Healthcare (Public Health) in Alabama

died · Alabama · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 351: Public health, authorized forms of single-dose epinephrine used by public schools and authorized entities expanded

This bill expands the types of single-dose epinephrine devices that public schools and authorized entities in Alabama can stock and use to treat life-threatening allergic reactions. Currently, only specific autoinjectable forms are approved, but this legislation would allow any FDA-approved single-dose premeasured epinephrine system to be carried and administered by students, school staff, and authorized personnel. The changes apply to students who self-administer medication under existing guidelines and to schools that maintain emergency response protocols for allergic reactions. Schools and staff members would remain protected from liability when using approved epinephrine devices in accordance with the bill's requirements.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Public Health

in committee · Alabama · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 547: Creates the Medical Research Supply Assurance and Trade Resilience Act to safeguard critical research and medical supply chains against global trade disruptions.

This bill establishes the Medical Research Supply Assurance and Trade Resilience Act to protect Alabama's medical and research supply chains from global trade disruptions. It creates a grant program for eligible hospitals, universities, and biotechnology companies facing increased costs or shortages due to trade instability, allowing funds to be used for stockpiling supplies or developing domestic alternatives. The bill also requires the Alabama Department of Public Health to maintain a strategic reserve of essential supplies like diagnostic kits and protective equipment, and establishes an advisory board to assess supply chain vulnerabilities and recommend policy changes. A dedicated state fund will be created to finance these grants and reserve operations, with the program taking effect on October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Public Health

signed · Alabama · House Apr 17, 2026

HB 533: Public health, authorized forms of single-dose epinephrine used by public schools and authorized entities expanded

This bill expands the types of single-dose epinephrine devices that schools and authorized entities in Alabama are permitted to carry and use to treat life-threatening allergic reactions. Currently, only specific autoinjector devices are approved for student self-administration and school stockpiling, but this legislation would allow any FDA-approved premeasured single-dose epinephrine system to be used for this purpose. The changes apply to public and nonpublic schools, school staff, and students who have received proper medical authorization and training for self-administration. The bill also maintains existing protections that shield schools and trained personnel from liability when following established protocols for emergency response to allergic reactions.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Public Health

signed · Alabama · House Apr 16, 2026

HJR 281: Urging the State Committee of Public Health to review and consider adding the novel synthetic opioid N-Propionitrile Chlorphine as a Schedule I controlled substance

This bill asks the Alabama State Committee of Public Health to review and potentially classify a new synthetic opioid called N-Propionitrile Chlorphine as a Schedule I controlled substance. The legislation cites concerns that this drug is approximately 10 times more potent than fentanyl and poses a high risk of accidental overdose due to its extreme potency and presence in counterfeit pills. If the committee acts on this request, the substance would be added to Alabama's list of controlled substances under existing state law. The bill directs the State Health Officer and committee members to process this review immediately.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Public Health Substance Abuse

died · Alabama · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 350: State Health Planning and Development Agency; collaboration among rural health care providers authorized; certification and supervision framework established, limited immunity from state and federal antitrust laws provided

This bill, known as the Rural Health Antitrust Immunity Act, allows rural healthcare providers in Alabama to collaborate on activities like shared services, joint purchasing, and coordinated staffing to improve healthcare access and quality in rural areas. To receive this protection from state and federal antitrust laws, providers must obtain a certificate from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, which will review whether the collaboration is necessary to advance public health goals and outweighs any negative effects on competition. The bill requires that these certificates be approved by the Governor and are valid for three years, with ongoing oversight to ensure the collaborations continue to benefit rural communities. It specifically targets rural healthcare facilities facing challenges like provider shortages and facility closures by permitting regulated cooperation that would otherwise be considered anticompetitive.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Public Health

in committee · Alabama · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 278: Influenza vaccination; to require private health insurance and the Alabama Medicaid program to pay or reimburse for influenza shots

SB 278 requires private health insurance plans and Alabama Medicaid to cover the full cost of influenza vaccinations administered by licensed healthcare providers, including both the vaccine and associated administration fees. This applies to all settings like doctor's offices, pharmacies, community clinics, and school-based clinics, without restricting where the shot can be given. The bill explicitly preserves individuals' and parents' rights to accept or decline the vaccine and does not affect existing school immunization rules. It takes effect on August 1, 2026, and applies only to influenza shots, not other vaccines.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicaid Public Health

in committee · Alabama · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 297: Hospitals; required to report certain staffing information to Alabama Department of Public Health and publicly indicate whether physicians are physically present in emergency department

SB 297 requires Alabama hospitals and freestanding emergency departments to report quarterly to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) the number of hours physicians are physically present versus absent in emergency departments. ADPH must publish this data on its website in a searchable format, and hospitals must display real-time notices in the ER waiting room and on their website stating whether a physician is present (e.g., "A physician is physically present"). The bill defines "physically present" as a licensed physician on-site and immediately available for patient care, excluding telemedicine or off-site coverage. Hospitals violating these requirements may face license suspension or revocation, and the law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Hospitals Public Health Telehealth

signed · Alabama · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SB 269: Ground ambulance services; to prohibit balance billing and set minimum reimbursement rates by health care insurers to emergency medical service providers

SB 269 regulates how health insurers pay for ground ambulance services in Alabama. It prohibits surprise billing by requiring insurers to pay providers a set minimum rate (200% of Medicare’s ambulance rate for in-network services, 180% for out-of-network) as full payment, meaning patients can only be charged their standard in-network copay or deductible. Ambulance providers and insurers must report financial data to the Alabama Department of Public Health, and an independent expert will study the law’s impact on access to ambulance services. The law expires on June 1, 2029. It directly affects emergency medical service providers and patients covered by health insurance plans.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicare Public Health

in committee · Alabama · House Feb 26, 2026

HB 528: Alabama Department of Public Health; Alabama Dementia Network created, implementation by the department provided for, data collection and public reporting required

HB 528 creates the Alabama Dementia Network within the Alabama Department of Public Health to improve dementia care across the state. It requires the department to establish regional hubs providing clinical education, diagnostic services, family support, and referrals, while partnering with agencies like Medicaid, senior services, and nonprofits. The bill mandates data collection on program effectiveness and annual public reporting of outcomes and recommendations. It does not require new state funding, allowing support through existing federal funds, grants, or partnerships. The network directly serves Alabamians living with dementia and their caregivers.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Medicaid Public Health

signed · Alabama · House Mar 5, 2026

HB 182: Health department; to require acceptance of military education or training as credit towards EMS licensure

HB 182 requires the Alabama Department of Public Health to accept military education, training, and experience as credit toward emergency medical services (EMS) personnel licensure. This directly affects veterans and active-duty military personnel (including National Guard and Reserves) seeking EMS licenses in Alabama, provided they also submit proof of passing the National Registry exam. The bill amends Alabama Code Section 22-18-4 to explicitly include military service under acceptable qualifications, while removing outdated language and making minor technical updates to the code. It does not change other licensure requirements, such as completing approved EMS courses or passing exams.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Public Health National Guard & Reserve Tags Public Safety

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