HB527 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Howard Sanderford

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Mac Buttram

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Nursing, Board of, investigators granted power of peace officers, and authorized to enforce controlled substance laws, Secs. 20-2-90, 34-21-2 am'd.

Summary

HB527 would empower the State Board of Nursing’s investigators to act as peace officers to enforce the Nurse Practice Act and drug/substance laws, once they meet required officer standards.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill would add the Board of Nursing investigators to the list of agencies whose investigators have peace officer powers such as arrest without a warrant, seizure of property, and carrying firearms. It would require these investigators to meet the Alabama Peace Officers' Minimum Standards and Training Act. They would be authorized to enforce the Nurse Practice Act, including violations involving drugs or controlled substances. The act would take effect immediately upon passage.

Who It Affects

• Licensed professional nurses and licensed practical nurses in Alabama, whose license enforcement and disciplinary investigations could be carried out by nursing investigators with police powers.
• Board of Nursing investigators themselves, who would gain peace officer authority and must meet minimum peace officer standards.

Key Provisions

• Amends §20-2-90 to include the Board of Nursing investigators among those who have peace officer powers (arrest without warrant, seizures, carrying firearms) to enforce the Nurse Practice Act and related drug/substance laws.
• Amends §34-21-2 to grant the Board of Nursing investigators authority to exercise peace officer powers.
• Requires nursing investigators to comply with the Alabama Peace Officers' Minimum Standards and Training Act.
• Specifically authorizes enforcement of drug and controlled substance laws as part of Nurse Practice Act enforcement by nursing investigators.
• Includes a provision that investigators shall not be entitled to overtime compensation under specified state laws.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Nursing, Board of