HB523 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Randy WoodRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Chiropractic Examiners, State Board of, practice of chiropractic, licensure and regulation further provided for, permit holders, state at-large member, fingerprinting for applicants, exam for clinic permit applicants, subpoena power, judicial review, Sec. 34-24-162 added; Secs. 34-24-121, 34-24-123, 34-24-140, 34-24-143, 34-24-160, 34-24-165, 34-24-166, 34-24-168, 34-24-170, 34-24-172, 34-24-175, 34-24-176 am'd.

Summary

HB523 would tighten and expand regulation of chiropractic practice in Alabama by adding fingerprinting, a credential-based licensure path, board-administered permit exams, subpoena powers, and strengthened advertising, renewal, and disciplinary rules.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds a state at-large board member and broadens board authority, including fingerprint checks for licensure and permit applicants and a board-administered exam for clinic permits. It grants the board subpoena power and outlines process for judicial review of administrative actions. It creates licensure by credentials for chiropractors licensed in other states, with detailed criteria (experience, education, background checks, interviews, and checks of professional records), and establishes permit issuance/renewal processes, fees, continuing education requirements, and enforcement provisions.

Who It Affects

• People applying for or renewing chiropractic licenses or permits in Alabama (must submit fingerprints, undergo background checks, meet education and character requirements, and may pursue licensure by credentials with additional criteria).
• Licensed chiropractors, permit holders, and chiropractic clinics in Alabama (subject to clinic permits, board-administered exams, advertising oversight, annual renewals with education requirements, potential disciplinary actions, and new enforcement mechanisms).

Key Provisions

• Adds a state at-large board member who must be African-American; nine-member State Board of Chiropractic Examiners (seven from congressional districts, one at-large, one consumer member).
• Requires fingerprints for licensure, reinstatement, and, for permit applicants, the issuance of background checks through ABI/FBI at the applicant's cost; results kept confidential except as needed to deny licensure or permits.
• Clinic permits: requires permit applicants to pass a board-administered exam; board sets issuance/renewal fees; permits renew annually with education requirements for licensees and primary permit holders.
• Board can issue subpoenas, require witnesses and documents, and compel compliance through courts; board staff can administer oaths.
• Regulates advertising by chiropractors and permit holders; requires annual directory of permit holders and licensed chiropractors; board funds and audit provisions.
• Licensure by credentials added: allows out-of-state chiropractors to be licensed in Alabama if they meet specified criteria (active practice hours, good standing, background checks, interview, jurisprudence exam, affidavits, transcripts, no hospital privileges issues, and other board-adopted criteria).
• Education and renewal: license renewal due by September 30 each year with continuing education (18 hours for licensees; 2 hours Alabama law/board rules for permit holders); late renewal penalties; grace period through December 31; retirement and inactive license options with reduced fees and possible refresher courses.
• Disciplinary framework: grounds for denial or discipline include fraud, immoral/unprofessional conduct, addiction, felony or moral turpitude crimes, unlawful practice, improper billing, and violations of board orders; penalties include revocation/suspension, fines up to $8,000 per offense, and other conditions.
• Emergency suspension and hearings: board may suspend without full hearings in emergencies; specific hearing guidelines and settlement procedures are established.
• Restoration and reinstitution: procedures for restoring lapsed licenses or permits, including restoration fees and potential required refresher courses; restoration and reinstatement terms defined.
• Licensing and credentialing processes are codified with explicit fee ranges, background checks, and documentation requirements; annual financial and audit provisions for the board.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Chiropractic Examiners, State Board of