HB288 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Adline ClarkeRepresentative
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Health care providers, requiring physicians and health care professionals to report certain types of injuries and illnesses to police or appropriate law enforcement authorities
Summary: HB 288 requires health care professionals to report gunshot injuries to police and provides immunity to reporters.
What This Bill Does
It would require physicians, nurses, and hospital or clinic staff to immediately report gunshot wounds or life-threatening injuries indicating violence to the sheriff or municipal police. A written notice must be added to the patient’s medical record, and the report should be made as soon as possible but no later than the victim’s release from the facility; if law enforcement is already present, no separate report is required. The act also protects reporters and those who participate in related proceedings from civil or criminal liability when reporting in good faith. It becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor's signature.

Who It Affects
Health care professionals (physicians, nurses, and hospital/clinic staff) who treat gunshot or violence-related injuries, who must report the incident to law enforcement.
Hospitals, mental health facilities, clinics, nursing homes, and their employees, who must ensure the report is made and recorded in the patient’s medical record.
Law enforcement authorities (county sheriffs and municipal police) who receive the reports and rely on them as part of the response to gunshot injuries.
Individuals who report in good faith or participate in related judicial proceedings, who receive immunity from civil or criminal liability.

Key Provisions
Requires immediate reporting by physicians, nurses, and facility staff to the county sheriff or municipal police when treating gunshot wounds or life-threatening injuries indicating violence.
Requires a written notice of the report to be placed in the patient's medical record.
If law enforcement is present at the time of treatment, no separate report is required.
Provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for individuals who report in good faith or participate in related proceedings.
Effective date: takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor's signature.

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