HB337 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Randy WoodRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

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

HB337 updates Alabama's chiropractic regulation by tightening licensing, permitting, background checks, board structure, and credential-based licensure for out-of-state chiropractors.

What This Bill Does

HB337 tightens regulation of chiropractors in Alabama. It requires fingerprints and FBI background checks for licensure and clinic permits (costs paid by applicants), adds a board-exam requirement for clinic permits, and expands the board's enforcement tools, including subpoena power and penalties for unpaid fees. It creates a new licensure-by-credentials pathway for chiropractors licensed in other states, with detailed criteria and documentation. It also adds a state at-large board member (African-American) and strengthens advertising rules, renewal requirements, and disciplinary processes to protect the public.

Who It Affects

• Applicants for licensure, reinstatement, and clinic permit applicants – must undergo fingerprinting/background checks, meet education and exam requirements, and pay associated fees.
• Licensed chiropractors and permit holders in Alabama – face clarified advertising rules, renewal education requirements, potential new specialty certifications, and disciplinary actions for violations or unpaid checks.

Key Provisions

• Requires fingerprinting and national background checks for license and permit applicants; costs borne by applicants; confidential data subject to denial support disclosures.
• Clinic permit applicants must pass an examination administered by the board (hospital/public health service exemptions retained).
• Adds a nine-member State Board of Chiropractic Examiners with a state-at-large seat (African-American) and a consumer member; outlines eligibility and election processes.
• Board gains subpoena power to compel witnesses and documents; penalties and enforcement mechanisms for noncompliance.
• Defines advertising regulation responsibilities for permit holders and requires annual publication of a directory of permit holders and licensed chiropractors.
• Creates licensure by credentials (34-24-162) for out-of-state chiropractors, including active practice hours, good standing, and verification requirements, plus a jurisprudence exam and supporting affidavits.
• Renewal and education requirements set: license up to $300 renewal, 18 hours of CE for licensees, 2 hours of Alabama Law/Board rules for permits; late penalties and grace periods; retirement and reinstatement rules.
• Defines grounds for discipline (e.g., fraud, unprofessional conduct, felony convictions, advertising violations) and penalties (revocation, suspension, censure, probation, fines up to $8,000 per offense).
• Emergency suspension, hearings guidelines, and judicial review processes are established to handle contested actions.

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