SB4 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

William “Bill” M. BeasleySenator

Democrat

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

SB4 updates Alabama law to redefine orthosis, tighten facility accreditation, and clarify who can provide prosthetics and orthotics.

What This Bill Does

It defines orthosis as a custom-fabricated or custom-fitted definitive brace for long-term use and clarifies that most prefabricated or off-the-shelf devices are not considered orthoses under this chapter (with specified exceptions). It requires Accredited Facilities to meet board standards and be accredited by a nationally recognized certifying body (NCCA). It requires Accredited Pedorthic Facilities to have specific equipment (sand/grinding equipment, oven, and vacuum forming). It also defines and lists professional roles (orthotists, prosthetists, pedorthists, orthotics fitters, mastectomy fitters, etc.) to establish who can provide these services.

Who It Affects

• Accredited facilities that provide prosthetic, orthotic, pedorthic, or related care; they must meet board requirements and achieve NCCA accreditation to maintain accreditation.
• Pedorthic facilities; they must maintain specified equipment to be accredited.
• Licensed professionals in orthotics and prosthetics (orthotists, prosthetists, pedorthists, orthotics fitters, mastectomy fitters, therapeutic shoe fitters, etc.); the bill defines their roles and qualifications.
• Patients and consumers seeking prosthetics and orthotics; the changes affect what devices are considered orthoses and may influence where they receive care.

Key Provisions

• Orthosis is defined as a custom-fabricated or custom-fitted definitive brace or support designed for long-term use, with prefabricated, direct-formed, and off-the-shelf devices largely excluded from the orthosis scope unless otherwise defined.
• Accredited Facilities must meet board requirements and be accredited by a national certifying organization recognized by the state board, with accreditation via NCCA in the applicable discipline(s).
• Accredited Pedorthic Facilities must have equipment including sanding/grinding equipment, an oven for plastics/foams, and a vacuum device for forming pedorthic devices.
• The bill creates/clarifies numerous professional terms and roles (e.g., Accredited Facility, Orthotist, Orthotist Assistant, Pedorthist, Pedorthic Device, Therapeutic Shoe Fitter, Mastectomy Fitter) to define who does what in prosthetics, orthotics, and pedorthics, and how they are credentialed.

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