SB188 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: William “Bill” M. BeasleySenator
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Prosthetists and Orthotists Board, powers of board, subpoena powers re board hearing and complaints against licensees, Sec. 34-25A-7.1 am'd.
Summary: SB188 gives the State Board of Prosthetists and Orthotists the power to issue and enforce subpoenas in investigations and complaints, effective immediately.
What This Bill Does
Gives the board the authority to issue subpoenas to compel attendance, witness testimony, and the production of documents or other evidence in matters before the board or during investigations of complaints about prosthetics and orthotics. Subpoenas can be signed by the board chair or executive officer and served by a sheriff, the executive officer, or another authorized person, and are enforceable by the circuit court. The board may adopt rules for enforcement and may impose civil fines on licensees or other people who fail to comply with subpoenas. This authority supplements existing subpoena provisions in the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act and does not apply to hospitals or to authorized health care practitioners or their employees or contractors. The act becomes effective immediately after it is approved by the Governor.

Who It Affects
Licensees of the State Board of Prosthetists and Orthotists and other people engaged in the practice of prosthetics and orthotics, who may be subpoenaed and potentially fined for noncompliance.
Hospitals, authorized health care practitioners, and their employees or contractors are exempt from these subpoena powers.

Key Provisions
Adds 34-25A-7.1 to authorize the board to issue subpoenas and compel attendance and production of documents or other evidence in investigations or complaints about prosthetics and orthotics.
Subpoenas may be signed by the board chair or executive officer and served by the sheriff, the executive officer, or other authorized persons; they are enforceable by the circuit court.
The board may establish enforcement rules and may impose civil fines on noncompliant licensees or other practitioners.
The authority is supplemental to existing subpoena provisions in the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act and includes an exemption for hospitals and authorized health care practitioners and their employees or contractors.
Effective immediately after the Governor's approval.

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