Alabama 2024 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Bill SB224 Compare Versions

Only one version of the bill is available at this time.

Old	New	Differences
1	1	SB224INTRODUCED
2	2	Page 0
3	3	SB224
4	4	CR1VQJQ-1
5	5	By Senators Elliott, Orr, Gudger
6	6	RFD: County and Municipal Government
7	7	First Read: 19-Mar-24
8	8	1
9	9	2
10	10	3
11	11	4
12	12	5 CR1VQJQ-1 03/07/2024 KMS (L)cr 2024-476
13	13	Page 1
14	14	First Read: 19-Mar-24
15	15	SYNOPSIS:
16	16	Under existing law, occupational and
17	17	professional licensing boards are responsible for
18	18	regulating different professions and occupations.
19	19	This bill would establish the Office of
20	20	Occupational and Professional Licensing within the
21	21	Department of Labor to serve as a centralized entity
22	22	providing leadership, support, and oversight to certain
23	23	professional or occupational licensing boards operating
24	24	within the state.
25	25	This bill would provide for the appointment of
26	26	an executive director, deputy directors, and other
27	27	staff for the office, including investigators, and
28	28	would provide uniformity for certain provisions
29	29	relating to licensing, fees, funding, and expenses.
30	30	Commencing on October 1, 2025, this bill would
31	31	transfer to the office the Board of Examiners of
32	32	Assisted Living Administrators, Alabama Athletic
33	33	Commission, Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers, State
34	34	Board of Auctioneers, Alabama Professional Bail Bonding
35	35	Board, Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensing Board, Board
36	36	of Examiners in Counseling, Alabama Board of Electrical
37	37	Contractors, Alabama Electronic Security Board of
38	38	Licensure, State Board of Genetic Counseling, Alabama
39	39	Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists, Board
40	40	1
41	41	2
42	42	3
43	43	4
44	44	5
45	45	6
46	46	7
47	47	8
48	48	9
49	49	10
50	50	11
51	51	12
52	52	13
53	53	14
54	54	15
55	55	16
56	56	17
57	57	18
58	58	19
59	59	20
60	60	21
61	61	22
62	62	23
63	63	24
64	64	25
65	65	26
66	66	27
67	67	28 SB224 INTRODUCED
68	68	Page 2
69	69	Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists, Board
70	70	of Home Medical Equipment, Alabama Board for Registered
71	71	Interior Designers, Alabama Licensure Board for
72	72	Interpreters and Transliterators, Alabama Board of
73	73	Examiners of Landscape Architects, Alabama Board of
74	74	Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy, Alabama
75	75	Massage Therapy Licensing Board, State Board of
76	76	Midwifery, Alabama Board of Optometry, State Board of
77	77	Podiatry, Alabama Private Investigation Board, Alabama
78	78	State Board of Prosthetists and Orthotists, and the
79	79	Alabama Security Regulatory Board.
80	80	Commencing on October 1, 2026, this bill would
81	81	transfer to the office the State Board for Registration
82	82	of Architects, Alabama Board of Court Reporting, State
83	83	Board of Examiners for Dietetics/Nutrition Practice,
84	84	State Board of Registration for Foresters, Board of
85	85	Hearing Instrument Dealers, Board of Nursing, Board of
86	86	Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators, Alabama State
87	87	Board of Occupational Therapy, Alabama Onsite
88	88	Wastewater Board, Board of Physical Therapy, Polygraph
89	89	Examiners Board, Alabama Board of Examiners in
90	90	Psychology, Alabama State Board of Respiratory Therapy,
91	91	Alabama Board of Social Work Examiners, and the Alabama
92	92	Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and
93	93	Audiology.
94	94	This bill would maintain the validity of
95	95	occupational and professional licenses issued before
96	96	the transfer and the continuance of the rules of a
97	97	transferred occupational or professional licensing
98	98	29
99	99	30
100	100	31
101	101	32
102	102	33
103	103	34
104	104	35
105	105	36
106	106	37
107	107	38
108	108	39
109	109	40
110	110	41
111	111	42
112	112	43
113	113	44
114	114	45
115	115	46
116	116	47
117	117	48
118	118	49
119	119	50
120	120	51
121	121	52
122	122	53
123	123	54
124	124	55
125	125	56 SB224 INTRODUCED
126	126	Page 3
127	127	transferred occupational or professional licensing
128	128	board adopted before the transfer.
129	129	This bill would transfer the Sickle Cell
130	130	Oversight and Regulatory Commission and all documents,
131	131	records, functions, and responsibilities of the
132	132	commission to the Department of Public Health.
133	133	This bill would also transfer the Alabama
134	134	Drycleaning Environmental Response Trust Fund Advisory
135	135	Board and all documents, records, functions, and
136	136	responsibilities of the board to the Alabama Department
137	137	of Environmental Management.
138	138	A BILL
139	139	TO BE ENTITLED
140	140	AN ACT
141	141	To establish the Office of Occupational and
142	142	Professional Licensing within the Department of Labor; to add
143	143	Chapter 2B to Title 25, Code of Alabama 1975; to provide for
144	144	the leadership, support, and oversight of certain occupational
145	145	and professional licensing boards; to provide for an executive
146	146	director, deputy directors, and the employment of staff for
147	147	the boards; to provide uniform standards for fees and; to
148	148	continue existing licenses and rules; to provide for the
149	149	transfer of the following boards commencing on October 1,
150	150	2025: the Board of Examiners of Assisted Living
151	151	Administrators, Alabama Athletic Commission, Alabama Board of
152	152	57
153	153	58
154	154	59
155	155	60
156	156	61
157	157	62
158	158	63
159	159	64
160	160	65
161	161	66
162	162	67
163	163	68
164	164	69
165	165	70
166	166	71
167	167	72
168	168	73
169	169	74
170	170	75
171	171	76
172	172	77
173	173	78
174	174	79
175	175	80
176	176	81
177	177	82
178	178	83
179	179	84 SB224 INTRODUCED
180	180	Page 4
181	181	Administrators, Alabama Athletic Commission, Alabama Board of
182	182	Athletic Trainers, State Board of Auctioneers, Alabama
183	183	Professional Bail Bonding Board, Alabama Behavior Analyst
184	184	Licensing Board, Board of Examiners in Counseling, Alabama
185	185	Board of Electrical Contractors, Alabama Electronic Security
186	186	Board of Licensure, State Board of Genetic Counseling, Alabama
187	187	Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists, Board of Home
188	188	Medical Equipment, Alabama Board for Registered Interior
189	189	Designers, Alabama Licensure Board for Interpreters and
190	190	Transliterators, Alabama Board of Examiners of Landscape
191	191	Architects, Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family
192	192	Therapy, Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board, State Board
193	193	of Midwifery, Alabama Board of Optometry, Alabama Private
194	194	Investigation Board, State Board of Podiatry, Alabama State
195	195	Board of Prosthetists and Orthotists, and the Alabama Security
196	196	Regulatory Board by amending sections of the Code of Alabama
197	197	1975, in Chapter 2A, Title 34; Chapter 9, Title 41; Chapter
198	198	40, Title 34; Chapter 4, Title 34; Chapter 13, Title 15;
199	199	Chapter 5A, Title 34; Chapter 8A, Title 34; Chapter 36, Title
200	200	34; Chapter 1A, Title 34; Chapter 13A, Title 34; Chapter 41,
201	201	Title 34; Chapter 14C, Title 34; Chapter 15C, Title 34;
202	202	Chapter 16, Title 34; Chapter 17, Title 34; Chapter 17A, Title
203	203	34; adding Chapter 43A, Title 34; amending in Chapter 19,
204	204	Title 34; Chapter 22, Title 34; Chapter 24, Title 34; Chapter
205	205	25B, Title 34; Chapter 25A, Title 34; and Chapter 27C, Title
206	206	34; to provide for the transfer of the following boards
207	207	commencing on October 1, 2026: the State Board for
208	208	Registration of Architects, Alabama Board of Court Reporting,
209	209	State Board of Examiners for Dietetics/Nutrition Practice,
210	210	85
211	211	86
212	212	87
213	213	88
214	214	89
215	215	90
216	216	91
217	217	92
218	218	93
219	219	94
220	220	95
221	221	96
222	222	97
223	223	98
224	224	99
225	225	100
226	226	101
227	227	102
228	228	103
229	229	104
230	230	105
231	231	106
232	232	107
233	233	108
234	234	109
235	235	110
236	236	111
237	237	112 SB224 INTRODUCED
238	238	Page 5
239	239	State Board of Examiners for Dietetics/Nutrition Practice,
240	240	State Board of Examiners for Dietetics/Nutrition Practice,
241	241	State Board of Registration for Foresters, Board of Hearing
242	242	Instrument Dealers, Board of Examiners of Nursing Home
243	243	Administrators, Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy,
244	244	Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board, Board of Physical Therapy,
245	245	Polygraph Examiners Board, Alabama Board of Examiners in
246	246	Psychology, Alabama State Board of Respiratory Therapy,
247	247	Alabama Board of Social Work Examiners, and Alabama Board of
248	248	Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board by
249	249	amending sections of the Code of Alabama 1975, in Chapter 2,
250	250	Title 34; Chapter 8B, Title 34; Chapter 34, Title 34; Chapter
251	251	34A, Title 34; Chapter 2A, Title 34; Chapter 14, Title 34;
252	252	Chapter 20, Title 34; Chapter 39, Title 34; Chapter 21A, Title
253	253	34; Chapter 24, Title 34; Chapter 25, Title 34; Chapter 26,
254	254	Title 34; Chapter 27B, Title 34; Chapter 30, Title 34; the by
255	255	amending sections in Chapter 28A, Title 34; to amend Section
256	256	22-10B-3, to transfer the Sickle Cell Oversight and Regulatory
257	257	Commission to the Department of Public Health; to amend
258	258	Section 22-30D-8, Code of Alabama 1975, to transfer the
259	259	Alabama Drycleaning Environmental Response Trust Fund Advisory
260	260	Board to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management;
261	261	to repeal Sections 34-4-53, 34-12-32, 34-17-25, 34-24-253,
262	262	34-30-54, 34-36-5, and 34-40-7, Code of Alabama 1975, relating
263	263	to member compensation and fees, and to repeal Chapter 43,
264	264	Title 34, Code of Alabama 1975, providing for the Alabama
265	265	Board of Massage Therapy; and to provide for various effective
266	266	dates.
267	267	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
268	268	113
269	269	114
270	270	115
271	271	116
272	272	117
273	273	118
274	274	119
275	275	120
276	276	121
277	277	122
278	278	123
279	279	124
280	280	125
281	281	126
282	282	127
283	283	128
284	284	129
285	285	130
286	286	131
287	287	132
288	288	133
289	289	134
290	290	135
291	291	136
292	292	137
293	293	138
294	294	139
295	295	140 SB224 INTRODUCED
296	296	Page 6
297	297	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
298	298	Section 1. Chapter 2B is added to Title 25 of the Code
299	299	of Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
300	300	CHAPTER 2B. OFFICE OF OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL
301	301	LICENSING.
302	302	§25-2B-1
303	303	For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms
304	304	have the following meanings:
305	305	(1) BOARD. A board, commission, or other entity
306	306	established for the primary purpose of licensing and
307	307	regulating a specific occupation or profession that is subject
308	308	to oversight and administration by the Office of Occupational
309	309	and Professional Licensing of the Department of Labor.
310	310	(2) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The individual appointed by the
311	311	Secretary of Labor as executive director of the office.
312	312	(3) FUND. The Occupational and Professional Licensing
313	313	Fund created by this chapter.
314	314	(4) LICENSE. The certificate or license issued to an
315	315	individual that certifies he or she is qualified to perform a
316	316	particular occupation or profession. The term includes a
317	317	certificate of registration, temporary license, or similar
318	318	formal grant of permission.
319	319	(5) OFFICE. The Office of Occupational and Professional
320	320	Licensing within the Department of Labor, responsible for the
321	321	oversight and administration of certain occupational and
322	322	professional licensing boards.
