HB484 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve McMillan

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Baldwin Co., medical services for indigent persons, Indigent Care Board, co. commission to adopt criteria for, disbursement of funds, Sec. 45-2-171.21 am'd.

Summary

HB484 strengthens Baldwin County's indigent care program by creating a four-member Indigent Care Board, defining its duties, and broadening how funds are disbursed to reimburse hospitals for medically indigent care.

What This Bill Does

It creates an Indigent Care Board for Baldwin County, appointed by the county commission and not made up of hospital employees, to oversee payment to hospitals for medically indigent care. The board can set annually approved per diem reimbursement rates, require hospital audits, and reimburse hospitals for the reasonable cost of care (excluding physician services) from county funds. It also allows the board or county commission to disburse funds from applicable revenue sources to hospitals, even if there are no pending claims, and permits annual maximum reimbursements; when funds run out, there is no further obligation to pay.

Who It Affects

• Hospitals in Baldwin County (including those with campuses in the county) that treat medically indigent patients, who would receive reimbursements based on board-approved rates and required audits.
• Medically indigent residents of Baldwin County, whose hospital care would be funded through the board's reimbursements.

Key Provisions

• Establishment and composition: a Baldwin County Indigent Care Board consisting of four qualified Baldwin County electors; terms vary for initial appointees (1–4 years); all members appointed by the county commission; no hospital-employed members; members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses.
• Board duties and operations: monthly meetings to certify hospital accounts and recommend payments; board may hire staff or have county provide staff to maintain records and accounts; board can expend funds to carry out duties; reimbursements to hospitals are based on the reasonable cost of care.
• Reimbursement framework: reimbursements are at a per diem rate approved annually by the Baldwin County Commission; excludes contractual adjustments, discounts, Hill-Burton or educational costs, or other funds; physician services are not reimbursed; hospitals must provide certified audits at their own cost.
• Funding and disbursement: board or county commission may disburse all or part of funds from applicable revenue sources to county hospitals in or out of county; disbursement can occur even if no claims are pending; no obligation to pay after funds are depleted for the year.
• Effective date: the act becomes effective immediately after 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

Baldwin County