SB82 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Physical Therapy Licensure Compact, established to authorize licensed physical therapists and assistant to practice among compact member states

Summary

Alabama adopts the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact to let licensed physical therapists and assistants practice across member states and adds mandatory criminal background checks for licensure.

What This Bill Does

SB82 adopts the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact to allow licensees to practice in other member states under a compact privilege. It creates the Physical Therapy Compact Commission, a shared data system, and rules for licensure, investigations, and adverse actions across states. It requires criminal background checks for licensure applicants and outlines how compact privileges are granted, maintained, and removed, including enforcement and dispute resolution. It also updates Alabama law to require fingerprint-based background checks and clarifies active-duty military home-state designation and cross-state practice.

Who It Affects

• Licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in Alabama and other member states, who may practice across state lines under a compact privilege if they meet home-state requirements, stay unencumbered, pay applicable fees, and report adverse actions.
• Patients and the public in Alabama and other member states seeking physical therapy services, who may gain increased access and receive care regulated under shared, cross-state standards and enforcement.

Key Provisions

• Adoption of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact to permit interstate practice and mutual license recognition among member states.
• Creation of the Physical Therapy Compact Commission to establish rules, oversee implementation, handle disputes, and manage funding and compliance.
• Establishment of a coordinated Data System containing licensure, adverse actions, and investigative information accessible to all member states.
• Compact Privilege allowing a licensee with a valid home-state license to practice in remote states, subject to conditions (unencumbered license, no adverse action in the past two years, notice to the commission, applicable fees, jurisprudence requirements, and reporting of adverse actions taken by non-member states).
• Requirements for home-state licensure and ongoing compliance, including criminal background checks (biometric/fingerprint-based) and continuing competence.
• Home-state retains exclusive authority to impose adverse actions, with remote states able to take adverse actions under their rules and participate in joint investigations.
• Active-duty military personnel and spouses may designate a home state from options such as home of record, PCS, or current residence for licensing purposes.
• Procedures for removal or suspension of compact privileges (encumbrances, adverse actions, time periods, and restoration steps) and for withdrawal/termination of member states from the compact.
• Alabama-specific update to Section 34-24-211 requiring fingerprint-based criminal history background checks for licensure applicants.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Physical Therapists