323	323	§25-2B-2
324	324	(a) There is created within the Department of Labor the
325	325	Office of Occupational and Professional licensing. The mission
326	326	141
327	327	142
328	328	143
329	329	144
330	330	145
331	331	146
332	332	147
333	333	148
334	334	149
335	335	150
336	336	151
337	337	152
338	338	153
339	339	154
340	340	155
341	341	156
342	342	157
343	343	158
344	344	159
345	345	160
346	346	161
347	347	162
348	348	163
349	349	164
350	350	165
351	351	166
352	352	167
353	353	168 SB224 INTRODUCED
354	354	Page 7
355	355	Office of Occupational and Professional licensing. The mission
356	356	of the office is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of
357	357	the public by licensing qualified individuals and entities and
358	358	enforcing standards of professional conduct for professions
359	359	and occupations.
360	360	(b)(1) The Secretary of Labor shall appoint and shall
361	361	set the qualifications for an executive director and shall
362	362	appoint deputy directors, as needed, who shall act in the
363	363	absence of the executive director and who shall perform other
364	364	functions of the executive director as the executive director
365	365	may direct. The executive director and deputy directors shall
366	366	serve in the exempt service. The compensation of the executive
367	367	director and deputy directors shall be fixed by the Secretary
368	368	of Labor, and they shall hold office at the pleasure of the
369	369	Secretary of Labor.
370	370	(2) The executive director may employ additional
371	371	personnel, including administrative law judges, attorneys, and
372	372	investigators, as necessary to carry out this chapter and to
373	373	provide leadership, support, and oversight required for each
374	374	board to exercise its powers and fulfill its duties. Except as
375	375	otherwise provided in this chapter, all personnel shall be
376	376	subject to the state Merit System Act.
377	377	(c) An individual hired to conduct investigations for
378	378	the boards shall meet standards established by the executive
379	379	director.
380	380	§25-2B-3
381	381	(a) The executive director, with the approval of the
382	382	Secretary of Labor, may enter into and terminate contracts on
383	383	behalf of the office or any board, subject to the State
384	384	169
385	385	170
386	386	171
387	387	172
388	388	173
389	389	174
390	390	175
391	391	176
392	392	177
393	393	178
394	394	179
395	395	180
396	396	181
397	397	182
398	398	183
399	399	184
400	400	185
401	401	186
402	402	187
403	403	188
404	404	189
405	405	190
406	406	191
407	407	192
408	408	193
409	409	194
410	410	195
411	411	196 SB224 INTRODUCED
412	412	Page 8
413	413	behalf of the office or any board, subject to the State
414	414	Procurement Law, as necessary to implement this chapter.
415	415	(b) The rights, privileges, entitlements, or duties of
416	416	parties to contracts, leases, agreements, or other
417	417	transactions entered into by a board on or before the date a
418	418	board becomes subject to this chapter, shall continue to exist
419	419	and shall not be impaired or diminished by reason of the board
420	420	being subject to this chapter. After the date a board becomes
421	421	subject to this chapter, no existing agreement or contract
422	422	between a board and a third party may be renewed or otherwise
423	423	amended unless the agreement or contract complies with this
424	424	chapter.
425	425	§25-2B-4
426	426	On the date a board becomes subject to this chapter,
427	427	all the rights, duties, assets, employees, records,
428	428	liabilities, property, real or personal, and all other effects
429	429	existing in the name of each board shall be transferred to,
430	430	and under the jurisdiction of, the office. By resolution, a
431	431	board may transfer its rights, duties, assets, employees,
432	432	records, liabilities, property, or other effects to the office
433	433	before the date specified by this act if approved by the
434	434	Secretary of Labor or the executive director.
435	435	§25-2B-5
436	436	(a) The Occupational and Professional Licensing Fund is
437	437	created within the State Treasury. The office shall collect,
438	438	on behalf of each board, all funds the board is entitled to
439	439	receive. Collected funds shall be deposited into the fund and
440	440	shall be used to implement this chapter and perform required
441	441	board functions. The executive director shall allocate and
442	442	197
443	443	198
444	444	199
445	445	200
446	446	201
447	447	202
448	448	203
449	449	204
450	450	205
451	451	206
452	452	207
453	453	208
454	454	209
455	455	210
456	456	211
457	457	212
458	458	213
459	459	214
460	460	215
461	461	216
462	462	217
463	463	218
464	464	219
465	465	220
466	466	221
467	467	222
468	468	223
469	469	224 SB224 INTRODUCED
470	470	Page 9
471	471	board functions. The executive director shall allocate and
472	472	disburse funds budgeted and allotted pursuant to the Budget
473	473	Management Act and Article 4 of Chapter 4 of Title 41.
474	474	(b) For purposes of this section, required board
475	475	functions include the maintenance of existing board programs
476	476	that benefit an occupation or profession including, but not
477	477	limited to, grant, wellness, and training programs, if the
478	478	executive director determines that maintenance of the program
479	479	will not require a material increase in any fee collected by
480	480	the office. The authority provided by this subsection shall
481	481	expire on September 31, 2028.
482	482	§25-2B-6
483	483	(a) The executive director shall possess all powers
484	484	necessary and proper to provide administrative support and
485	485	oversight to each board, including all of the following:
486	486	(1) To serve as the custodian of all board records.
487	487	(2) To receive and process all license applications.
488	488	(3) By rule, to set all administrative fees including,
489	489	but not limited to application, license, renewal, examination,
490	490	and wellness program fees and set the dates, times, and
491	491	locations of license examinations.
492	492	(4) To schedule the time and place for all hearings.
493	493	(5) To issue all licenses.
494	494	(6) To conduct investigations on behalf of each board
495	495	and issue subpoenas when authorized.
496	496	(7) To collect all fees, fines, and other monies due
497	497	each board and deposit all monies collected into the fund.
498	498	(8) To implement and enforce the rules and
499	499	administrative decisions of each board.
500	500	225
501	501	226
502	502	227
503	503	228
504	504	229
505	505	230
506	506	231
507	507	232
508	508	233
509	509	234
510	510	235
511	511	236
512	512	237
513	513	238
514	514	239
515	515	240
516	516	241
517	517	242
518	518	243
519	519	244
520	520	245
521	521	246
522	522	247
523	523	248
524	524	249
525	525	250
526	526	251
527	527	252 SB224 INTRODUCED
528	528	Page 10
529	529	administrative decisions of each board.
530	530	(b) All board orders shall be signed and attested to by
531	531	the executive director, or his or her designee, in the name of
532	532	the applicable board, with the seal of that board attached.
533	533	Any notice or legal process necessary to be served upon a
534	534	board may be served upon the executive director.
535	535	(c) Any document, material, or other information in the
536	536	possession or control of the office that is obtained by or
537	537	disclosed in the course of an application, examination, or
538	538	investigation is confidential, privileged, and not subject to
539	539	subpoena or discovery.
540	540	§25-2B-7
541	541	(a) Each board member shall be paid a per diem amount
542	542	of one hundred dollars ($100) for each day spent attending a
543	543	board meeting or other official function of the board and
544	544	shall be reimbursed for travel expenses at the same rate and
545	545	under the same circumstances as a state employee is paid for
546	546	each day he or she attends to business of the board. A board
547	547	member's request for per diem or reimbursement of travel
548	548	expenses is subject to approval by the executive director.
549	549	(b) Board meetings and hearings shall be held in the
550	550	City of Montgomery, at a site determined by the executive
551	551	director, or at a different site upon request of the chair and
552	552	approval by the executive director.
553	553	(c) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to alter
554	554	the requirements of the Open Meetings Act; provided that board
555	555	members may participate in a board meeting in person, by means
556	556	of telephone conference, video conference, or other similar
557	557	communications equipment so that all individuals participating
558	558	253
559	559	254
560	560	255
561	561	256
562	562	257
563	563	258
564	564	259
565	565	260
566	566	261
567	567	262
568	568	263
569	569	264
570	570	265
571	571	266
572	572	267
573	573	268
574	574	269
575	575	270
576	576	271
577	577	272
578	578	273
579	579	274
580	580	275
581	581	276
582	582	277
583	583	278
584	584	279
585	585	280 SB224 INTRODUCED
586	586	Page 11
587	587	communications equipment so that all individuals participating
588	588	in the meeting may hear each other at the same time.
589	589	Participation by such means shall constitute presence in
590	590	person at the meeting for all purposes, including for purposes
591	591	of establishing a quorum, and the affirmative vote of a
592	592	majority of the members necessary for any action of the board.
593	593	§25-2B-8
594	594	(a) The executive director shall adopt rules pursuant
595	595	to the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act relating to
596	596	administrative fees and to the administration of examinations
597	597	of applicants for licensing by each board pursuant to Section
598	598	25-2B-6. The rules may provide for the setting of fees, dates,
599	599	times, and locations of examinations, and other similar
600	600	matters related to the administration of an examination.
601	601	(b) Nothing in this chapter shall preclude a board from
602	602	adopting rules to establish examination standards including,
603	603	but not limited to, criteria, grading procedures, passing
604	604	score requirements, and other matters pertaining to
605	605	substantive material included on an examination.
606	606	(c) A board, by rule, may establish examination
607	607	standards developed in agreement or in conjunction with a
608	608	national association of state boards, or other related
609	609	national association, for the administration of a nationally
610	610	recognized uniform examination.
611	611	(d) Rules adopted by a board before the date of
612	612	transfer to the office, that are under the jurisdiction of the
613	613	executive director, shall continue in effect until the
614	614	executive director expressly amends, repeals, or adopts new
615	615	rules pursuant to the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act.
616	616	281
617	617	282
618	618	283
619	619	284
620	620	285
621	621	286
622	622	287
623	623	288
624	624	289
625	625	290
626	626	291
627	627	292
628	628	293
629	629	294
630	630	295
631	631	296
632	632	297
633	633	298
634	634	299
635	635	300
636	636	301
637	637	302
638	638	303
639	639	304
640	640	305
641	641	306
642	642	307
643	643	308 SB224 INTRODUCED
644	644	Page 12
645	645	rules pursuant to the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act.
646	646	§25-2B-9
647	647	(a) The executive director, by rule, may establish
648	648	administrative fees necessary for the operation of a board
649	649	including, but not limited to, an application fee, original
650	650	license fee, license renewal fee, inspection fee, permit fee,
651	651	wellness program fee, and late penalty fee. Each fee shall be
652	652	reasonable and shall be determined in a manner that the total
653	653	amount of fees charged by the board shall approximate the
654	654	total of the direct and indirect costs to the state of the
655	655	operations of the board. Fees may be refunded as determined by
656	656	the executive director.
657	657	(b) The executive director, by rule, shall determine
658	658	the term, expiration, renewal period, and late penalty dates
659	659	for each license issued by a board through the office.
660	660	§25-2B-10
661	661	(a) The executive director, on behalf of each board,
662	662	may issue or deny a temporary license to an applicant who
663	663	otherwise satisfies all of the qualifications and criteria
664	664	required for the issuance of a license.
665	665	(1) If a temporary license is issued to an applicant by
666	666	the executive director, that decision shall be reviewed by the
667	667	applicable board at the next meeting of the board, during
668	668	which time the board may decide to grant or deny a full
669	669	license to the temporary licensee.
670	670	(2) If the executive director denies issuing a
671	671	temporary license to an applicant, that decision shall be
672	672	reviewed by the applicable board at the next meeting of the
673	673	board, during which time the board may decide to grant or deny
674	674	309
675	675	310
676	676	311
677	677	312
678	678	313
679	679	314
680	680	315
681	681	316
682	682	317
683	683	318
684	684	319
685	685	320
686	686	321
687	687	322
688	688	323
689	689	324
690	690	325
691	691	326
692	692	327
693	693	328
694	694	329
695	695	330
696	696	331
697	697	332
698	698	333
699	699	334
700	700	335
701	701	336 SB224 INTRODUCED
702	702	Page 13
703	703	board, during which time the board may decide to grant or deny
704	704	a full license to the applicant.
705	705	(b) The executive director, on behalf of each board,
706	706	may temporarily renew a license pursuant to criteria
707	707	established by the board for the renewal of a license. A
708	708	temporary renewal issued by the executive director shall be
709	709	reviewed by the applicable board at the next meeting of the
710	710	board, during which time the board may decide to grant or deny
711	711	the license renewal.
