HB263 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Elaine Beech

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Hospitals, elderly, influenza vaccine required to be offered to inpatients between October and March

Summary

HB263 would require hospitals to offer an influenza vaccine to patients 65 and older before discharge during Oct 1 through Mar 1, with liability protections for hospitals acting in good faith.

What This Bill Does

It requires hospitals to offer influenza vaccination to inpatients aged 65+ before discharge during the specified months, following CDC recommendations and subject to vaccine availability. If a patient is contraindicated, the offer does not apply. The bill also provides liability protection for hospitals and providers acting in good faith and following accepted standards for not complying with the offer. The law would take effect on the first day of the third month after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Inpatients aged 65 and older in Alabama hospitals, who will be offered the influenza vaccine before discharge during Oct 1–Mar 1 (unless contraindicated).
• Hospitals and health care providers in Alabama, who must offer the vaccine and receive liability protection for good-faith non-compliance.

Key Provisions

• Annual timeframe: Oct 1 through Mar 1 each year, hospitals must offer influenza vaccination to inpatients age 65+ prior to discharge, per CDC ACIP recommendations, and only if vaccine is available.
• Offer is contingent upon vaccine availability and patient contraindication status.
• Liability protection: hospitals or providers acting in good faith and following generally accepted standards are not liable for unprofessional conduct for not complying with the offer requirement.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor 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

Hospitals