SB96 Alabama 2018 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Gerald O. Dial
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2018
Title: Nursing, Board of, investigators granted power of peace officers, Act 2017-46, 2017 Reg. Sess.; Sec. 34-21-2 am'd.
Summary: SB 96 allows Board of Nursing investigators who meet peace officer standards to have law enforcement powers (except making arrests) when investigating Nurse Practice Act violations.
What This Bill Does
It grants qualified investigators of the Board of Nursing the authority of law enforcement officers to investigate Nurse Practice Act violations, including inspecting documents and enforcing laws related to those violations. Investigators must meet the minimum standards of the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission. If an investigator carries a firearm, they must also carry a nonlethal weapon. Investigators are not entitled to overtime or certain other compensation.

Who It Affects
Nurses and other licensees under the Nurse Practice Act would be subject to enhanced investigative powers and enforcement by Board of Nursing investigators.
Board of Nursing investigators (and the Board itself) would acquire law enforcement-like authority if they meet POST standards, with related requirements such as firearm/nonlethal weapon policy and compensation restrictions.

Key Provisions
Investigators who meet the minimum standards of the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission may exercise law enforcement powers in investigating alleged Nurse Practice Act violations, but not the power to arrest.
Investigators may inspect documents and enforce laws involving alleged violations of the Nurse Practice Act.
If an investigator carries a firearm, they must also carry a nonlethal weapon.
An investigator is not entitled to overtime compensation or certain other compensation provisions applicable to other law enforcement or state employees.
The act amends Section 34-21-2 to authorize these powers for qualifying board investigators and to establish related governance and implementation parameters; the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage.

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