712	712	§25-2B-11
713	713	Each board remains subject to the Alabama
714	714	Administrative Procedure Act. Any rule adopted, amended, or
715	715	repealed by a board, as authorized by this chapter, shall be
716	716	approved by the executive director before certification
717	717	pursuant to Section 41-22-6. An emergency rule shall be
718	718	approved before filing pursuant to Section 41-22-5.
719	719	§25-2B-12
720	720	(a) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to
721	721	invalidate, override, or amend the Military Family Jobs
722	722	Opportunity Act, Section 31-1-6, or any licensing compact
723	723	entered into by this state or any board.
724	724	(b) The provisions of this chapter are cumulative and
725	725	supplemental and shall be construed in pari materia with other
726	726	laws relating to the boards placed under the oversight of the
727	727	office pursuant to this chapter. Those laws or parts of laws
728	728	in direct conflict or inconsistent with this chapter are
729	729	superseded to the extent of the conflict or inconsistency.
730	730	§25-2B-13
731	731	(a) Each board shall continue to be subject to the
732	732	337
733	733	338
734	734	339
735	735	340
736	736	341
737	737	342
738	738	343
739	739	344
740	740	345
741	741	346
742	742	347
743	743	348
744	744	349
745	745	350
746	746	351
747	747	352
748	748	353
749	749	354
750	750	355
751	751	356
752	752	357
753	753	358
754	754	359
755	755	360
756	756	361
757	757	362
758	758	363
759	759	364 SB224 INTRODUCED
760	760	Page 14
761	761	(a) Each board shall continue to be subject to the
762	762	Alabama Sunset Law in the same manner and schedule as provided
763	763	by law.
764	764	(b) Commencing with the 2028 Regular Session of the
765	765	Alabama Legislature, and every fourth regular session
766	766	thereafter, the Secretary of Labor, through the executive
767	767	director of the office, shall submit to the co-chairs of the
768	768	Alabama Sunset Committee, a report recommending the
769	769	continuation, consolidation, or termination of those boards
770	770	regulated by this chapter.
771	771	Section 2. Relating to the Board of Examiners of
772	772	Assisted Living Administrators; to amend Sections 34-2A-1,
773	773	34-2A-2, 34-2A-3, 34-2A-6, 34-2A-8, 34-2A-9, 34-2A-10,
774	774	34-2A-11, 34-2A-12, and 34-2A-13 of the Code of Alabama 1975,
775	775	to read as follows:
776	776	"§34-2A-1
777	777	For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall
778	778	have the following meanings:
779	779	(1) ASSISTED LIVING ADMINISTRATOR. Any individual who
780	780	is charged with the general administration of an assisted
781	781	living facility or a speciality specialty care assisted living
782	782	facility, whether or not the individual has an ownership
783	783	interest in the facility, and whether or not his or her
784	784	functions and duties are shared with one or more other
785	785	individuals.
786	786	(2) ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY. Any facility, including
787	787	both assisted living facilities and speciality specialty care
788	788	assisted living facilities, that is defined as such for
789	789	licensing purposes pursuant to Section 22-21-20. For purposes
790	790	365
791	791	366
792	792	367
793	793	368
794	794	369
795	795	370
796	796	371
797	797	372
798	798	373
799	799	374
800	800	375
801	801	376
802	802	377
803	803	378
804	804	379
805	805	380
806	806	381
807	807	382
808	808	383
809	809	384
810	810	385
811	811	386
812	812	387
813	813	388
814	814	389
815	815	390
816	816	391
817	817	392 SB224 INTRODUCED
818	818	Page 15
819	819	licensing purposes pursuant to Section 22-21-20. For purposes
820	820	of this chapter, the term "assisted living facility" shall not
821	821	include family assisted living facilities as the term is
822	822	defined in the rules and regulations promulgated by the
823	823	Department of Public Health.
824	824	(3) BOARD. The Board of Examiners of Assisted Living
825	825	Administrators of the State of Alabama this state.
826	826	(4) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The executive director of the
827	827	board Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as
828	828	defined in Section 25-2B-1 .
829	829	(5) PRACTICE OF ASSISTED LIVING ADMINISTRATION. The
830	830	planning, organizing, directing, and control of the operation
831	831	of an assisted living facility.
832	832	(6) PROVISIONAL ASSISTED LIVING ADMINISTRATOR. An
833	833	individual who has been issued a provisional license by the
834	834	board.
835	835	(7) PROVISIONAL LICENSE. A temporary license issued to
836	836	a provisional assisted living administrator by the board. "
837	837	"§34-2A-2
838	838	(a) All administrators of assisted living facilities or
839	839	specialty care assisted living facilities as recorded in the
840	840	records of the State Department of Public Health shall be
841	841	issued a provisional license, as defined herein, upon the
842	842	effective date of this act. On and after September 1, 2003, no
843	843	No assisted living facility in the state may operate unless it
844	844	is under the supervision of an administrator who holds a
845	845	currently valid assisted living administrator's license , or
846	846	new initial provisional license, issued by the board. No
847	847	person shall practice or offer to practice assisted living
848	848	393
849	849	394
850	850	395
851	851	396
852	852	397
853	853	398
854	854	399
855	855	400
856	856	401
857	857	402
858	858	403
859	859	404
860	860	405
861	861	406
862	862	407
863	863	408
864	864	409
865	865	410
866	866	411
867	867	412
868	868	413
869	869	414
870	870	415
871	871	416
872	872	417
873	873	418
874	874	419
875	875	420 SB224 INTRODUCED
876	876	Page 16
877	877	person shall practice or offer to practice assisted living
878	878	administration in this state or use any title, sign, card, or
879	879	device to indicate that he or she is an assisted living
880	880	administrator unless the person shall have been duly licensed
881	881	as an assisted living administrator or as a provisional
882	882	assisted living administrator in this state. In the event an
883	883	assisted living administrator dies, unexpectedly resigns,
884	884	becomes incapacitated, or has his or her license revoked, the
885	885	person or persons then responsible for the management of the
886	886	assisted living facility shall immediately notify the board
887	887	and the State Board of Health. The board may issue an
888	888	emergency permit to a person performing the functions of
889	889	administrator in the assisted living facility for a reasonable
890	890	period of time from the date of death, unexpected resignation,
891	891	incapacitation, or revocation of the license of the assisted
892	892	living administrator, but not to exceed 120 days. Although the
893	893	State Board of Health, in its discretion, may permit the
894	894	assisted living facility to continue to operate under the
895	895	supervision of a person issued an emergency permit, nothing in
896	896	this section shall be construed as prohibiting the State Board
897	897	of Health from denying or revoking the license of the assisted
898	898	living facility where the State Board of Health has determined
899	899	that the person with the emergency permit does not demonstrate
900	900	an ability or willingness to comply with State Board of Health
901	901	rules governing assisted living facilities or where the State
902	902	Board of Health has determined that the facility is not
903	903	otherwise in compliance with those rules.
904	904	(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to
905	905	prohibit a licensed assisted living administrator from
906	906	421
907	907	422
908	908	423
909	909	424
910	910	425
911	911	426
912	912	427
913	913	428
914	914	429
915	915	430
916	916	431
917	917	432
918	918	433
919	919	434
920	920	435
921	921	436
922	922	437
923	923	438
924	924	439
925	925	440
926	926	441
927	927	442
928	928	443
929	929	444
930	930	445
931	931	446
932	932	447
933	933	448 SB224 INTRODUCED
934	934	Page 17
935	935	prohibit a licensed assisted living administrator from
936	936	supervising more than one assisted living facility if specific
937	937	permission is granted by the State Department of Public
938	938	Health."
939	939	"§34-2A-3
940	940	(a)(1) There is created a Board of Examiners of
941	941	Assisted Living Administrators . Commencing on October 1, 2025,
942	942	the board shall be subject to the leadership, support, and
943	943	oversight of the Executive Director of the Office of
944	944	Occupational and Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B
945	945	of Title 25.
946	946	(2) The board shall be composed of nine members, seven
947	947	members as set out in this subsection, and two additional
948	948	consumer members as set out in subsection (b). The membership
949	949	of the board shall be inclusive and reflect the racial,
950	950	gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the
951	951	state. The seven original members shall be composed as
952	952	follows: Five members shall be assisted living administrators
953	953	duly licensed and registered under this chapter; one member
954	954	shall be a physician licensed under the laws of the state; and
955	955	one shall be a licensed nursing home administrator who in the
956	956	same or contiguous facility manages assisted living beds.
957	957	Appointments to the board for those positions to be held by
958	958	assisted living administrators shall be made by the Governor
959	959	from a list of three nominees for each position to be
960	960	submitted to the Governor by the Assisted Living Association
961	961	of Alabama, Inc. The appointment of the nursing home
962	962	administrator shall be made from a list of three nominees
963	963	submitted to the Governor by the Alabama Nursing Home
964	964	449
965	965	450
966	966	451
967	967	452
968	968	453
969	969	454
970	970	455
971	971	456
972	972	457
973	973	458
974	974	459
975	975	460
976	976	461
977	977	462
978	978	463
979	979	464
980	980	465
981	981	466
982	982	467
983	983	468
984	984	469
985	985	470
986	986	471
987	987	472
988	988	473
989	989	474
990	990	475
991	991	476 SB224 INTRODUCED
992	992	Page 18
993	993	submitted to the Governor by the Alabama Nursing Home
994	994	Association, Inc. The appointment to the board of the member
995	995	for the position to be held by a physician shall be made from
996	996	a list of three nominees submitted to the Governor by the
997	997	Medical Association of the State of Alabama.
998	998	(b) Within 30 days of March 1, 2002, the Governor shall
999	999	appoint two consumer members of the board. The consumer
1000	1000	members shall vote in all matters. At least one consumer
1001	1001	member shall be 65 years of age or older and no consumer
1002	1002	member, or a spouse or immediate family member of a consumer
1003	1003	member, shall be a licensee of the board or be employed in the
1004	1004	assisted living profession.
1005	1005	(c) When the terms of all members of the board expire
1006	1006	in April 2005, the Governor shall appoint five members to
1007	1007	two-year terms and four members to three-year terms as
1008	1008	follows: Three assisted living administrators, the licensed
1009	1009	nursing home administrator, and one consumer member shall be
1010	1010	appointed to two-year terms; two assisted living
1011	1011	administrators, the licensed physician, and one consumer
1012	1012	member shall be appointed to three-year terms. Thereafter, all
1013	1013	members shall serve three-year terms of office.
1014	1014	(d) All members of the board shall be citizens of the
1015	1015	United States and shall be residents of the state.
1016	1016	(e) Except as otherwise provided in this section, each
1017	1017	member shall serve three-year staggered terms and no board
1018	1018	member shall serve more than two consecutive full three-year
1019	1019	terms. All members shall continue to serve until the Governor
1020	1020	appoints a successor.
1021	1021	(f) The Governor may remove any board member for
1022	1022	477
1023	1023	478
1024	1024	479
1025	1025	480
1026	1026	481
1027	1027	482
1028	1028	483
1029	1029	484
1030	1030	485
1031	1031	486
1032	1032	487
1033	1033	488
1034	1034	489
1035	1035	490
1036	1036	491
1037	1037	492
1038	1038	493
1039	1039	494
1040	1040	495
1041	1041	496
1042	1042	497
1043	1043	498
1044	1044	499
1045	1045	500
1046	1046	501
1047	1047	502
1048	1048	503
1049	1049	504 SB224 INTRODUCED
1050	1050	Page 19
1051	1051	(f) The Governor may remove any board member for
1052	1052	misconduct, incapacity, incompetence, or neglect of duty after
1053	1053	the board member so charged has been served with a written
1054	1054	statement of charges and has been given an opportunity to be
1055	1055	heard. Absence from any three consecutive meetings of the
1056	1056	board within a calendar year, without cause acceptable to the
1057	1057	Governor and the board, shall be deemed cause for removal.
1058	1058	(g) Any vacancy created by the death, resignation, or
1059	1059	removal of any board member shall be filled by the Governor
1060	1060	for the unexpired term in the same manner as required by this
1061	1061	chapter to make appointments.
