SB357 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Health, terminally ill patients, drugs and devices which have completed phase I trial, right to try under certain conditions

Summary

Alabama's Gabe Griffin Right to Try Act lets terminally ill patients access investigational treatments after Phase 1 trials under defined conditions, with protections for providers and limits on coverage.

What This Bill Does

Creates a pathway for eligible terminally ill patients to request investigational drugs, biologics, or devices that have completed Phase 1 but are not FDA-approved. Sets eligibility criteria including physician recommendation, written informed consent, and confirmation that approved options are unlikely to help. Requires a detailed informed consent form covering risks, costs, and hospice implications, while clarifying that insurers or government programs are not required to cover these treatments. Provides protections for health care providers from sanctions or license actions solely for recommending or providing these treatments and outlines insurer and government coverage limitations.

Who It Affects

• Eligible terminally ill patients who may access investigational treatments if they and their doctors meet the criteria and sign the informed consent.
• Health care providers, hospitals, drug manufacturers, insurers, and government agencies, who have defined rights, responsibilities, and protections related to offering, paying for, or regulating these treatments.

Key Provisions

• Defines eligible patient, investigational product, and required physician recommendation plus written informed consent.
• Allows manufacturers to provide investigational products to eligible patients and to charge manufacturing costs; not required to provide the product.
• States insurers, third-party administrators, and government programs are not required to pay for the investigational product or related services; hospitals are not required to provide new services.
• Protects health care providers from disciplinary action or license actions solely for recommending or providing access to investigational treatments; also limits private action against providers or manufacturers if acting in good faith.

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

Subjects

Drugs