HB769 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Daniel H. Boman

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Hospitals, breast reconstruction surgery, hospitals licensed by the State Board of Health that provide mastectomy surgery, lymph node dissection, or lumpectomy required to provide information to patients concerning the option of breast reconstructive surgery

Summary

Requires Alabama hospitals to inform patients about breast reconstructive surgery options before consent for mastectomy, lymph node dissection, or lumpectomy, including insurance coverage details.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, licensed hospitals that perform these procedures must provide written information about reconstructive options before obtaining the patient's consent. The information must describe reconstruction options and their pros and cons, how coverage works under state and federal law, and how to access reconstruction care (including transferring to a facility that offers reconstruction). It must be provided in writing and in advance of consent.

Who It Affects

• Patients undergoing mastectomy, lymph node dissection, or lumpectomy at hospitals licensed by the State Board of Health will receive information about reconstruction options and coverage before giving consent.
• Hospitals licensed by the State Board of Health that perform these procedures must provide the information in writing.

Key Provisions

• Hospitals that perform mastectomy, lymph node dissection, or lumpectomy must provide information about breast reconstructive surgery options to patients prior to consent.
• The information must be provided in writing and in advance of consent.
• Content must include: (a) description of reconstruction options and their advantages and disadvantages; (b) description of insurance coverage provisions for reconstruction under state and federal law; (c) description of how to access reconstruction care, including transferring to a facility that provides reconstruction or pursuing reconstruction after cancer treatment; (d) any other information required by the Board of Health.
• Effective date: the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor.

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

Subjects

Hospitals