HB22 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve HurstRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Prosthetists and Orthotists Board, orthosis, further defined to include custom-fitted orthosis, off-the-shelf orthotic device further defined, Sec. 34-25A-3 am'd.

Summary

HB22 expands and clarifies Alabama's orthotics definition to include custom-fitted devices assembled or modified for a specific patient.

What This Bill Does

HB22 amends the Prosthetics and Orthotics Act to explicitly define orthosis as including a custom-fitted orthosis that must be assembled or modified for a specific patient. It adds detailed definitions for related terms such as orthotics, off-the-shelf devices, direct-formed orthoses, and the professionals who provide them. It also clarifies which items count as orthoses and which non-custom items are excluded, including restrictions and exceptions like scoliosis treatment. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Licensed prosthetists/orthotists and other board-regulated professionals: definitions and scope of practice for orthoses are clarified, including custom-fitted devices, which may affect how they fit and modify devices and how they meet standards.
• Patients needing orthotic devices and the facilities that provide orthotics (accredited facilities and pedorthic facilities): the types of devices and the required facility standards are clarified, which can affect what devices are used and how they are produced/assembled.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 34-25A-3 to explicitly define orthosis as including a custom-fitted orthosis that must be assembled or modified for a specific patient.
• Adds comprehensive definitions for terms such as orthosis, off-the-shelf, direct-formed orthoses, orthotist, prosthetist, pedorthist, and related roles.
• Clarifies that prefabricated or off-the-shelf devices may be treated differently, including whether they are considered custom-made depending on whether a licensed professional forms or shapes them for a patient, and lists items excluded from orthosis coverage.
• Sets accreditation requirements for facilities providing prosthetic/orthotic care, requiring NCC A accreditation and board-approved standards.
• Establishes the act's effective date as the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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

Subjects

Prosthetists and Orthotists, State Board of