HB84 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Matt WoodsSenator

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Board of Chiropractic Examiners; methods for sending board election notice and ballots permitted; limited license removed; licensee continuing education requirements revised

Summary

HB84 updates how Alabama's Board of Chiropractic Examiners operates elections, licensing paths, and continuing education, while expanding supervision options for students, adding an inactive license, and strengthening board authority.

What This Bill Does

It allows election notices and ballots to be sent by methods other than mail and sets up an independent agency to run election processes with defined qualification periods and runoffs. It creates a supervised limited-licensing pathway for chiropractic students and recent graduates, with restrictions on using licensure titles. It shifts renewal CE requirements to a board-rule-based standard, adds an inactive license option for those who practice in another state, and tightens renewal and reinstatement processes with mandatory background checks and enhanced enforcement powers.

Who It Affects

• Licensed chiropractors and permit holders in Alabama; renewal and continuing education requirements would be determined by board rules, an optional inactive license would be available for those practicing elsewhere, and renewals/reinstatements could require fingerprint checks and potential enforcement actions.
• Chiropractic students and recent graduates; they could participate in a supervised limited-licensing program with restrictions on titles and practice, and their paths to licensure would be governed by new sponsor and supervision rules.

Key Provisions

• Election notices and ballots may be sent by multiple methods; an independent agency handles ballot administration, with a defined qualifying period, ballot mailing after qualification, runoffs if no majority, and results certification.
• Establishment of a preceptorship/extern program allowing a limited license for students or graduates under direct on-site supervision, with title restrictions and expiration tied to licensure exam results; sponsors may supervise only one student or graduate at a time.
• Continuing education for license renewal would be determined by board rules (replacing a fixed 18-hour requirement); waivers may be granted for good cause; an annual directory of licensees and permit holders would be published.
• Creation of an inactive license for individuals who want Alabama licensure but practice in another state; inactive license would require half the active renewal fee; renewal and reinstatement rules apply, including automatic suspension for nonrenewal.
• Fingerprint-based background checks would be required for reinstatement and renewal, with costs borne by the applicant and confidentiality maintained; FBI checks would be used to assess suitability.
• The board would gain enhanced enforcement tools, including subpoena power and authority to administer oaths; the executive director would oversee administration and rules would be adopted to implement these changes.
• Consumer representation on the board would be required, with a Governor-appointed consumer member who cannot be a chiropractor or a close family member, and the board must reflect the state’s diversity; the act would take effect immediately.

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

Subjects

Occupational Licensing Boards