Section 27-53-1
Section 27-53-1
Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) GENETIC CHARACTERISTICS. A scientifically or medically identifiable gene or chromosome, or alteration thereof, that is known to be a cause of a disease or disorder, or determined to be associated with a statistically increased risk of development of a disease or disorder.
(2) GENETIC TEST. A pre-symptomatic laboratory test which is generally accepted in the scientific and medical communities for the determination of the presence or absence of the genetic characteristics that cause or are associated with risk of a disease or disorder.
(3) HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN. A health insurance policy, including a self-insured health plan, that covers hospital, medical, or surgical expenses, health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, medical service organizations, physician-hospital organizations, or any other person, firm, corporation, joint venture, or other similar business entity that pays for, purchases, or furnishes health care services to patients, insureds, or beneficiaries in this state. For the purpose of this chapter, a health benefit plan located or domiciled outside of the State of Alabama is deemed to be subject to the provisions of this chapter if it receives, processes, adjudicates, pays, or denies claims for health care services submitted by or on behalf of patients, insureds, or beneficiaries who reside in the State of Alabama or who receive health care services in the State of Alabama. The term includes, but is not limited to, entities created pursuant to Article 6 of Chapter 4 of Title 10.
(Acts 1997, No. 97-721, p. 1492, §1.)Section 27-53-2
Section 27-53-2
Genetic test.
(a) A health benefit plan may not require as a condition of insurability that a person take a genetic test to determine if the person has a predisposition for cancer.
(b) A health benefit plan may not use the results of a genetic test which may show the predisposition of a person for cancer to determine insurability or to otherwise discriminate against the person in rates or benefits based on the genetic test results.
(Acts 1997, No. 97-721, p. 1492, §2.)Section 27-53-3
Section 27-53-3
Violation of chapter.
A license issued by the Department of Insurance to an insurance company or a health maintenance organization shall be subject to suspension, revocation, or imposition or other administrative penalty authorized by law, within the discretion of the Commissioner of Insurance, for any violation of the provisions of this chapter.
(Acts 1997, No. 97-721, p. 1492, §3.)Section 27-53-4
Section 27-53-4
Applicability to Medicaid programs.
This chapter shall apply to all programs administered by the Alabama Medicaid Agency.
(Acts 1997, No. 97-721, p. 1492, §4.)
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