HB381 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Wes AllenSecretary

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Health care, persons physically or mentally disabled persons, consent not required under certain conditions, nurse practioners and physician assistants included in providers authorized, procedures for determination by practioners, Sec. 22-8-1 am'd.

Summary

HB 381 lets certain health care providers give medical or mental health care to people who cannot consent, without consent, when delaying treatment could risk their life or health and there is no known relative or guardian.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Section 22-8-1 to allow treatment without consent for a person who is physically or mentally unable to consent and has no known relatives or legal guardian. After a consult, two or more licensed physicians, psychiatrists, or psychologists, or one physician/psychiatrist/psychologist and one or more nurse practitioners or physician assistants, must sign a written statement that the services are necessary and that seeking consent or locating relatives would delay treatment and increase risk. It becomes effective immediately upon the governor's signature.

Who It Affects

• Persons who cannot consent and have no known relatives or legal guardian will be eligible to receive necessary medical or mental health services without obtaining consent.
• Licensed health care providers (physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants) who treat such patients will have authority to provide the needed services under a written determination.

Key Provisions

• No consent is required to provide legally authorized medical or mental health services to a person who cannot consent and has no known relatives or guardian, under specified conditions.
• A written determination must be signed after consultation by either two or more licensed physicians/psychiatrists/psychologists, or by one physician/psychiatrist/psychologist and one or more nurse practitioners or physician assistants, stating the services are necessary and that delaying for consent or locating relatives would risk the person’s life or health.
• The act becomes effective immediately after the Governor signs it.

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