SB124 Alabama 2021 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Donnie ChesteenSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2021
Title: Board of Medical Examiners and Medical Licensure Commission, providing further for confidentiality of board meetings, updating of approved accreditation organizations, and requirements for a certificate of qualification, qualifications and procedures for issuance of temporary certificates of qualification and licenses to physicians and assistants to physician applicants who are in state under military orders, Secs. 34-24-70.1, 34-24-301.1 added; Secs. 34-24-60, 34-24-70, 34-24-297, 34-24-302, 34-24-337, 34-24-361 am'd.
Summary: SB124 updates confidentiality, accreditation recognition, licensure requirements, and adds temporary military-related certificates and licenses for physicians and assistants in Alabama.
What This Bill Does
Strengthens confidentiality around board investigations and meetings, keeping most materials closed and restricting public access while allowing limited releases to enforcement and licensing agencies. Updates which accreditation bodies the board recognizes for medical education and training and sets standards for education, postgraduate training, and examinations to qualify for a certificate of qualification. Adds temporary certificates for physicians and temporary licenses for assistants to physicians when they relocate to Alabama under official military orders, including eligibility criteria, expiration after 12 months, and a path to full licensure. Preserves and clarifies renewal, reinstatement, and disciplinary processes, requires criminal background checks for applicants, and allows non-disciplinary citations with administrative charges.

Who It Affects
Physicians seeking a certificate of qualification or temporary credentials to practice medicine in Alabama, including those relocated under military orders.
Assistants to physicians seeking licensure or temporary licensure to practice in Alabama, including those relocated under military orders.

Key Provisions
Confidentiality: Investigations and board meetings involving confidential materials are privileged and not public records; board meetings may be closed when such materials are discussed; records may be released to law enforcement or licensing agencies and confidential in contested proceedings.
Accreditation update: The board will recognize updated names of accrediting organizations for medical education and residency training to determine qualification eligibility.
Certificate of qualification requirements: Education from approved medical schools, postgraduate training, exam passing requirements (USMLE/COMLEX/NCCPA-related), application/exam fees, and mandatory criminal background checks; citizenship/present status requirements; grounds for denial.
Temporary military certificates/licenses: New provisions allow temporary certificates for physicians (34-24-70.1) and temporary licenses for assistants to physicians (34-24-301.1) for those relocated under military orders, with specified eligibility and expiration timelines and a path to full licensure.
Background checks: Mandatory fingerprint-based criminal history checks for physicians and assistants, with costs borne by applicants; confidentiality provisions apply.
Renewal and reinstatement: Annual renewal and potential late fees, grace period, automatic inactivation for nonpayment, and a reinstatement process that includes fees and background checks; hearings and appeals procedures.
Disciplinary grounds: Provisions align with existing grounds for denial or discipline (e.g., felony convictions, dishonesty, improper practice, and license actions in other jurisdictions).
Administrative processes: Rules on examination administration, hearings, service of process, and related procedures to support licensure decisions and investigations.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Medical Examiners, State Board of