HB491 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arnold MooneyRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Health care providers authorized to decline to perform services that violate their consciences, exceptions, Health Care Rights of Conscience Act

Summary

HB491 would create the Health Care Rights of Conscience Act, allowing health care providers to decline certain services that conflict with their conscience, with protections and remedies.

What This Bill Does

It lets health care providers refuse to perform or participate in health care services that violate their conscience, as long as they file a written objection before being asked. It grants immunity from civil, criminal, or administrative liability for refusals, except in life-threatening emergencies where no other provider is available. It prohibits discrimination against providers who decline to participate and allows injunctive relief and back pay if those rights are violated. It also includes emergency care requirements, definitions, and exclusions related to abortion clinics and existing liability laws.

Who It Affects

• Health care providers (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, etc.) who object to providing certain services and would be allowed to decline if they object in writing in advance.
• Health care institutions, employers, licensing boards, and other entities involved in health care who must refrain from discriminating against objecting providers and may face remedies if they violate the act.

Key Provisions

• Allows a health care provider to refuse to perform or participate in a health care service that violates their conscience if the objection is written and provided in advance.
• Provides immunity from civil, criminal, or administrative liability for refusals, except in life-threatening emergencies where no other provider is available.
• Prohibits discrimination against providers who decline to participate and allows injunctive relief and back pay for violations.
• Defines key terms (conscience, health care service, object in writing, participate) and requires at least 24 hours written notice to object before the service occurs.
• Carves out life-threatening emergencies requiring care until another provider is available, and excludes abortion clinics and certain existing liability and abortion-related statutes from being overridden.

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 Care Providers