programs for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer awareness, establishment required

Controlled substances, prescription drug monitoring program, meetings of Controlled Substances Prescription Database Advisory Committee, members authorized to meet electronically and by proxy, out-of-state access to prescription drug monitoring database authorized, State Board of Health authorized to use fees for database operations, Secs. 20-2-212, 20-2-214, 20-2-217 am'd.; Act 2009-489, 2009 Reg. Sess. am'd.

Corrections Department, prescription medication, unused, redispensing authorized under certain conditions

Human papillomavirus, State Board of Health required to provide information regarding to parents or guardians of sixth grade female students

Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, over-the-counter products, sales further regulated, on-line electronic verification system operated by Criminal Justice Information Center, penalties, Drug Abuse Task Force, established, members, Sec. 20-2-190 am'd.; Act 2009-283, 2009 Reg. Sess. am'd.

Chiropractic Examiners, State Board of, licensure qualifications, testing for applicants, Sec. 34-24-160 am'd.

Food stamps and welfare (TANF), persons with felony drug conviction, federal law provisions making ineligible, provision for persons to be eligible under certain conditions

Prescription legend drugs, donation of drugs by hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or hospices to charitable pharmacies, authorized, physicians' samples authorized to be donated and transferred to charitable clinics and pharmacies, Secs. 20-3-2, 20-3-3 am'd.

Yellow fever vaccines, pharmacists may dispense, Sec. 34-23-1 am'd.

Health Department, program established for safe disposal of home-generated medical sharps, Home-Generated Medical Sharps Disposal Act