1062	1062	(h) Each member of the board shall receive a per diem
1063	1063	fee of not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than one
1064	1064	hundred dollars ($100) to be determined by the board for the
1065	1065	time spent in the performance of official duties. Each member
1066	1066	shall be reimbursed for all necessary and proper travel and
1067	1067	incidental expenses incurred in implementing this chapter as
1068	1068	is provided to state employees by the laws of the state and
1069	1069	regulations of the State Personnel Director. In setting the
1070	1070	per diem fee, the board shall give due consideration to funds
1071	1071	which are available for that purpose.
1072	1072	(i)(h) The board shall hold four or more meetings a
1073	1073	year. A majority of the members of the board shall constitute
1074	1074	a quorum at any meeting except as provided in Section
1075	1075	34-2A-13. A majority vote of the members present shall be
1076	1076	sufficient to transact the business of the board except as
1077	1077	provided in Section 34-2A-13. Meetings may be called by the
1078	1078	chair or by a majority of the members of the board. Members
1079	1079	shall be given seven days' written notice of all meetings.
1080	1080	505
1081	1081	506
1082	1082	507
1083	1083	508
1084	1084	509
1085	1085	510
1086	1086	511
1087	1087	512
1088	1088	513
1089	1089	514
1090	1090	515
1091	1091	516
1092	1092	517
1093	1093	518
1094	1094	519
1095	1095	520
1096	1096	521
1097	1097	522
1098	1098	523
1099	1099	524
1100	1100	525
1101	1101	526
1102	1102	527
1103	1103	528
1104	1104	529
1105	1105	530
1106	1106	531
1107	1107	532 SB224 INTRODUCED
1108	1108	Page 20
1109	1109	shall be given seven days' written notice of all meetings.
1110	1110	(j)(i) The board shall annually elect from its members
1111	1111	a chair and a vice-chair, at the first meeting of the board
1112	1112	held after October 1 of each year, and each shall serve until
1113	1113	the first meeting held after October 1 of the following year.
1114	1114	In the event of the death, resignation, or removal of the
1115	1115	chair from the board, the vice-chair shall succeed as chair
1116	1116	for the remainder of the unexpired term. In the event of the
1117	1117	death, resignation, removal, or succession to the office of
1118	1118	chair of a vice-chair, a successor shall be elected by the
1119	1119	board to fill the remainder of the unexpired term as
1120	1120	vice-chair. The chair, or in the absence of the chair, the
1121	1121	vice-chair, shall preside at all meetings of the board. The
1122	1122	chair of the board may appoint an executive director to the
1123	1123	board, with the consent of the members of the board, who shall
1124	1124	serve at the pleasure of the board. The board shall fix the
1125	1125	salary of the executive director. The executive director shall
1126	1126	be the executive officer to the board but may not be a member
1127	1127	of the board. The executive director shall have those powers
1128	1128	and shall perform those duties as are prescribed by law and
1129	1129	the rules and regulations of the board. A clerk and sufficient
1130	1130	deputy clerks to adequately assist the board and executive
1131	1131	director in the keeping of the records and in the performance
1132	1132	of their duties may be appointed by the board subject to the
1133	1133	Merit System consistent with Chapter 2B of Title 25 .
1134	1134	(k)(j) The board is subject to the Alabama Sunset Law
1135	1135	of 1981, and is classified as an enumerated agency pursuant to
1136	1136	Section 41-20-3. The board shall automatically terminate on
1137	1137	October 1, 2004, and every four years thereafter, unless a
1138	1138	533
1139	1139	534
1140	1140	535
1141	1141	536
1142	1142	537
1143	1143	538
1144	1144	539
1145	1145	540
1146	1146	541
1147	1147	542
1148	1148	543
1149	1149	544
1150	1150	545
1151	1151	546
1152	1152	547
1153	1153	548
1154	1154	549
1155	1155	550
1156	1156	551
1157	1157	552
1158	1158	553
1159	1159	554
1160	1160	555
1161	1161	556
1162	1162	557
1163	1163	558
1164	1164	559
1165	1165	560 SB224 INTRODUCED
1166	1166	Page 21
1167	1167	October 1, 2004, and every four years thereafter, unless a
1168	1168	bill is passed that the board be continued, modified, or
1169	1169	reestablished."
1170	1170	"§34-2A-6
1171	1171	There is hereby established a separate special revenue
1172	1172	trust fund in the State Treasury to be known as the Board of
1173	1173	Examiners of Assisted Living Administrators Fund. All receipts
1174	1174	collected by the board under the provisions of this chapter
1175	1175	shall be deposited into this fund and shall be used only to
1176	1176	carry out the provisions of this chapter. Receipts may be
1177	1177	disbursed only by warrant of the state Comptroller upon the
1178	1178	State Treasury, upon itemized vouchers approved by the chair
1179	1179	of the board. No funds may be withdrawn or expended except as
1180	1180	budgeted and allotted according to Sections 41-4-80 to
1181	1181	41-4-98, inclusive, and Section 41-19-12, and only in amounts
1182	1182	as stipulated in the general appropriation bill or other
1183	1183	appropriation bills. the Occupational and Professional
1184	1184	Licensing Fund. A financial audit shall be conducted by the
1185	1185	Examiners of Public Accounts of all receipts and expenditures,
1186	1186	and a written report of the audit shall be given to each board
1187	1187	member."
1188	1188	"§34-2A-8
1189	1189	(a) The board shall admit to examination for licensure
1190	1190	as an assisted living administrator any candidate who submits
1191	1191	evidence of good moral character and suitability as prescribed
1192	1192	by the board and who submits evidence to the board that he or
1193	1193	she is at least 19 years of age, a citizen of the United
1194	1194	States or, if not a citizen of the United States, a person who
1195	1195	is legally present in the United States with appropriate
1196	1196	561
1197	1197	562
1198	1198	563
1199	1199	564
1200	1200	565
1201	1201	566
1202	1202	567
1203	1203	568
1204	1204	569
1205	1205	570
1206	1206	571
1207	1207	572
1208	1208	573
1209	1209	574
1210	1210	575
1211	1211	576
1212	1212	577
1213	1213	578
1214	1214	579
1215	1215	580
1216	1216	581
1217	1217	582
1218	1218	583
1219	1219	584
1220	1220	585
1221	1221	586
1222	1222	587
1223	1223	588 SB224 INTRODUCED
1224	1224	Page 22
1225	1225	is legally present in the United States with appropriate
1226	1226	documentation from the federal government, that he or she is a
1227	1227	high school graduate or has completed an educational program
1228	1228	equivalent thereto, and that he or she has completed any
1229	1229	additional educational requirements prescribed by the board.
1230	1230	The board may exempt the educational requirements for
1231	1231	practicing administrators on March 1, 2002, based on
1232	1232	acceptable experience and tenure in the applicant's current
1233	1233	position. Each candidate shall also be required, prior to
1234	1234	admission to the examination, to pay an examination fee
1235	1235	established by the board pursuant to its rule-making authority
1236	1236	rule of the executive director .
1237	1237	(b) The board executive director may establish an
1238	1238	application fee for the internship or administrator in
1239	1239	training (AIT) program, if such a program is established, and
1240	1240	a fee for preceptor, certification, and recertification of any
1241	1241	administrator in training (AIT) program pursuant to its
1242	1242	rule-making authority .
1243	1243	(c) The board may establish a replacement license fee
1244	1244	for any licensing card previously issued by the board that has
1245	1245	been stolen, lost, or misplaced."
1246	1246	"§34-2A-9
1247	1247	(a) The board shall determine the subjects of
1248	1248	examinations for applicants for licensure as assisted living
1249	1249	administrators, or licensure or certification of specialty
1250	1250	care assisted living administrators if established, and the
1251	1251	scope, content, and format of the examinations, which in any
1252	1252	examination shall be the same for all candidates. The
1253	1253	examinations shall include examination of the applicant to
1254	1254	589
1255	1255	590
1256	1256	591
1257	1257	592
1258	1258	593
1259	1259	594
1260	1260	595
1261	1261	596
1262	1262	597
1263	1263	598
1264	1264	599
1265	1265	600
1266	1266	601
1267	1267	602
1268	1268	603
1269	1269	604
1270	1270	605
1271	1271	606
1272	1272	607
1273	1273	608
1274	1274	609
1275	1275	610
1276	1276	611
1277	1277	612
1278	1278	613
1279	1279	614
1280	1280	615
1281	1281	616 SB224 INTRODUCED
1282	1282	Page 23
1283	1283	examinations shall include examination of the applicant to
1284	1284	demonstrate his or her proficiency in the rules and
1285	1285	regulations of health and safety ; provided, however, that the
1286	1286	examination given to initial provisional licensees shall be
1287	1287	limited to these rules and regulations . The examinations may
1288	1288	consist of written or oral questions, or both.
1289	1289	(b) Examinations shall be held at least four times each
1290	1290	year, at times and places designated by the board executive
1291	1291	director."
1292	1292	§34-2A-10
1293	1293	(a) The board shall issue a license to an applicant, on
1294	1294	a form provided for that purpose by the board, certifying that
1295	1295	the applicant has met the requirements of the laws, rules, and
1296	1296	regulations entitling him or her to serve, act, practice, and
1297	1297	otherwise hold himself or herself out as a duly licensed
1298	1298	assisted living administrator and has paid a fee established
1299	1299	by the board pursuant to its rule-making authority executive
1300	1300	director for original licensure, provided the applicant meets
1301	1301	all of the following qualifications:
1302	1302	(1) Has successfully complied with the educational and
1303	1303	training requirements of this chapter and of the rules and
1304	1304	regulations of the board promulgated under this chapter.
1305	1305	(2) Has paid an application fee established by the
1306	1306	board pursuant to its rule-making authority for all applicants
1307	1307	executive director .
1308	1308	(3) Has qualified for and passed the examination
1309	1309	provided for in this chapter.
1310	1310	(b) The board executive director may establish and
1311	1311	collect a fee pursuant to its rule-making authority for the
1312	1312	617
1313	1313	618
1314	1314	619
1315	1315	620
1316	1316	621
1317	1317	622
1318	1318	623
1319	1319	624
1320	1320	625
1321	1321	626
1322	1322	627
1323	1323	628
1324	1324	629
1325	1325	630
1326	1326	631
1327	1327	632
1328	1328	633
1329	1329	634
1330	1330	635
1331	1331	636
1332	1332	637
1333	1333	638
1334	1334	639
1335	1335	640
1336	1336	641
1337	1337	642
1338	1338	643
1339	1339	644 SB224 INTRODUCED
1340	1340	Page 24
1341	1341	collect a fee pursuant to its rule-making authority for the
1342	1342	issuance of a temporary emergency permit issued pursuant to
1343	1343	Section 34-2A-2."
1344	1344	"§34-2A-11
1345	1345	(a) The board may, subject to this chapter and the
1346	1346	rules and regulations of the board prescribing the
1347	1347	qualifications for an assisted living administrator license,
1348	1348	may issue a license to an assisted living administrator who
1349	1349	has been issued a license by the proper authorities of any
1350	1350	other state or issued a certificate of qualification by any
1351	1351	national organization, upon complying with the provisions of
1352	1352	licensure, payment of a fee established by the board pursuant
1353	1353	to its rule-making authority executive director , and upon
1354	1354	submission of evidence satisfactory to the board of all of the
1355	1355	following:
1356	1356	(1) That the other state or national organization
1357	1357	maintained a system and standards of qualification and
1358	1358	examinations for an assisted living administrator license or
1359	1359	certificate which were substantially equivalent to those
1360	1360	required in this state at the time the other license or
1361	1361	certificate was issued by the other state or national
1362	1362	organization.
1363	1363	(2) That the other state gives similar recognition and
1364	1364	endorsement to assisted living administrator licenses of this
1365	1365	state. The board executive director may charge a fee for
1366	1366	completion of a reciprocity questionnaire, pursuant to its
1367	1367	rule-making authority.
