Alabama § 22-20-3.1 - Educational Information on Pertussis to Be Provided Prior to Discharge of Newborn Child.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 22-20-3.1 — Educational Information on Pertussis to Be Provided Prior to Discharge of Newborn Child., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22-20-3.1. Educational Information on Pertussis to Be Provided Prior to Discharge of Newborn Child.
(a) During the postpartum period, before discharging a newborn child, a hospital shall provide parents with educational information on pertussis disease. The information provided to parents shall contain the following statement:
Pertussis, whooping cough, can cause serious illness in infants, children, and adults and can even be life-threatening, especially in infants. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most effective way to prevent pertussis is through vaccination of both children and parents. For more information on protecting your child by obtaining the pertussis vaccination please contact your physician, county health department, or the Alabama Department of Public Health.
(b) Nothing in this section shall require any hospital to provide or pay for any vaccination against pertussis.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to establish a standard of care for hospitals or physicians or otherwise modify, amend, or supersede any provision of the Alabama Medical Liability Act of 1987 or the Alabama Medical Liability Act of 1996, or any amendment thereto, or any judicial interpretation thereof.
(d) Physicians and hospitals, as hospitals are defined in Section 22-21-20, shall not have legal liability or responsibility for claims resulting from providing or failing to provide the pertussis information required pursuant to subsection (a).
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 22-20-3.1
What does Code of Alabama § 22-20-3.1 cover?
Section 22-20-3.1 ("Educational Information on Pertussis to Be Provided Prior to Discharge of Newborn Child.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 22-20-3.1?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 22-20-3.1" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 22-20-3.1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.