Senate Bill 80 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Larry StuttsSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Hospitals, additional licensing requirements provided, emergency department physician on site at all times required

Summary

SB80 would require Alabama hospitals with emergency departments to have at least one physician physically on-site who is responsible for the ED during all open hours, as a condition of licensure and renewal.

What This Bill Does

Requires every hospital emergency department to have at least one physician physically present on-site who is primarily responsible for the department during all hours it is open; ties this requirement to licensure and renewal under Alabama law; applies to all hospitals with emergency departments regardless of classification; takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Hospitals with emergency departments in Alabama, which must ensure an on-site physician is present during all open hours to maintain licensure.
• Emergency department physicians who would be the on-site physician responsible for the ED during all hours the department is open.

Key Provisions

• At least one physician physically present on-site who is primarily responsible for the emergency department during all hours the ED is open.
• Applicable to hospitals with emergency departments regardless of classification.
• Requirement is a condition of licensure and renewal under Article 2 of Chapter 21, Title 22, Code of Alabama.
• Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health