Legislation Signed into Law

2018

Primary Focus Eating Disorders
Title/Description Resolution recognizing National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
Citation 2018 AL SJR 76
Summary Resolution focuses on expanding the conversation around eating disorders to include the diverse perspectives of millions of people affected; eating disorders are shrouded in stigma, secrecy, and stereotypes. Bill notes that eating disorders are serious conditions that are potentially life-threatening and have a great impact on a person’s physical and emotional health, signs and symptoms are often overlooked, and many are unaware of the devastating mental and physical consequences of eating disorders as well as the pressures, attitudes, and behaviors which shape them. The Resolution officially recognized February 26 through March 4, 2018 as National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
Effective Date Bill enacted March 13, 2018. By definition the effective dates ran from February 26 through March 2018.
Notes Summary included here because Alabama has not done much in enacting parity legislation similar to the federal parity law.

2015

Primary Focus Mental Health Coverage for Minors
Title/Description Parents or legal guardian, authorize treatment for mental health service, including commitment to mental health facility, where minor refused
Citation AL Stat Act no. Act No. 2015-476
Summary Allows a parent or a legal guardian to authorize mental health treatment even when the minor at least 14 years of age or under 19 has expressly refused treatment. Parent or legal guardian, along with mental health professional, must determine that the recommended clinical intervention is necessary and appropriate. Assess to minor medical record will follow HIPAA requirements.
Effective Date Enacted on June 4, 2015, went into effect September 2015.
Notes

Before the enactment of this law, minors 14 or older could deny treatment irrespective of the parent or guardian’s position. Law came effective on the third month after enactment. A statutory cite could not be identified. Enacted by Senate Bill 142 (2015).

2012

SB 283
Introduced 2/2012
Sponsor Sen. Ward
Status Signed into law 5/2012
Summary This bill created the section of the state insurance law about autism coverage. This section is summarized at the bottom of this page in the “Alabama Parity Law” section.

National Parity Map

View the state parity reports to learn about legislation, regulation, and litigation related to parity implementation

National Parity Map

Get Support

Common Violations

In seeking care or services, be aware of the common ways parity rights can be violated.

Common Violations