1368	1368	(b) Any person who has a license in good standing in
1369	1369	this state, and continuously maintains such license as a
1370	1370	645
1371	1371	646
1372	1372	647
1373	1373	648
1374	1374	649
1375	1375	650
1376	1376	651
1377	1377	652
1378	1378	653
1379	1379	654
1380	1380	655
1381	1381	656
1382	1382	657
1383	1383	658
1384	1384	659
1385	1385	660
1386	1386	661
1387	1387	662
1388	1388	663
1389	1389	664
1390	1390	665
1391	1391	666
1392	1392	667
1393	1393	668
1394	1394	669
1395	1395	670
1396	1396	671
1397	1397	672 SB224 INTRODUCED
1398	1398	Page 25
1399	1399	this state, and continuously maintains such license as a
1400	1400	licensed nursing home administrator, shall be exempt from the
1401	1401	licensure requirement herein if the person at the time of
1402	1402	application has responsibility for administration of an
1403	1403	assisted living facility subject to the following conditions:
1404	1404	(1) If the person wishes to also be issued a license as
1405	1405	an assisted living administrator, the person shall pay an
1406	1406	annual administrative fee as determined by the board executive
1407	1407	director and document initially and annually thereafter the
1408	1408	good standing of the nursing home administrator license.
1409	1409	(2) If any person requests an exemption from the
1410	1410	licensure requirements provided herein during the initial
1411	1411	18-month licensing period described in subsection (a) of
1412	1412	Section 34-2A-2, the initial license issued shall be a
1413	1413	provisional license until the end of the 18-month period at
1414	1414	which time, and thereafter, an active license shall be issued.
1415	1415	(3)(2) Any assisted living administrator license issued
1416	1416	according to subdivision (1) or subdivision (2) of this
1417	1417	subsection shall become void if the requisite nursing home
1418	1418	administrator license becomes void. Further, the license shall
1419	1419	become inactive, as described in subsection (e) of Section
1420	1420	34-2A-12, if the licensee no longer has responsibility for an
1421	1421	assisted living facility. After 12 months a period of time in
1422	1422	inactive status, as determined by the executive director, the
1423	1423	license shall expire and become void.
1424	1424	(c) Any person who is an administrator/chief executive
1425	1425	officer of an acute care hospital in this state shall be
1426	1426	exempt from the licensure requirement herein if the person at
1427	1427	the time of application has responsibility for administration
1428	1428	673
1429	1429	674
1430	1430	675
1431	1431	676
1432	1432	677
1433	1433	678
1434	1434	679
1435	1435	680
1436	1436	681
1437	1437	682
1438	1438	683
1439	1439	684
1440	1440	685
1441	1441	686
1442	1442	687
1443	1443	688
1444	1444	689
1445	1445	690
1446	1446	691
1447	1447	692
1448	1448	693
1449	1449	694
1450	1450	695
1451	1451	696
1452	1452	697
1453	1453	698
1454	1454	699
1455	1455	700 SB224 INTRODUCED
1456	1456	Page 26
1457	1457	the time of application has responsibility for administration
1458	1458	of an assisted living facility subject to the following
1459	1459	conditions:
1460	1460	(1) If the person wishes to also be issued a license as
1461	1461	an assisted living administrator, the person shall pay an
1462	1462	annual administrative fee as determined by the board executive
1463	1463	director and document initially and annually thereafter their
1464	1464	continued employment as an administrator/chief executive
1465	1465	officer of an acute care hospital.
1466	1466	(2) If any person requests an exemption from the
1467	1467	licensure requirements provided herein during the initial
1468	1468	18-month licensing period described in subsection (a) of
1469	1469	Section 34-2A-2, the initial license issued shall be a
1470	1470	provisional license until the end of the 18-month period at
1471	1471	which time, and thereafter, an active license shall be issued.
1472	1472	(3)(2) Any assisted living administrator license issued
1473	1473	according to subdivision (1) or subdivision (2) of this
1474	1474	subsection shall become void if the person no longer is the
1475	1475	administrator/chief executive officer of a hospital. Further,
1476	1476	the license shall become inactive, as described in subsection
1477	1477	(e) of Section 34-2A-12 if the licensee no longer has
1478	1478	responsibility for an assisted living facility. After 12
1479	1479	months a period of time in inactive status, as determined by
1480	1480	the executive director, the license shall expire and become
1481	1481	void.
1482	1482	(4)(3) For the purpose of this subsection, the term
1483	1483	"acute care hospital" shall be defined as a health institution
1484	1484	planned, organized, and maintained for offering to the public
1485	1485	generally facilities and beds for use in the diagnosis and/or
1486	1486	701
1487	1487	702
1488	1488	703
1489	1489	704
1490	1490	705
1491	1491	706
1492	1492	707
1493	1493	708
1494	1494	709
1495	1495	710
1496	1496	711
1497	1497	712
1498	1498	713
1499	1499	714
1500	1500	715
1501	1501	716
1502	1502	717
1503	1503	718
1504	1504	719
1505	1505	720
1506	1506	721
1507	1507	722
1508	1508	723
1509	1509	724
1510	1510	725
1511	1511	726
1512	1512	727
1513	1513	728 SB224 INTRODUCED
1514	1514	Page 27
1515	1515	generally facilities and beds for use in the diagnosis and/or
1516	1516	treatment of illness, disease, injury, deformity, abnormality,
1517	1517	or pregnancy, when the institution offers such care of service
1518	1518	for not less than 24 consecutive hours in any week to two or
1519	1519	more individuals not related by blood or marriage to the owner
1520	1520	and/or chief executive officer/administrator and, in addition,
1521	1521	the hospital may provide for the education of patients,
1522	1522	medical and health personnel, as well as conduct research
1523	1523	programs to promote progress and efficiency in clinical and
1524	1524	administrative medicine."
1525	1525	"§34-2A-12
1526	1526	(a) Every individual who holds a valid current license
1527	1527	as an assisted living administrator issued by the board under
1528	1528	this chapter shall immediately upon issuance have the right
1529	1529	and privilege of acting and serving as an assisted living
1530	1530	administrator and of using the abbreviation "A.L.A." after his
1531	1531	or her name. Thereafter, the individual shall annually be
1532	1532	required to make application to the board for a renewal of
1533	1533	license and to report any facts requested by the board on
1534	1534	forms provided for that purpose.
1535	1535	(b) Upon making application for a renewal of a license,
1536	1536	the individual shall pay an annual license fee established as
1537	1537	determined by the board pursuant to the rule-making authority
1538	1538	executive director and, at the same time, shall submit
1539	1539	evidence satisfactory to the board that during the year
1540	1540	immediately preceding application for renewal he or she has
1541	1541	complied with the requirements of the board concerning the
1542	1542	continuation of education of assisted living administrators.
1543	1543	(c) Upon receipt of the application for renewal of a
1544	1544	729
1545	1545	730
1546	1546	731
1547	1547	732
1548	1548	733
1549	1549	734
1550	1550	735
1551	1551	736
1552	1552	737
1553	1553	738
1554	1554	739
1555	1555	740
1556	1556	741
1557	1557	742
1558	1558	743
1559	1559	744
1560	1560	745
1561	1561	746
1562	1562	747
1563	1563	748
1564	1564	749
1565	1565	750
1566	1566	751
1567	1567	752
1568	1568	753
1569	1569	754
1570	1570	755
1571	1571	756 SB224 INTRODUCED
1572	1572	Page 28
1573	1573	(c) Upon receipt of the application for renewal of a
1574	1574	license, the renewal fee, and the evidence with respect to
1575	1575	continuing education, the board shall issue a license renewal
1576	1576	to the assisted living administrator.
1577	1577	(d)(1) Failure to secure an annual renewal of a license
1578	1578	based on a failure to meet the continuing education
1579	1579	requirements, shall result in the expiration of the license.
1580	1580	An expired license may not be reactivated. All persons holding
1581	1581	an expired license shall be required to submit a new
1582	1582	application and follow all procedures for new licensure and
1583	1583	pay a reapplication fee established by the board.
1584	1584	(2) A licensee who complies with the continuing
1585	1585	education requirements, but who does not renew within 90 days
1586	1586	a prescribed period following its due date as prescribed by
1587	1587	the executive director , shall be deemed delinquent and may
1588	1588	renew within the 90-day period by paying a late renewal fee
1589	1589	established by the board pursuant to its rule-making authority
1590	1590	executive director . A license that is not renewed within the
1591	1591	90-day prescribed period shall be deemed expired and is
1592	1592	subject to reapplication as provided in subdivision (1).
1593	1593	(e) A licensee who holds a current license and who is
1594	1594	not practicing as an assisted living administrator may place
1595	1595	that license into an inactive status upon written application
1596	1596	to the board. Any licensee whose license has been placed on
1597	1597	inactive status may not engage in the practice of assisted
1598	1598	living administration.
1599	1599	(f) A licensee whose license is on inactive status who
1600	1600	wishes to reactivate that license may do so by making
1601	1601	application to the board. The applicant shall attach proof of
1602	1602	757
1603	1603	758
1604	1604	759
1605	1605	760
1606	1606	761
1607	1607	762
1608	1608	763
1609	1609	764
1610	1610	765
1611	1611	766
1612	1612	767
1613	1613	768
1614	1614	769
1615	1615	770
1616	1616	771
1617	1617	772
1618	1618	773
1619	1619	774
1620	1620	775
1621	1621	776
1622	1622	777
1623	1623	778
1624	1624	779
1625	1625	780
1626	1626	781
1627	1627	782
1628	1628	783
1629	1629	784 SB224 INTRODUCED
1630	1630	Page 29
1631	1631	application to the board. The applicant shall attach proof of
1632	1632	having completed twice the annual hours' requirement of
1633	1633	approved continuing education credits within one year of
1634	1634	making application for license reactivation and shall pay a
1635	1635	reactivation fee established by the board executive director
1636	1636	pursuant to its rule-making authority. A licensee may not have
1637	1637	his or her license in inactive status for more than five
1638	1638	years. After five years in inactive status, the license
1639	1639	automatically expires.
1640	1640	(g) The board shall maintain a file of all applications
1641	1641	for licensure that includes the following information on each
1642	1642	applicant: Residence, name, age, the name and address of his
1643	1643	or her employer or business connection, the date of
1644	1644	application, educational experience qualifications, action
1645	1645	taken by the board, serial numbers of licenses issued to the
1646	1646	applicant, and the date on which the board acted on or
1647	1647	reviewed the application.
1648	1648	(h) The board shall maintain a list of current
1649	1649	licensees of the board and shall furnish the list on demand to
1650	1650	any person who pays a fee established by the board pursuant to
1651	1651	its rule-making authority executive director . The State
1652	1652	Department of Public Health and other state agencies with a
1653	1653	direct need shall be provided copies at no cost.
1654	1654	(i) The board shall adopt a program for continuing
1655	1655	education for its licensees by September 1, 2002. After that
1656	1656	date, successful . Successful completion of the continuing
1657	1657	education program by board licensees shall be required in
1658	1658	order to obtain a renewal license.
1659	1659	(j) Continuing education shall not result in a passing
1660	1660	785
1661	1661	786
1662	1662	787
1663	1663	788
1664	1664	789
1665	1665	790
1666	1666	791
1667	1667	792
1668	1668	793
1669	1669	794
1670	1670	795
1671	1671	796
1672	1672	797
1673	1673	798
1674	1674	799
1675	1675	800
1676	1676	801
1677	1677	802
1678	1678	803
1679	1679	804
1680	1680	805
1681	1681	806
1682	1682	807
1683	1683	808
1684	1684	809
1685	1685	810
1686	1686	811
1687	1687	812 SB224 INTRODUCED
1688	1688	Page 30
1689	1689	(j) Continuing education shall not result in a passing
1690	1690	or failing grade."
1691	1691	"§34-2A-13
1692	1692	(a) The board may discipline its licensees by the
1693	1693	adoption and collection of administrative fines, not to exceed
1694	1694	five thousand dollars ($5,000) per violation, and may
1695	1695	institute any legal proceedings necessary to effect compliance
1696	1696	with this chapter.
1697	1697	(b) The license of any person practicing or offering to
1698	1698	practice assisted living administration may be revoked or
1699	1699	suspended by the board, or the person may be reprimanded,
1700	1700	censured, or otherwise disciplined in accordance with the
1701	1701	provisions of this section upon decision and after due hearing
1702	1702	in any of, but not limited to, the following cases:
1703	1703	(1) Upon proof that the person has willfully or
1704	1704	repeatedly violated any of the provisions of this chapter or
1705	1705	the rules enacted in accordance with this chapter.
1706	1706	(2) Conduct or practices deemed to be detrimental to
1707	1707	the lives, health, safety, or welfare of the residents or
1708	1708	patients of any assisted living facility or health care
1709	1709	facility in this state or any other jurisdiction.
