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.