Senate Bill 198 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Keith KelleySenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Pedorthics; provider and facility certification by national entity required, continuing education administrative duties required of Alabama Prosthetics and Orthotics Association

Summary

SB198 would abolish Alabama's prosthetists/orthotists licensing board and require national certification for all providers and facilities, with a new APOA-managed certification fund and continuing education requirements.

What This Bill Does

The bill repeals the state board and the licensing requirement, replacing it with a requirement that all providers and facilities be certified by a national certifying entity. Starting October 1, 2026, individuals and facilities may not provide prosthetic, orthotic, or pedorthic care without current national certification. It requires a minimum amount of continuing education, with at least half of it delivered through the Alabama Prosthetics and Orthotics Association (APOA). The APOA would be allowed to levy annual fees on certified persons (up to $250) to fund the new Alabama Prosthetics and Orthotics Certification Fund, which would be established in the State Treasury and administered by the APOA. Violations could be prosecuted as Class B misdemeanors, and the Attorney General could seek court actions to stop violations.

Who It Affects

• Providers and facilities that offer prosthetic, orthotic, or pedorthic care; they would need national certification, complete minimum continuing education, and pay annual fees.
• The Alabama Prosthetics and Orthotics Association (APOA); it would administer the certification program, collect fees, maintain records, and manage the new Certification Fund.

Key Provisions

• Repeals Chapter 25A of Title 34 and abolishes the Alabama State Board of Prosthetists and Orthotists; shifts to national certification for providers.
• Certification must be obtained from a national certifying entity approved by the state, including the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics and the Board of Certification/Accreditation.
• Beginning October 1, 2026, a prothetist, orthotist, pedorthist, fitter, assistant, or facility may not provide care without current national certification; at least half of continuing education must be through the APOA.
• APOA may levy up to $250 annually on certified individuals; funds go into the Alabama Prosthetics and Orthotics Certification Fund in the State Treasury and are used to cover program costs.
• The Certification Fund is administered by the APOA, with disbursements made by the State Comptroller on itemized vouchers; unencumbered year-end balances do not revert to the General Fund.
• Violations are Class B misdemeanors; the Attorney General may seek to enjoin violations.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Occupational Licensing Boards