1710	1710	(3) Conviction in this state or any other jurisdiction
1711	1711	of a felony or any crime involving the physical, sexual,
1712	1712	mental, or verbal abuse of an individual.
1713	1713	(4) Conviction in this state or any other jurisdiction
1714	1714	of any crime involving fraud.
1715	1715	(5) Pleas of nolo contendere, nolo contender, no
1716	1716	contender, no contest, or guilty in any case involving a lewd
1717	1717	or lascivious act against a child or an adult, inappropriate
1718	1718	813
1719	1719	814
1720	1720	815
1721	1721	816
1722	1722	817
1723	1723	818
1724	1724	819
1725	1725	820
1726	1726	821
1727	1727	822
1728	1728	823
1729	1729	824
1730	1730	825
1731	1731	826
1732	1732	827
1733	1733	828
1734	1734	829
1735	1735	830
1736	1736	831
1737	1737	832
1738	1738	833
1739	1739	834
1740	1740	835
1741	1741	836
1742	1742	837
1743	1743	838
1744	1744	839
1745	1745	840 SB224 INTRODUCED
1746	1746	Page 31
1747	1747	or lascivious act against a child or an adult, inappropriate
1748	1748	sexual conduct with a child or an adult, or any other crime in
1749	1749	which the punishment could include a sentence of imprisonment
1750	1750	exceeding one year.
1751	1751	(c) The board shall have the jurisdiction to hear all
1752	1752	charges brought under this section against any person having
1753	1753	been issued a license as an assisted living administrator or
1754	1754	having been issued a license as a provisional assisted living
1755	1755	administrator, and, upon a hearing, shall determine the
1756	1756	charges upon their merits. If the board determines that
1757	1757	disciplinary measures should be taken, the board may revoke
1758	1758	his or her license, suspend him or her from practice, or
1759	1759	reprimand, censure, or otherwise discipline the person.
1760	1760	(d) All proceedings under this section shall be
1761	1761	conducted by the board, according to its administrative rules,
1762	1762	and the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act.
1763	1763	(e) Any party aggrieved by a final decision or order of
1764	1764	the board suspending, revoking, or refusing to issue a license
1765	1765	is entitled to a review of the decision or order by taking an
1766	1766	appeal to the circuit court of the county in which the
1767	1767	assisted living administrator or applicant resides. In such
1768	1768	cases, the appeal shall be taken by filing notice thereof with
1769	1769	the circuit court within 30 days of the date of notice by the
1770	1770	board of its decision. Appeals from any order or judgment
1771	1771	rendered thereon by the circuit court to the Supreme Court of
1772	1772	Alabama shall be available as in other cases.
1773	1773	(f) The board shall report to the Department of Public
1774	1774	Health all final disciplinary actions taken under this
1775	1775	section."
1776	1776	841
1777	1777	842
1778	1778	843
1779	1779	844
1780	1780	845
1781	1781	846
1782	1782	847
1783	1783	848
1784	1784	849
1785	1785	850
1786	1786	851
1787	1787	852
1788	1788	853
1789	1789	854
1790	1790	855
1791	1791	856
1792	1792	857
1793	1793	858
1794	1794	859
1795	1795	860
1796	1796	861
1797	1797	862
1798	1798	863
1799	1799	864
1800	1800	865
1801	1801	866
1802	1802	867
1803	1803	868 SB224 INTRODUCED
1804	1804	Page 32
1805	1805	section."
1806	1806	Section 3. Relating to the Alabama Athletic Commission;
1807	1807	to amend Sections 41-9-1021, 41-9-1023, 41-9-1024, 41-9-1025,
1808	1808	41-9-1026, 41-9-1028, and 41-9-1029 of the Code of Alabama
1809	1809	1975, to read as follows:
1810	1810	"§41-9-1021
1811	1811	As used in this article, the following terms shall have
1812	1812	the following meanings:
1813	1813	(1) AMATEUR. An individual who engages in a match,
1814	1814	contest, or exhibition of boxing, tough man contests,
1815	1815	wrestling, mixed martial arts, or other form of unarmed
1816	1816	combat, for no compensation or thing of value for
1817	1817	participating, which is governed or authorized by any of the
1818	1818	following:
1819	1819	a. U.S.A. Boxing.
1820	1820	b. The Alabama High School Athletic Association.
1821	1821	c. The National Collegiate Athletic Association.
1822	1822	d. Amateur Athletic Union.
1823	1823	e. Golden Gloves.
1824	1824	f. The local affiliate of any organization listed in
1825	1825	this subdivision.
1826	1826	g. USA Wrestling.
1827	1827	h. The National Junior College Athletic Association.
1828	1828	i. The National Association of Intercollegiate
1829	1829	Athletics.
1830	1830	j. The National Collegiate Wrestling Association.
1831	1831	k. Any organization licensed by the commission.
1832	1832	(2) BARE KNUCKLE BOXING. The original form of boxing,
1833	1833	involving two individuals fighting without boxing gloves or
1834	1834	869
1835	1835	870
1836	1836	871
1837	1837	872
1838	1838	873
1839	1839	874
1840	1840	875
1841	1841	876
1842	1842	877
1843	1843	878
1844	1844	879
1845	1845	880
1846	1846	881
1847	1847	882
1848	1848	883
1849	1849	884
1850	1850	885
1851	1851	886
1852	1852	887
1853	1853	888
1854	1854	889
1855	1855	890
1856	1856	891
1857	1857	892
1858	1858	893
1859	1859	894
1860	1860	895
1861	1861	896 SB224 INTRODUCED
1862	1862	Page 33
1863	1863	involving two individuals fighting without boxing gloves or
1864	1864	other padding on their hands.
1865	1865	(3) BOXING MATCH. A contest between two individuals in
1866	1866	which contestants score points in rounds of two or three
1867	1867	minutes by striking with gloved fists the head and upper torso
1868	1868	of the opponent or by knocking the opponent down and rendering
1869	1869	the opponent unconscious or incapable of continuing the
1870	1870	contest by the blows, which contest is held in a square ring
1871	1871	supervised by a referee and scored by three judges.
1872	1872	(4) BOXING REGISTRY. A registry created or designated
1873	1873	pursuant to subsection (k) of Section 41-9-1024.
1874	1874	(5) CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION. An entity described by
1875	1875	either of the following:
1876	1876	a. Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26
1877	1877	U.S.C. § 501(c)(3)).
1878	1878	b. Section 170(c), Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26
1879	1879	U.S.C. § 170(c)).
1880	1880	(6) COMMISSION. The Alabama Athletic Commission.
1881	1881	(7) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The executive director of the
1882	1882	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
1883	1883	in Section 25-2B-1.
1884	1884	(7)(8) EXHIBITION. A contest where the participants
1885	1885	engage in the use of boxing skills and techniques, bare
1886	1886	knuckle skills and techniques, tough man skills and
1887	1887	techniques, wrestling skills and techniques, or mixed martial
1888	1888	arts skills and techniques, or any or all of these, and where
1889	1889	the objective is to display the skills and techniques without
1890	1890	striving to win.
1891	1891	(8)(9) FACE VALUE. The dollar value of a ticket or
1892	1892	897
1893	1893	898
1894	1894	899
1895	1895	900
1896	1896	901
1897	1897	902
1898	1898	903
1899	1899	904
1900	1900	905
1901	1901	906
1902	1902	907
1903	1903	908
1904	1904	909
1905	1905	910
1906	1906	911
1907	1907	912
1908	1908	913
1909	1909	914
1910	1910	915
1911	1911	916
1912	1912	917
1913	1913	918
1914	1914	919
1915	1915	920
1916	1916	921
1917	1917	922
1918	1918	923
1919	1919	924 SB224 INTRODUCED
1920	1920	Page 34
1921	1921	(8)(9) FACE VALUE. The dollar value of a ticket or
1922	1922	order shall reflect the dollar amount that the customer shall
1923	1923	pay in order to view the match, contest, exhibition, or
1924	1924	entertainment event. Face value shall include any charges or
1925	1925	fees, such as dinner, gratuity, parking, surcharges, or any
1926	1926	other charges or fees which are charged to and must be paid by
1927	1927	the customer in order to view the match, contest, exhibition,
1928	1928	or entertainment event. It shall exclude any portion paid by
1929	1929	the customer for federal, state, or local taxes.
1930	1930	(9)(10) GROSS RECEIPTS. Any of the following:
1931	1931	a. The gross price charged for the sale or lease of
1932	1932	broadcasting, television, closed circuit, or motion picture
1933	1933	rights without any deductions for commissions, brokerage fees,
1934	1934	distribution fees, production fees, advertising, or other
1935	1935	expenses or charges.
1936	1936	b. The face value of all tickets sold.
1937	1937	(10)(11) MANAGER. An individual who, under contract,
1938	1938	agreement, or other arrangement with a boxer, bare knuckle
1939	1939	boxer, or a mixed martial arts competitor, undertakes to
1940	1940	control or administer, directly or indirectly, a matter on
1941	1941	behalf of a boxer or a mixed martial arts competitor. The term
1942	1942	includes, but is not limited to, a person who functions as a
1943	1943	booking agent, adviser, or consultant.
1944	1944	(11)(12) MATCHMAKER. A person who is employed by or
1945	1945	associated with a promoter in the capacity of booking and
1946	1946	arranging professional matches, contests, or exhibitions of
1947	1947	boxing, bare knuckle boxing, or mixed martial arts between
1948	1948	opponents or who proposes professional matches, contests, or
1949	1949	exhibitions of boxing, bare knuckle boxing, or mixed martial
1950	1950	925
1951	1951	926
1952	1952	927
1953	1953	928
1954	1954	929
1955	1955	930
1956	1956	931
1957	1957	932
1958	1958	933
1959	1959	934
1960	1960	935
1961	1961	936
1962	1962	937
1963	1963	938
1964	1964	939
1965	1965	940
1966	1966	941
1967	1967	942
1968	1968	943
1969	1969	944
1970	1970	945
1971	1971	946
1972	1972	947
1973	1973	948
1974	1974	949
1975	1975	950
1976	1976	951
1977	1977	952 SB224 INTRODUCED
1978	1978	Page 35
1979	1979	exhibitions of boxing, bare knuckle boxing, or mixed martial
1980	1980	arts and selects and arranges for the participants in such
1981	1981	events and for whose activities in this regard the promoter is
1982	1982	legally responsible.
1983	1983	(12)(13) MIXED MARTIAL ARTS. Unarmed combat involving
1984	1984	the use of any combination of techniques from different
1985	1985	disciplines of the martial arts, including, without
1986	1986	limitation, grappling, submission holds, throws, and striking
1987	1987	or kicking with the hands, feet, knees, or elbows. The term
1988	1988	mixed martial arts includes kickboxing.
1989	1989	(13)(14) PERSON. An individual, partnership, firm,
1990	1990	association, corporation, or combination of individuals of
1991	1991	whatever form or character.
1992	1992	(14)(15) PHYSICIAN. A doctor of medicine or doctor of
1993	1993	osteopathy licensed to practice medicine in the State of
1994	1994	Alabama.
1995	1995	(15)(16) PROFESSIONAL. A person who is participating or
1996	1996	has participated in a match, contest, or exhibition of boxing,
1997	1997	bare knuckle boxing, wrestling, or mixed martial arts which is
1998	1998	not governed or authorized by one or more of the organizations
1999	1999	listed in subdivision (1) and any of the following:
2000	2000	a. Has received or competed for or is receiving or
2001	2001	competing for any cash as a salary, purse, or prize for
2002	2002	participating in any match, contest, or exhibition of boxing,
2003	2003	bare knuckle boxing, wrestling, or mixed martial arts.
2004	2004	b. Is participating or has participated in any match,
2005	2005	contest, or exhibition of boxing, bare knuckle boxing,
2006	2006	wrestling, or mixed martial arts to which admission is granted
2007	2007	upon payment of any ticket for admission or other evidence of
2008	2008	953
2009	2009	954
2010	2010	955
2011	2011	956
2012	2012	957
2013	2013	958
2014	2014	959
2015	2015	960
2016	2016	961
2017	2017	962
2018	2018	963
2019	2019	964
2020	2020	965
2021	2021	966
2022	2022	967
2023	2023	968
2024	2024	969
2025	2025	970
2026	2026	971
2027	2027	972
2028	2028	973
2029	2029	974
2030	2030	975
2031	2031	976
2032	2032	977
2033	2033	978
2034	2034	979
2035	2035	980 SB224 INTRODUCED
2036	2036	Page 36
2037	2037	upon payment of any ticket for admission or other evidence of
2038	2038	the right of entry.
