HB289 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kenyatte HassellRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Patient Transport, permit unlicensed vehicles in nonemergency situations

Summary

HB289 would let unlicensed non-emergency medical transport services move patients who need a stretcher, gurney, or cot in non-emergency situations, under rules from the State Board of Health, starting October 1, 2024.

What This Bill Does

Currently, only licensed ambulances can transport patients who require a stretcher. The bill would allow unlicensed non-emergency medical transport providers to transport such patients in non-emergency cases, using vehicles designed to carry a stretcher, gurney, or cot. It defines non-emergency as conditions where immediate medical treatment is not essential to prevent serious harm, but the Board may add more definitions. The State Board of Health would be able to adopt rules governing how these services operate and how the vehicles are used.

Who It Affects

• Unlicensed non-emergency medical transport services, who would be allowed to transport patients requiring a stretcher under new rules.
• Patients who need stretcher transport in non-emergency situations, who would have additional transport options to and from medical care facilities.

Key Provisions

• The State Board of Health shall not prohibit unlicensed non-emergency medical transport from transporting a patient on a stretcher, gurney, or cot, if the vehicle is designed and equipped to carry them and the transport is non-emergency.
• The transport must be to or from a medical care facility in non-emergency circumstances, with non-emergency defined (or further defined) by the Board.
• The State Board of Health may adopt rules governing the operation and conduct of non-emergency medical transport services and vehicles under this section.
• The act takes effect on October 1, 2024.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health