For the purpose of this article, the following terms shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section:
(1) HOSPITALS. General and specialized hospitals, including ancillary services; independent clinical laboratories; rehabilitation centers; ambulatory surgical treatment facilities for patients not requiring hospitalization; end stage renal disease treatment and transplant centers, including free-standing hemodialysis units; abortion or reproductive health centers; hospices; health maintenance organizations; and other related health care institutions when such institution is primarily engaged in offering to the public generally, facilities and services for the diagnosis and/or treatment of injury, deformity, disease, surgical or obstetrical care. Also included within the term are long term care facilities such as, but not limited to, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, assisted living facilities, and specialty care assisted living facilities rising to the level of intermediate care. The term "hospitals" relates to health care institutions and shall not include the private offices of physicians or dentists, whether in individual, group, professional corporation or professional association practice. This section shall not apply to county or district health departments.
(2) PERSON. The term includes individuals, partnerships, corporations, and associations.
Structure Code of Alabama
Title 22 - Health, Mental Health, and Environmental Control.
Title 1 - Health and Environmental Control Generally.
Chapter 21 - Hospitals and Other Health Care Facilities Generally.
Article 2 - Licensing of Hospitals, Nursing Homes, and Other Health Care Institutions.
Section 22-21-20 - Definitions.
Section 22-21-21 - Purpose of Article.
Section 22-21-22 - License - Required; Exceptions.
Section 22-21-23 - License - Application.
Section 22-21-24 - License - Fees; Expiration and Renewal; Accreditation.
Section 22-21-25 - License - Issuance; Suspension or Revocation; New Applications After Revocation.
Section 22-21-26 - License - Judicial Review of Suspension or Revocation.
Section 22-21-27 - Advisory Board.
Section 22-21-28 - Rules and Regulations.
Section 22-21-29 - Inspections.
Section 22-21-30 - Disclosure of Information.
Section 22-21-31 - Practice of Medicine, etc., Not Authorized; Child Placing.
Section 22-21-33 - Penalties for Operation of or Referring Persons to Unlicensed Hospital.
Section 22-21-34 - Assisted Living Facility, etc., Rising to Level of Intermediate Care.