HB148 Alabama 2012 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Randy WoodRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2012
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, fees, unpaid checks, Sec. 34-24-162 added; Secs. 34-24-121, 34-24-123, 34-24-140, 34-24-143, 34-24-160, 34-24-161, 34-24-165, 34-24-166, 34-24-168, 34-24-170, 34-24-172, 34-24-175, 34-24-176 am'd.
Summary: HB148 would overhaul Alabama's chiropractic regulation by changing board structure, adding fingerprinted background checks, creating clinic permits with an exam, expanding credentialing options, and broadening enforcement and fee rules.
What This Bill Does
It adds a state at-large member to the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners and requires retired licensees to repay reinstatement fees to return to active status. It requires fingerprints and background checks for licensure and reinstatement, with applicants paying the costs. It creates a board-administered exam for clinic permit applicants, allows licensure by credentials with defined criteria, and authorizes board-certified specialties. It strengthens enforcement with subpoena power, allows disciplinary actions including fines for unpaid checks, and outlines judicial review of board decisions along with permit issuance and renewal rules and associated fees.

Who It Affects
Individuals seeking chiropractic licensure, reinstatement, or clinic permits in Alabama, who must provide fingerprints, pay background-check costs, and may be subject to a board-administered permit exam and credentialing requirements.
Current chiropractors, permit holders, retirees, and chiropractic office owners in Alabama, who would face new or revised permit and renewal fees, advertising rules for permit holders, potential disciplinary actions for unpaid checks, and opportunities for credentials-based specialization and license reinstatement under new rules.

Key Provisions
Adds a state at-large member to the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners to diversify board representation.
Requires all licensure and reinstatement applicants to submit fingerprints for background checks; applicants pay the costs; information kept confidential.
Mandates a board-administered exam for clinic permit applicants; permits to operate or own a chiropractic office are regulated by the board with issued fees.
Establishes licensure by credentials with specific criteria (e.g., 5 years active practice, 5,000 hours, good standing) and allows additional board criteria and interview requirements; permits board to set related rules and fees.
Creates board-certified specialties with a one-time certification fee not exceeding $25.
Grants the board subpoena power and authority to discipline for unpaid checks, with penalties up to $8,000 per offense and possible license/permit actions.
Provides for judicial review of board decisions and outlines process and costs for appeals.
Implements renewal and fee schedules for licenses and permits, including CE requirements, late penalties, grace periods, and reinstatement/restoration provisions; retired licenses may have reduced fees and possible refresher requirements.

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