SB165 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

William “Bill” M. BeasleySenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Prosthetists and Orthotists, Board of, regulation of practice of prosthetics, orthotics, and pedorthics, exemption of persons employed in certain facilities deleted, Sec. 34-25A-5 am'd.

Summary

SB165 tightens regulation of prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists in Alabama by requiring licensure/registration, establishing credential pathways, and removing some exemptions for unlicensed practice.

What This Bill Does

Requires anyone practicing prosthetics, orthotics, or pedorthics in Alabama to be licensed or registered with the Board of Prosthetists and Orthotists. It creates multiple paths to licensure based on degree level and supervised work hours, plus national certification, and allows temporary licenses and licensure by endorsement for out-of-state credentials. It also requires registration for orthotic suppliers and adds rules about how licenses are displayed and that unlicensed practice or misrepresentation is not allowed. The bill also deletes certain employment and educational exemptions that previously allowed unlicensed individuals to practice in some settings.

Who It Affects

• Practitioners who currently practice or want to practice prosthetics, orthotics, or pedorthics in Alabama will need to obtain licensure/registration and meet credential requirements.
• Employers, facilities, and orthotic suppliers in Alabama that must register suppliers and ensure staff meet licensure or credentialing standards; out-of-state practitioners seeking Alabama credentials will have endorsement options.

Key Provisions

• Licensure/registration required to practice prosthetics, orthotics, and pedorthics; unlicensed practice prohibited.
• Detailed licensure pathways by degree level, including 1,900 hours of directed employment, board certification, and recognition by national certifying boards (NCCA) or approved equivalents.
• Temporary license available for up to 12 months (renewable once for six months) for applicants awaiting examination; licensure by endorsement for out-of-state credentials with substantially equivalent standards.
• Registration requirement for orthotic suppliers with employer attestations; license displayed at the work site; and retained exemptions with certain restrictions, while removing some prior unlicensed-practice exemptions.

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