SB103 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul Bussman

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

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

Summary

SB103 would require Alabama health insurers to reimburse registered nurse first assistants for surgical first assistant services when they meet defined qualifications.

What This Bill Does

It establishes the Registered Nurse First Assistant Consumer Act to promote use of qualified RNFAs and ensure equitable insurer reimbursement. It defines who qualifies as a RNFA (licensed RN in Alabama, certified in operating room nursing, completed an approved RNFA education program, and having worked as an RNFA since 1993). It requires health benefit policies issued in Alabama (on or after July 1, 2014) to reimburse RNFAs for first assistant services if the services are within the RNFA’s licensed scope. It also repeals conflicting laws and sets an effective date for when the act becomes law.

Who It Affects

• Registered nurse first assistants (RNFAs) in Alabama who practice in operating room settings and meet the defined qualifications would be eligible for insurer reimbursement for their surgical first assistant services.
• Health insurers and health benefit policies in Alabama would be required to reimburse RNFAs for first assistant services, aligning reimbursement with what would be payable to a surgical first assistant under the policy.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Registered Nurse First Assistant Consumer Act to promote RNFA use and equitable reimbursement by insurers.
• Defines key terms: health benefit policy, insurer, operating room nursing, recognized RNFA education program, and RNFA qualifications (licensed RN, OR nursing certification, completed RNFA program meeting APN standards, and historical RNFA practice since 1993).
• Requires insurers to reimburse RNFAs for first assistant services when the benefits would be payable to a surgical first assistant, as long as services are within the RNFA’s licensed scope.
• Applies to policies issued on or after July 1, 2014 and repeals conflicting laws.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor’s approval.

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

Subjects

Health