SB362 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg J. Reed

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

SB362 would expand and tighten regulation of chiropractic practice in Alabama by adding an at-large board member, mandating fingerprint checks, creating a board-administered permit exam, allowing licensure by credentials, and broadening the board's authority over licenses, permits, advertising, and discipline.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill adds a state-wide at-large member to the Board of Chiropractic Examiners, requires fingerprint background checks for licensure and reinstatement, and requires a board-administered exam for clinic permits. It grants the board subpoena power, clarifies how court review works for board actions, and creates a pathway for licensure by credentials for chiropractors licensed in other states. It also establishes and regulates clinic permits, including fees, renewal rules, advertising controls, and potential penalties for permit holders, while extending the board’s regulation to permit holders as well as licensees.

Who It Affects

• Applicants for chiropractic licensure and those seeking licensure by credentials (including out-of-state doctors) who would undergo fingerprint checks, meet credential-based requirements, and pass board exams or jurisprudence tests.
• Chiropractic clinics and license/permit holders who must obtain and renew clinic permits, pay associated fees, comply with advertising rules, and may face fines, suspensions, or other discipline from the Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

Key Provisions

• Adds an at-large member to the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners and requires diverse representation.
• Requires fingerprint background checks for licensure, reinstatement, and, for permits, through ABI/FBI with costs borne by applicants.
• Creates a board-administered exam for issuing clinic permits and provides for permit-related regulation, fees, and renewal requirements.
• Provides licensure by credentials for chiropractors licensed in other states, including minimum active practice hours (5,000), good standing, and other criteria such as exams and interviews.
• Authorizes the board to issue subpoenas, conduct investigations, and enforce advertising and other regulatory rules affecting permit holders and licensees.
• Outlines renewal provisions for licenses and permits (CE requirements, Alabama-law/rules education for permit holders, renewal fees, late penalties, grace period, and retirement options).
• Defines disciplinary grounds and penalties (including fines up to $8,000 per offense, suspension, revocation, probation, and costs of proceedings) and emergency suspension authority.
• Requires annual publication of a directory of all permit holders and licensed chiropractors; directs funds to board operations and allows audits; preserves confidentiality of certain board records.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Chiropractic Examiners, State Board of