Bill > HB280

This bill establishes the Alabama Health Command, an independent agency led by a director appointed by the Governor, to address challenges in rural healthcare delivery by designating an AI-assisted health platform for use in rural communities. The bill defines an "avatar-based virtual encounter system" as a digital platform using computer-generated avatars for virtual health-related interactions, which can provide health management services like wellness education, appointment scheduling, and connecting patients with rural healthcare providers, but explicitly excludes diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. The Alabama Health Command will select a state-headquartered business entity to develop a uniform, interoperable platform with patented avatar technology, setting standards for patent rights, data sharing and privacy, algorithm transparency, and preventing misinformation or the unlicensed practice of healthcare. Rural healthcare providers and state health institutions using this platform will be exempt from certain state procurement and contracting laws, and the act will take effect on October 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance

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