SB257 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg J. Reed

Republican

Co-Sponsor

J.T. Waggoner

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

SB257 overhauls Alabama's chiropractic licensing and board regulation by adding fingerprint background checks, a new clinic-permit system with board exams, credentials-based licensure, and expanded enforcement and governance for the Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

What This Bill Does

Requires applicants for licensure and reinstatement to submit fingerprints for state and national background checks, with the applicant paying the costs. Creates a board-administered exam for issuing clinic permits and requires a permit to own or operate a chiropractic office, with renewal and regulatory requirements. Adds licensure by credentials and allows certification for specialized areas, along with new rules on advertising for permit holders. Expands the board's enforcement powers, including subpoena authority, ability to discipline for unpaid checks, and clarified avenues for judicial review of board decisions.

Who It Affects

• Aspiring chiropractors seeking licensure in Alabama — must submit fingerprints, pay background-check costs, meet education and testing requirements, and may pursue licensure by credentials with additional criteria.
• Current chiropractors, permit holders, and clinic owners — subject to a new permit system, renewal fees, ongoing education and advertising rules, potential disciplinary actions for violations or unpaid fees, and broader board oversight.

Key Provisions

• Adds one state-at-large member to the Board of Chiropractic Examiners, who must be African-American.
• Requires applicants for licensure and reinstatement to submit fingerprints for a background check; costs are paid by the applicant; findings may be disclosed to support denials.
• Allows board certification for specialized areas of practice and imposes a one-time specialty-certification fee not to exceed $25.
• Creates a board-administered exam for issuing clinic permits; permits to own or operate a chiropractic office are issued and renewed with set fees and regulatory requirements.
• Gives the board subpoena power to compel attendance and production of records; permits the board to regulate and oversee permit holders and advertising.
• Establishes licensure by credentials, outlining eligibility criteria (practice history, good standing in another state, background checks, interviews, jurisprudence exam, and character attestations).
• Requires renewal of licenses and permits by Sept. 30 each year, with up to $300 renewal fees, 18 hours of ongoing education for licensees, and 2 hours on Alabama law and board rules for permit holders; includes late penalties and grace period provisions.
• Authorizes disciplinary actions for unpaid fees, potential fines up to $8,000 per count, and a range of sanctions (revocation, suspension, probation, or restrictions) for violations; includes emergency suspension authority and avenues for judicial review.

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