HB450 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

John W. Rogers

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Jefferson Co., Indigent Care Fund, funds to be distributed to Cooper Green Mercy Health Services, Sec. 45-37-243.11 am'd.

Summary

HB 450 would change how Jefferson County's Indigent Care Fund distributes money by directing proceeds to Cooper Green Mercy Health Services and its successors to fund indigent care.

What This Bill Does

It amends the law to specify that the Indigent Care Fund may be used to acquire and operate a county hospital or clinics, and to provide medical care, drugs, and outpatient or emergency services through Cooper Green Mercy Health Services or its successors. It allows the county to contract with other hospitals and to collect payments from part-pay patients and other sources for the fund. It requires at least 25% of the fund each year to be set aside for capital improvements until a county hospital is built and equipped.

Who It Affects

• Jefferson County government: must allocate and manage the Indigent Care Fund and ensure the 25% annual capital-improvement earmark (until a hospital is built).
• Cooper Green Mercy Health Services or its successors: receive the Indigent Care Fund proceeds and are responsible for operating the hospital/clinics and providing care.
• Indigent residents of Jefferson County: receive medical care, drugs, and outpatient or emergency services through Cooper Green Mercy Health Services or county clinics.
• Part-pay patients and other funding sources: may contribute payments or funds to benefit the Indigent Care Fund.

Key Provisions

• Establishes and funds a county Indigent Care Fund to support Cooper Green Mercy Health Services or its successors for indigent care.
• Allows the county to acquire and operate a county hospital, clinics, and related services through Cooper Green Mercy Health Services or successors, including drug provision and outpatient/emergency care.
• Permits contracts with other general hospitals for treatment funded by the Indigent Care Fund.
• Authorizes the county to collect payments from part-pay patients and other sources for the Fund.
• Requires earmarking at least 25% of the Indigent Care Fund each year for capital improvements until a county hospital is constructed and fully equipped (then the requirement ends).
• Defines the bill’s effective date as the first day of the third month after passage and governor’s 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

Jefferson County