2039	2039	c. Is participating or has participated in any match,
2040	2040	contest, or exhibition of boxing, bare knuckle boxing,
2041	2041	wrestling, or mixed martial arts which is or was filmed,
2042	2042	broadcast, or transmitted for viewing.
2043	2043	d. Is participating or has participated in any match,
2044	2044	contest, or exhibition of boxing, bare knuckle boxing,
2045	2045	wrestling, or mixed martial arts which provides a commercial
2046	2046	advantage by attracting persons to a particular place or
2047	2047	promoting a commercial product or enterprise.
2048	2048	(16)(17) PROFESSIONAL MATCH OF BOXING, BARE KNUCKLE
2049	2049	BOXING, WRESTLING, MIXED MARTIAL ARTS, OR UNARMED COMBAT. A
2050	2050	boxing match, contest, or exhibition; a bare knuckle boxing
2051	2051	match, contest, or exhibition; a wrestling match; a mixed
2052	2052	martial arts match, contest, or exhibition; or other unarmed
2053	2053	combat match, contest, or exhibition, which is not governed or
2054	2054	authorized by one or more of the organizations listed in
2055	2055	subdivision (1) and which does any of the following:
2056	2056	a. Rewards a boxer, bare knuckle boxer, wrestler, mixed
2057	2057	martial arts competitor, or other unarmed combat competitor
2058	2058	participating with cash as a salary, purse, or prize for such
2059	2059	participation.
2060	2060	b. Requires for admission payment of a ticket or other
2061	2061	evidence of the right of entry.
2062	2062	c. Is filmed, broadcast, or transmitted for viewing.
2063	2063	d. Provides a commercial advantage by attracting
2064	2064	persons to a particular place or promoting a commercial
2065	2065	product or enterprise.
2066	2066	981
2067	2067	982
2068	2068	983
2069	2069	984
2070	2070	985
2071	2071	986
2072	2072	987
2073	2073	988
2074	2074	989
2075	2075	990
2076	2076	991
2077	2077	992
2078	2078	993
2079	2079	994
2080	2080	995
2081	2081	996
2082	2082	997
2083	2083	998
2084	2084	999
2085	2085	1000
2086	2086	1001
2087	2087	1002
2088	2088	1003
2089	2089	1004
2090	2090	1005
2091	2091	1006
2092	2092	1007
2093	2093	1008 SB224 INTRODUCED
2094	2094	Page 37
2095	2095	product or enterprise.
2096	2096	(17)(18) PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING. Any organized event
2097	2097	between two unarmed contestants in which participants compete
2098	2098	primarily for the purpose of providing entertainment to
2099	2099	spectators that may or may not comprise a bona fide athletic
2100	2100	contest or competition.
2101	2101	(18)(19) PROMOTER. The person primarily responsible for
2102	2102	organizing, promoting, and producing a match, contest, or
2103	2103	exhibition of professional boxing, bare knuckle boxing, tough
2104	2104	man contest, professional wrestling, or mixed martial arts and
2105	2105	who is legally responsible for the lawful conduct of the
2106	2106	professional match, contest, or exhibition.
2107	2107	(19)(20) PURSE or RING EARNINGS. The financial
2108	2108	guarantee or any other remuneration, or part thereof, which a
2109	2109	professional boxer, bare knuckle boxer, wrestler, or mixed
2110	2110	martial arts competitor participating in a match, contest, or
2111	2111	exhibition will receive and includes any share of any payment
2112	2112	received for radio broadcasting, television, or motion picture
2113	2113	rights.
2114	2114	(20)(21) TOUGH MAN CONTEST. A boxing match and
2115	2115	tournament where each contestant wears headgear and oversized
2116	2116	gloves. A contestant in a tough man contest is not an amateur
2117	2117	or a professional and cash prizes may be awarded.
2118	2118	(21)(22) UNARMED COMBAT. Any form of competition
2119	2119	between human beings in which both of the following occurs:
2120	2120	1. One or more blows are struck which may reasonably be
2121	2121	expected to inflict injury on a human being.
2122	2122	2. There is some compensation or commercial benefit
2123	2123	arising from such competition, whether in the form of cash or
2124	2124	1009
2125	2125	1010
2126	2126	1011
2127	2127	1012
2128	2128	1013
2129	2129	1014
2130	2130	1015
2131	2131	1016
2132	2132	1017
2133	2133	1018
2134	2134	1019
2135	2135	1020
2136	2136	1021
2137	2137	1022
2138	2138	1023
2139	2139	1024
2140	2140	1025
2141	2141	1026
2142	2142	1027
2143	2143	1028
2144	2144	1029
2145	2145	1030
2146	2146	1031
2147	2147	1032
2148	2148	1033
2149	2149	1034
2150	2150	1035
2151	2151	1036 SB224 INTRODUCED
2152	2152	Page 38
2153	2153	arising from such competition, whether in the form of cash or
2154	2154	non-cash payment to the competitors or the person arranging
2155	2155	the competition; the sale of the right to film, broadcast,
2156	2156	transmit, or view the competition; or the use of the
2157	2157	competition to attract persons to a particular location for
2158	2158	some commercial advantage or to promote a commercial product
2159	2159	or commercial enterprise."
2160	2160	"§41-9-1023
2161	2161	(a) There is created the Alabama Athletic Commission
2162	2162	composed of six members. Commencing on October 1, 2025, the
2163	2163	commission shall be subject to the leadership, support, and
2164	2164	oversight of the Executive Director of the Office of
2165	2165	Occupational and Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B
2166	2166	of Title 25.
2167	2167	(b)(1) All appointing authorities shall coordinate
2168	2168	their appointments so that diversity of gender, race, and
2169	2169	geographical areas is reflective of the makeup of this state.
2170	2170	The six initial members shall be as follows:
2171	2171	a. Two members appointed by the Governor.
2172	2172	b. One member appointed by the Alabama Athlete Agents
2173	2173	Commission.
2174	2174	c. One member appointed by the Speaker of the House of
2175	2175	Representatives.
2176	2176	d. One member appointed by the President of the Senate.
2177	2177	e. One member appointed by the President Pro Tempore of
2178	2178	the Senate.
2179	2179	(2) Initial appointments by the Governor shall be for
2180	2180	one and three years, the initial appointment by the Speaker of
2181	2181	the House of Representatives shall be for four years, the
2182	2182	1037
2183	2183	1038
2184	2184	1039
2185	2185	1040
2186	2186	1041
2187	2187	1042
2188	2188	1043
2189	2189	1044
2190	2190	1045
2191	2191	1046
2192	2192	1047
2193	2193	1048
2194	2194	1049
2195	2195	1050
2196	2196	1051
2197	2197	1052
2198	2198	1053
2199	2199	1054
2200	2200	1055
2201	2201	1056
2202	2202	1057
2203	2203	1058
2204	2204	1059
2205	2205	1060
2206	2206	1061
2207	2207	1062
2208	2208	1063
2209	2209	1064 SB224 INTRODUCED
2210	2210	Page 39
2211	2211	the House of Representatives shall be for four years, the
2212	2212	initial appointment of the President of the Senate shall be
2213	2213	for two years, and the initial appointment of the President
2214	2214	Pro Tempore of the Senate shall be for one year. The initial
2215	2215	appointment by the commission shall be for four years. All
2216	2216	subsequent appointments shall be for terms of four years.
2217	2217	Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired terms under the
2218	2218	same procedures and requirements as appointments for full
2219	2219	terms. Each member of the commission shall be a resident of
2220	2220	this state.
2221	2221	(c) The commission shall elect a chair from among its
2222	2222	membership for a term of one year. While serving as chair, a
2223	2223	member may not vote on any matter coming before the
2224	2224	commission. The commission may elect a vice chair from its
2225	2225	membership for a term of one year. Any member serving as chair
2226	2226	shall be eligible for successive election to the office by the
2227	2227	commission. The chair may designate another member of the
2228	2228	commission to perform the duties of chair in his or her
2229	2229	absence. The commission may employ an executive director to
2230	2230	shall manage the day-to-day operations of the commission
2231	2231	within the available funds of the commission .
2232	2232	(d) A medical advisory panel of the commission shall be
2233	2233	appointed by the Governor and shall consist of four persons
2234	2234	licensed to practice medicine in this state, with one member
2235	2235	each representing the specialties of ophthalmology and general
2236	2236	medicine and two members representing the specialty of sports
2237	2237	medicine. The medical advisory panel shall advise and assist
2238	2238	the commission and its staff regarding issues and questions
2239	2239	concerning the medical safety of professional boxers, bare
2240	2240	1065
2241	2241	1066
2242	2242	1067
2243	2243	1068
2244	2244	1069
2245	2245	1070
2246	2246	1071
2247	2247	1072
2248	2248	1073
2249	2249	1074
2250	2250	1075
2251	2251	1076
2252	2252	1077
2253	2253	1078
2254	2254	1079
2255	2255	1080
2256	2256	1081
2257	2257	1082
2258	2258	1083
2259	2259	1084
2260	2260	1085
2261	2261	1086
2262	2262	1087
2263	2263	1088
2264	2264	1089
2265	2265	1090
2266	2266	1091
2267	2267	1092 SB224 INTRODUCED
2268	2268	Page 40
2269	2269	concerning the medical safety of professional boxers, bare
2270	2270	knuckle boxers, tough man contestants, professional wrestlers,
2271	2271	amateur mixed martial arts competitors, professional mixed
2272	2272	martial arts competitors, and other unarmed combat competitors
2273	2273	including, but not limited to, matters relating to medical
2274	2274	suspensions. The medical advisory panel may meet separately
2275	2275	from the commission to discuss and formulate recommendations
2276	2276	for the commission in connection with medical safety. Members
2277	2277	of the medical advisory panel shall not be counted in
2278	2278	determining a quorum of the commission and shall not vote as
2279	2279	commission members.
2280	2280	(e) Each member of the commission and the medical
2281	2281	advisory panel shall be reimbursed for expenses and travel as
2282	2282	provided for public officials of this state."
2283	2283	"§41-9-1024
2284	2284	(a)(1) The commission shall be the sole regulator of
2285	2285	professional boxing in this state and shall have authority to
2286	2286	protect the physical safety and welfare of professional boxers
2287	2287	and serve the public interest by closely supervising all
2288	2288	professional boxing in this state.
2289	2289	(2) The commission shall be the sole regulator of
2290	2290	professional and amateur matches, contests, or exhibitions of
2291	2291	mixed martial arts and shall have the authority to protect the
2292	2292	physical safety and welfare of professional competitors in
2293	2293	mixed martial arts and serve the public interest by closely
2294	2294	supervising all competitors in mixed martial arts. The
2295	2295	commission shall regulate professional and amateur mixed
2296	2296	martial arts to the same extent as professional boxing unless
2297	2297	any rule of the commission is not by its nature applicable to
2298	2298	1093
2299	2299	1094
2300	2300	1095
2301	2301	1096
2302	2302	1097
2303	2303	1098
2304	2304	1099
2305	2305	1100
2306	2306	1101
2307	2307	1102
2308	2308	1103
2309	2309	1104
2310	2310	1105
2311	2311	1106
2312	2312	1107
2313	2313	1108
2314	2314	1109
2315	2315	1110
2316	2316	1111
2317	2317	1112
2318	2318	1113
2319	2319	1114
2320	2320	1115
2321	2321	1116
2322	2322	1117
2323	2323	1118
2324	2324	1119
2325	2325	1120 SB224 INTRODUCED
2326	2326	Page 41
2327	2327	any rule of the commission is not by its nature applicable to
2328	2328	mixed martial arts.
