HB155 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ron Johnson

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Prosthetists, and Orthotists, State Board of, definitions of orthotic fitter, orthotic supplier, licensing, Secs. 34-25A-3, 34-25A-4, 34-25A-5, 34-25A-7, 34-25A-11 am'd

Summary

HB155 updates Alabama's prosthetics and orthotics licensing rules by adding new definitions, clarifying non-custom orthoses and orthotic suppliers, and standardizing licensure titles and shoe-fitter terminology.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds definitions for key terms and facilities (like Accredited Facility and Accredited Pedorthic Facility) and clarifies roles such as Orthotic Fitter, Orthotic Supplier, Pedorthist, and Pedorthics. It specifies that orthotic suppliers provide non-custom orthoses under written prescriptions and supervision, and it changes the licensing reference from 'registered therapeutic shoe fitter' to 'licensed therapeutic shoe fitter.' It establishes licensure pathways for Prosthetists, Orthotists, Prosthetist/Orthotists, Pedorthists, and related roles, allows temporary licenses, and enables license transfer from other states with substantially equivalent standards. It also sets continuing education requirements, board duties, and fee structures, and requires license titles and abbreviations to be standardized and posted.

Who It Affects

• Licensed and aspiring prosthetists, orthotists, prosthetist/orthotists, pedorthists, orthotic suppliers, orthotic assistants, and therapeutic shoe fitters, who would be governed by new definitions, licensure pathways, continued education, and credentialing standards.
• Healthcare providers and facilities that prescribe, provide, or supervise prosthetic, orthotic, pedorthic, and related devices (e.g., hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation facilities), since they must ensure practitioners and suppliers meet the board's licensing, accreditation, and supervision requirements.

Key Provisions

• Adds and updates definitions including Accredited Facility, Accredited Pedorthic Facility, Mastectomy Fitter, Orthotic Fitter, Orthotic Supplier, Orthotist, Pedorthist, Pedorthics, and Pedorthic Device.
• Specifies that Orthotic Suppliers may provide non-custom orthoses under a written prescription and supervision from an authorized health care practitioner.
• Replaces the term 'registered therapeutic shoe fitter' with 'licensed therapeutic shoe fitter' and aligns licensure titles accordingly (e.g., licensed orthotist, licensed prosthetist, etc.).
• Outlines licensure pathways for prosthetists, orthotists, prosthetist/orthotists, and pedorthists based on degrees, supervised work hours, and national boards recognized by NCCAA; also allows temporary licenses and license transfer from other states with substantially equivalent standards.
• Requires accreditation and facility standards (accredited facilities and pedorthic facilities must meet specific equipment and board requirements, with national certifying agency recognition).
• Sets continuing education requirements for licensed professionals and delegates licensure, accreditation, and registration powers to the board, including fees and examinations.
• Allows license or registration holders to use specific licensure abbreviations (e.g., L.O., L.P., L.O.S., R.O.S.) and requires licenses to be posted publicly at work sites.
• Provides that the act becomes effective three months after governor approval and outlines related administrative provisions.

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

Subjects

Health