§27-55-2. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, these terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) ABUSE. The occurrence of one or more of the following acts by a family or household member, as defined by subdivision (3) of subsection (b) of Section 15-10-3:

a. Attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing another person, including a minor child, bodily injury, severe emotional injury, or psychological trauma or conduct which constitutes the crime of rape.

b. Intentionally following another person, including a minor child, without proper authority, under circumstances that place the person in reasonable fear of bodily injury or physical harm.

c. Subjecting another person, including a minor child, to false imprisonment or kidnapping.

d. Attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing damage to property to intimidate or attempt to control the behavior of another person, including a minor child.

e. Assault, child abuse, criminal coercion, harassment, kidnapping, reckless endangerment, sexual abuse, stalking, trespass, or unlawful imprisonment as defined by subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of Section 30-5-2.

(2) ABUSE-RELATED CLAIM. A claim under an insurance policy or health benefit plan for a loss which resulted from an act of abuse as defined in this chapter.

(3) ABUSE-RELATED MEDICAL CONDITION. A medical condition sustained by a subject of abuse which arises in whole or in part out of an act or pattern of abuse as defined in this chapter.

(4) ABUSE STATUS. The fact that a person is or has been the subject of abuse and has sustained abuse-related medical conditions or has incurred abuse-related claims.

(5) COMMISSIONER. The Commissioner of the state Department of Insurance.

(6) CONFIDENTIAL ABUSE INFORMATION. Information about the acts of abuse or abuse status of a subject of abuse, the address and telephone number, home and work, of a subject of abuse, or the status of an applicant or insured as a family member, employer, or associate of, or a person in a relationship with a subject of abuse.

(7) EVIDENCE OF ABUSE. A court order, police report, medical report, or report from the Department of Human Resources, or a shelter for domestic violence victims, indicating that the insured is or has been the subject of abuse.

(8) HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN. A policy, contract, certificate, or agreement offered by a health carrier to provide, deliver, arrange, pay for, or reimburse any of the costs of health care services or health care benefit. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing the term health benefit plan includes accident only, credit, health, dental, vision, Medicare supplement, long-term and catastrophic health insurance policies, and employer or union-sponsored employee welfare benefit plans for both, or both. The term health care benefit plan does not, however, include workers' compensation or similar insurance.

(9) HEALTH CARRIER. A person or entity subject to regulation under this chapter who or which contracts or offers to contract to provide, deliver, arrange for, pay for, or reimburse any costs of health care services including, without limitation, a sickness and accident insurance company, a health maintenance organization, mutual aid associations, a fraternal benefit society, a hospital service corporation, or any other entity providing a plan of health insurance, including entities created pursuant to Article 6 (commencing with Section 10-4-100), Chapter 4, Title 10.

(10) INSURED. A party named on a policy or health benefit plan as the person with legal rights to the benefits provided by the policy or health benefit plan, except that for life insurance, insured means the person whose life is covered under the policy. For group plans and group insurance, insured includes a covered person.

(11) INSURER. A person or other legal entity engaged in the business of insurance in this state, including agents, brokers, adjusters, and third-party administrators. Insurer includes a health carrier.

(12) POLICY. A contract of insurance, certificate, indemnity, suretyship, or annuity issued, proposed for issuance, or intended for issuance by an insurer, including endorsements or riders to an insurance policy or contract.

(13) SUBJECT OF ABUSE. A person, including a minor child, against whom an act of abuse has been committed a. who has current or prior injuries, illnesses, or disorders that resulted from an act of abuse or b. who seeks, or has sought 1. medical or psychological treatment for abuse, or 2. court-ordered protection or shelter from abuse at a domestic violence center.

(14) OTHER TERMS. Terms not otherwise defined by this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this title, known as the Alabama Insurance Code.

(Act 2000-595, p. 1185, §2.)