Senate Bill 348 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Keith KelleySenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Pedorthics; national entity certification required to provide care; Department of Workforce required to administer and record

Summary

SB348 would replace the state licensing of prosthetists, orthotists, and pedorthists with a national-certification requirement administered by the Alabama Department of Workforce.

What This Bill Does

The bill abolishes the current state board and licensing requirement and replaces it with a requirement that anyone providing prosthetic, orthotic, or pedorthic care be certified by a national certifying entity approved by the Department of Workforce. It requires certified individuals and facilities to submit proof of certification to the department to be recorded, and to have continuing education tracked. It authorizes an annual recording fee (up to $100) to be collected by the department and deposited into the State Treasury to administer the program, and imposes criminal penalties for violations; the act becomes effective October 1, 2026 and repeals the existing board.

Who It Affects

• Practitioners (prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists, fitters, assistants) must obtain and maintain national certification to legally provide care after October 1, 2026.
• Facilities that provide prosthetic, orthotic, or pedorthic care must verify staff certifications and submit certification records to the Department and may pay an annual recording fee; noncompliance could lead to penalties.

Key Provisions

• Abolishes the Alabama State Board of Prosthetists and Orthotists and repeals Chapter 25A of Title 34.
• Requires certification by a national certifying entity approved by the Department of Workforce for all prosthetic, orthotic, or pedorthic care providers.
• Certifications must be submitted to the Department and recorded; continuing education is tracked by the Department.
• Authorizes the Department to levy an annual recording fee on certified persons (not to exceed $100), with funds deposited to the State Treasury for administering the section.
• Beginning October 1, 2026, individuals may not provide care without current certification; violations are Class C misdemeanors and the Attorney General may seek injunctions.
• Defines key terms (Department, National Certifying Entity, Orthotics, Orthotist, Pedorthics, Pedorthist, Prosthesis, Prosthetics, etc.).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 10, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Occupational Licensing Boards