SB387 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Greg J. Reed
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2017
Title: Prisoners, sheriff, items required to be provided, medical services, costs paid for by sheriff, rates and fees prohibited from exceeding those set by federal Medicare program unless contractually agreed upon, Sec. 14-6-19 am'd.
Summary: SB387 limits county charges for jail medical care when there is no contract, tying costs to Medicare rates and preserving the county’s duty to provide basic medical care to inmates.
What This Bill Does
If a county does not have a contract for jail medical services, any charges for inpatient or outpatient care may not exceed Medicare rates. The bill keeps the requirement that counties pay for necessary medicines and medical attention for prisoners who cannot provide them themselves. It also allows counties to enter into contracts for medical services with providers.

Who It Affects
Counties and sheriff's offices operating county jails — must pay for prisoner medical care, and charges without a contract are capped at Medicare rates.
Medical service providers that treat prisoners in county jails — must limit charges to Medicare rates when there is no contract.
Prisoners in county jails (indirectly) — continue to receive necessary medicines and medical attention funded by the county; cost controls may affect how services are billed.

Key Provisions
Amends Section 14-6-19 to reaffirm county duty to provide clothing, bedding, medicines, and medical attention to prisoners at county expense.
Allows counties to enter into contracts for inpatient or outpatient medical services or expenses.
If there is no contractual arrangement, a medical services provider may not charge the county more than Medicare rates for inpatient or outpatient services or expenses.
Effective date: 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: Prisons and Prisoners