SB140 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: J.T. WaggonerSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2017
Title: Hospitals, mailing of directory listing by Public Health Dept., eliminated, Sec. 22-21-33 am'd.
Summary: SB140 ends the quarterly mailed directory of licensed hospitals and replaces it with an online, searchable directory maintained by the Public Health Department.
What This Bill Does
It removes the requirement to publish and mail a printed directory of all licensed hospitals every three months. It requires the department to maintain a current, online directory that is searchable and shows licensure status for the previous four years plus the current year. It allows licensed inpatient hospitals to receive weekly electronic updates of directory changes upon written request.

Who It Affects
Licensed inpatient hospitals, licensed hospices, and certified home health agencies will no longer receive a mailed quarterly directory and will rely on the online directory; they may request weekly change notices.
The Department of Public Health and related enforcement bodies (State Board of Health and Department of Human Resources) will maintain and enforce the online directory and related licensing and penalty provisions.

Key Provisions
Eliminates the requirement to publish and mail a quarterly directory of licensed hospitals to licensed inpatient hospitals, licensed hospices, and certified home health agencies.
Maintains an electronic, searchable directory on the Internet showing licensure status for the preceding four years and the current year.
Allows a licensed inpatient hospital to request weekly electronic updates of directory changes to a designated representative.
Defines 'licensed inpatient hospital' broadly and clarifies 'knowingly' in the context of referrals to unlicensed facilities.
Preserves enforcement tools for unlicensed hospitals, including misdemeanor penalties, injunctive relief, and civil penalties up to $1,500 per instance, with penalties directed to a fund to assist protected persons via the Department of Human Resources.
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