SB444 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul Bussman

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

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

Summary

The Registered Nurse First Assistant Consumer Act would require insurers to directly reimburse registered nurse first assistants for surgical first assistant services and establish policies to support RNFAs in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

The bill declares the intent to promote the use of qualified RNFAs for surgical care and to ensure appropriate reimbursement from insurers. It defines key terms ( like health benefit policy, insurer, perioperative nursing, and RNFA qualifications). It requires that, for policies issued after July 1, 2014, benefits payable to a surgical first assistant must be reimbursed directly to the RNFA who performed the service, when requested by a physician and within the RNFA’s licensed scope. It also repeals conflicting laws. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage (or when it otherwise becomes law).

Who It Affects

• Registered nurse first assistants (RNFAs) who meet the defined qualifications will be eligible for direct reimbursement from insurers for their surgical first assistant services.
• Health insurers and health benefit policies issued in Alabama (after July 1, 2014) will be required to directly reimburse RNFAs for eligible services and establish appropriate reimbursement policies.

Key Provisions

• Name and intent: Establishes the act as the 'Registered Nurse First Assistant Consumer Act' to encourage use of RNFAs and ensure fair reimbursement.
• Definitions: Sets criteria for Health Benefit Policy, Insurer, Perioperative Nursing, Recognized Educational Curriculum Program, and Registered Nurse First Assistant (licensure, certification, education, and practice history).
• Direct reimbursement requirement: For policies issued after July 1, 2014, if benefits are payable to a surgical first assistant, the insurer must directly reimburse the RNFA who rendered the services at the physician’s request within the RNFA’s licensed scope.
• Repeal of conflicting laws: Abolishes laws that conflict with these provisions.
• Effective date: The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after it is passed (or when it becomes law by other means).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health