Code of Alabama

Ala. Code § 14-6-20 (2026)

Appointment of Physicians; Terms, Compensation, and Duties Thereof.

✓ official Alabama Legislature (ALISON) text, current July 2026
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(a) The county commission in each county in this state may elect a physician, or as many physicians as in its discretion may be necessary, to attend the inmates of the jails in such counties and county convict camps.

(b) The county commission shall fix and determine the term or terms of such physician or physicians, which term or terms of office shall not be for a longer period than two years, and such physicians may be removed at the will of the county commission. The county commission shall fix and determine the amount of compensation which shall be paid to such physician or physicians and shall determine what duties such physician shall perform.

(Acts 1915, No. 678, p. 737; Code 1923, §§4823, 4824; Code 1940, T. 45, §§140, 141.)

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 7 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 1980–2024 · leading case: Gaines v. Choctaw Cnty. Comm'n, 242 F. Supp. 2d 1153 (S.D. Ala. 2003).
Gaines v. Choctaw Cnty. Comm'n, 242 F. Supp. 2d 1153 (S.D. Ala. 2003). · cites it 4× “Second, plaintiffs argue that the County breached its duty to fund medical care for inmates imposed by Ala Code § 14-6-19 (1975) because it failed to provide adequate funding for the medical care of inmates or for staff who could attend to the medical needs of inmates.”
Nicholson v. Choctaw Cnty., Ala., 498 F. Supp. 295 (S.D. Ala. 1980). · cites it 4× “The plaintiffs’ tenth cause of action against the Choctaw County Commission arises under Alabama Code § 14-6-20, which requires the County Commission to provide adequate medical care for county prisoners.”
Shaw ex rel. Est. of Stroud v. Coosa Cnty. Comm'n, 434 F. Supp. 2d 1199 (M.D. Ala. 2005). · cites it 4× “Moreover, the Court finds that no reasonable jury could find that the County Commissions breached any of its duties pursuant to Alabama Code § 14-6-20 (1975) or caused harm to Stroud by conduct pursuant to its obligations under Alabama Code § 14-6-20.”
Shaw v. Coosa Cnty. Com'n., 434 F. Supp. 2d 1179 (M.D. Ala. 2005). “Count Four alleges that pursuant to §§ 14-6-20 and 14-6-19 of the Code of Alabama, the County Commission has a duty to provide adequate medical care in the county jail and adequate funding for necessary medicines and medical attention to inmates in the county jail.”
Shaw ex rel. Est. of Stroud v. Coosa Cnty. Comm'n, 434 F. Supp. 2d 1179 (M.D. Ala. 2005). “Count Four alleges that pursuant to §§ 14-6-20 and 14-6-19 of the Code of Alabama, the County Commission has a duty to provide adequate medical care in the county jail and adequate funding for necessary medicines and medical attention to inmates in the county jail.”
Perryman v. Butler Cnty. Comm'n, Alabama (M.D. Ala. 2024). · cites it 2× “The Estate also cites Ala. Code § 14-6-20 (a) (“The county commission .”
Shaw v. Coosa Cnty. Com'n., 434 F. Supp. 2d 1199 (M.D. Ala. 2005). · cites it 4× “Moreover, the Court finds that no reasonable jury could find that the County Commissions breached any of its duties pursuant to Alabama Code § 14-6-20 (1975) or caused harm to Stroud by conduct pursuant to its obligations under Alabama Code § 14-6-20.”
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