2329	2329	(3) The commission shall be the sole regulator of
2330	2330	professional matches, contests, or exhibitions of wrestling
2331	2331	and shall have the authority to protect the physical safety
2332	2332	and welfare of professional competitors in professional
2333	2333	wrestling and serve the public interest by closely supervising
2334	2334	all competitors in professional wrestling. The commission
2335	2335	shall regulate professional wrestling to the same extent as
2336	2336	professional boxing unless any rule of the commission is not
2337	2337	by its nature applicable to professional wrestling.
2338	2338	(4) The commission shall have the sole authority to
2339	2339	license a wrestling sanctioning organization to safeguard the
2340	2340	public health, to protect competitors, and to provide for
2341	2341	competitive matches by requiring each licensed organization to
2342	2342	abide by rules adopted by the commission. The commission, at
2343	2343	the request of a licensed sanctioning organization, may
2344	2344	provide direct oversight of any event sanctioned by the
2345	2345	organization for a fee negotiated between the commission and
2346	2346	the licensed sanctioning organization.
2347	2347	(5) The commission shall have the sole authority to
2348	2348	license the promoters of tough man contests to safeguard the
2349	2349	public health, to protect competitors, and to provide for
2350	2350	competitive matches by requiring each licensed promoter to
2351	2351	abide by rules adopted by the commission. The commission, at
2352	2352	the request of a promoter, may provide direct oversight of any
2353	2353	tough man match for a fee negotiated between the commission
2354	2354	and the promoter.
2355	2355	(6) The commission shall be the sole regulator of
2356	2356	1121
2357	2357	1122
2358	2358	1123
2359	2359	1124
2360	2360	1125
2361	2361	1126
2362	2362	1127
2363	2363	1128
2364	2364	1129
2365	2365	1130
2366	2366	1131
2367	2367	1132
2368	2368	1133
2369	2369	1134
2370	2370	1135
2371	2371	1136
2372	2372	1137
2373	2373	1138
2374	2374	1139
2375	2375	1140
2376	2376	1141
2377	2377	1142
2378	2378	1143
2379	2379	1144
2380	2380	1145
2381	2381	1146
2382	2382	1147
2383	2383	1148 SB224 INTRODUCED
2384	2384	Page 42
2385	2385	(6) The commission shall be the sole regulator of
2386	2386	professional bare knuckle boxing matches, contests, or
2387	2387	exhibitions of bare knuckle boxing and shall have the
2388	2388	authority to protect the physical safety and welfare of
2389	2389	professional competitors in bare knuckle boxing and serve the
2390	2390	public interest by closely supervising all competitors in bare
2391	2391	knuckle boxing. The commission shall regulate professional
2392	2392	bare knuckle boxing to the same extent as professional boxing
2393	2393	unless any rule of the commission is not by its nature
2394	2394	applicable to bare knuckle boxing.
2395	2395	(7) The commission shall be the sole regulator and
2396	2396	shall have the sole authority to regulate any form of unarmed
2397	2397	combat held in the state as the commission deems necessary.
2398	2398	(b) The commission shall have the sole jurisdiction to
2399	2399	license the promotion or holding of each match, contest, or
2400	2400	exhibition of professional boxing, bare knuckle boxing, tough
2401	2401	man contests, professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial
2402	2402	arts, professional mixed martial arts, or other form of
2403	2403	unarmed combat promoted or held within this state.
2404	2404	(c) The commission shall have the authority to license
2405	2405	participants in any match, contest, or exhibition of
2406	2406	professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing,
2407	2407	professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts,
2408	2408	professional mixed martial arts, or other form of unarmed
2409	2409	combat held in this state.
2410	2410	(d) The commission shall have the authority to direct,
2411	2411	manage, control, and supervise all matches, contests, or
2412	2412	exhibitions of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle
2413	2413	boxing, tough man contests, professional wrestling, amateur
2414	2414	1149
2415	2415	1150
2416	2416	1151
2417	2417	1152
2418	2418	1153
2419	2419	1154
2420	2420	1155
2421	2421	1156
2422	2422	1157
2423	2423	1158
2424	2424	1159
2425	2425	1160
2426	2426	1161
2427	2427	1162
2428	2428	1163
2429	2429	1164
2430	2430	1165
2431	2431	1166
2432	2432	1167
2433	2433	1168
2434	2434	1169
2435	2435	1170
2436	2436	1171
2437	2437	1172
2438	2438	1173
2439	2439	1174
2440	2440	1175
2441	2441	1176 SB224 INTRODUCED
2442	2442	Page 43
2443	2443	boxing, tough man contests, professional wrestling, amateur
2444	2444	mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts
2445	2445	including, but not limited to, the authority to enforce safety
2446	2446	measures and restrict access to certain areas for the
2447	2447	protection of the public and participants. The commission may
2448	2448	adopt bylaws for its own management and adopt and enforce
2449	2449	rules consistent with this article. The commission may
2450	2450	immediately implement medical guidelines that have been vetted
2451	2451	by the medical advisory panel and approved by the commission
2452	2452	and competition guidelines that have been approved by the
2453	2453	commission. Medical and competition guidelines approved by the
2454	2454	commission pursuant to this subdivision are exempt from the
2455	2455	Alabama Administrative Procedure Act.
2456	2456	(e) The commission shall have the sole authority to
2457	2457	inquire into the plans or arrangements for compliance of a
2458	2458	licensed organization with rules adopted by the commission.
2459	2459	The commission may require a wrestling sanctioning
2460	2460	organization to pay an annual licensure fee and any other fee
2461	2461	determined necessary by the board executive director and may
2462	2462	penalize any organization for violation of this article or any
2463	2463	rule adopted by the commission pursuant to this article.
2464	2464	(f) The commission may appoint one or more inspectors
2465	2465	as duly authorized representatives of the commission to ensure
2466	2466	that the rules are strictly observed. The inspectors shall be
2467	2467	present at all professional matches, contests, or exhibitions
2468	2468	of boxing, bare knuckle boxing, wrestling, or mixed martial
2469	2469	arts.
2470	2470	(g) The commission may designate physicians as duly
2471	2471	authorized representatives of the commission to conduct
2472	2472	1177
2473	2473	1178
2474	2474	1179
2475	2475	1180
2476	2476	1181
2477	2477	1182
2478	2478	1183
2479	2479	1184
2480	2480	1185
2481	2481	1186
2482	2482	1187
2483	2483	1188
2484	2484	1189
2485	2485	1190
2486	2486	1191
2487	2487	1192
2488	2488	1193
2489	2489	1194
2490	2490	1195
2491	2491	1196
2492	2492	1197
2493	2493	1198
2494	2494	1199
2495	2495	1200
2496	2496	1201
2497	2497	1202
2498	2498	1203
2499	2499	1204 SB224 INTRODUCED
2500	2500	Page 44
2501	2501	authorized representatives of the commission to conduct
2502	2502	physical examinations of boxers, bare knuckle boxers, or mixed
2503	2503	martial arts competitors licensed under this article and shall
2504	2504	designate a roster of physicians authorized to conduct
2505	2505	prefight physicals and serve as ringside physicians in all
2506	2506	professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, tough
2507	2507	man, or mixed martial arts matches held in this state.
2508	2508	(h)(1) The commission or any agent duly designated by
2509	2509	the commission may do any of the following:
2510	2510	a. Make investigations.
2511	2511	b. Hold hearings.
2512	2512	c. Issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of
2513	2513	witnesses and the production of books, papers, and records.
2514	2514	d. Administer oaths to and examine any witnesses for
2515	2515	the purpose of determining any question coming before it under
2516	2516	this article or under the rules adopted pursuant to this
2517	2517	article.
2518	2518	e. Swear out a warrant of arrest against any person
2519	2519	violating the criminal provisions of this article, and the
2520	2520	commission shall not be liable in damages or to any action for
2521	2521	damages by reason of swearing out a warrant or for causing the
2522	2522	arrest and detention or imprisonment of any person under such
2523	2523	warrant, unless the commission or agent fails to act in a
2524	2524	reasonably prudent manner.
2525	2525	f. Assess fines, not to exceed ten thousand dollars
2526	2526	($10,000) per violation, for violations of the rules and
2527	2527	guidelines of the commission.
2528	2528	(2) During an investigation of any allegation which, if
2529	2529	proven, would result in criminal or civil sanctions as
2530	2530	1205
2531	2531	1206
2532	2532	1207
2533	2533	1208
2534	2534	1209
2535	2535	1210
2536	2536	1211
2537	2537	1212
2538	2538	1213
2539	2539	1214
2540	2540	1215
2541	2541	1216
2542	2542	1217
2543	2543	1218
2544	2544	1219
2545	2545	1220
2546	2546	1221
2547	2547	1222
2548	2548	1223
2549	2549	1224
2550	2550	1225
2551	2551	1226
2552	2552	1227
2553	2553	1228
2554	2554	1229
2555	2555	1230
2556	2556	1231
2557	2557	1232 SB224 INTRODUCED
2558	2558	Page 45
2559	2559	proven, would result in criminal or civil sanctions as
2560	2560	provided in this article, the commission may withhold all or a
2561	2561	portion of the gross receipts to which the person under
2562	2562	investigation is entitled until such time as the matter has
2563	2563	been resolved.
2564	2564	(i) The commission may engage in activities that
2565	2565	promote amateur boxing, amateur wrestling, and amateur mixed
2566	2566	martial arts in this state and contract with any nonprofit
2567	2567	organization which is exempted from the taxation of income. To
2568	2568	support amateur boxing, amateur wrestling, and amateur mixed
2569	2569	martial arts in this state, the commission may promote
2570	2570	voluntary contributions through the application process or
2571	2571	through any fund-raising or other promotional technique deemed
2572	2572	appropriate by the commission.
2573	2573	(j) Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 6301, et seq., the
2574	2574	commission may issue to each boxer who is a resident of this
2575	2575	state an identification card bearing the photograph of the
2576	2576	boxer and in such form and containing such information as the
2577	2577	commission deems necessary and appropriate. The commission
2578	2578	shall ensure that the form and manner of issuance of the
2579	2579	identification cards comply with any applicable federal law or
2580	2580	regulation. The commission may charge an amount not to exceed
2581	2581	one hundred dollars ($100) per card for the issuance or
2582	2582	replacement of each identification card.
2583	2583	(k) The commission may create a boxing registry or
2584	2584	designate a nationally recognized boxing registry and register
2585	2585	each boxer who is a resident of this state or who is a
2586	2586	resident of another state which has no boxing registry.
2587	2587	(l) The commission may inquire into the financial
2588	2588	1233
2589	2589	1234
2590	2590	1235
2591	2591	1236
2592	2592	1237
2593	2593	1238
2594	2594	1239
2595	2595	1240
2596	2596	1241
2597	2597	1242
2598	2598	1243
2599	2599	1244
2600	2600	1245
2601	2601	1246
2602	2602	1247
2603	2603	1248
2604	2604	1249
2605	2605	1250
2606	2606	1251
2607	2607	1252
2608	2608	1253
2609	2609	1254
2610	2610	1255
2611	2611	1256
2612	2612	1257
2613	2613	1258
2614	2614	1259
2615	2615	1260 SB224 INTRODUCED
2616	2616	Page 46
2617	2617	(l) The commission may inquire into the financial
2618	2618	backing of any professional match, contest, or exhibition of
2619	2619	boxing, bare knuckle boxing, wrestling, or mixed martial arts
2620	2620	and obtain answers to written or oral questions propounded to
2621	2621	all persons associated with the professional event.
2622	2622	(m) The commission, pursuant to rule, may license any
2623	2623	concessionaire, ring announcer, photographer, or other person
2624	2624	receiving any portion of the gate proceeds from a match,
2625	2625	contest, or exhibition held in the state pursuant to this
2626	2626	article."
2627	2627	"§41-9-1025
2628	2628	The commission shall designate a person to serve as
2629	2629	executive director and the executive director shall issue
2630	2630	licenses and identification cards and perform other duties as
2631	2631	the commission may direct in the enforcement of this article."
2632	2632	"§41-9-1026
2633	2633	(a) The commission shall meet upon the call of the
2634	2634	chair or upon the call of any two members. The business of the
2635	2635	commission shall be conducted by a majority vote of the
2636	2636	members present. A majority of the commission members shall
2637	2637	constitute a quorum.
2638	2638	(b) The chair, if necessary, may within 10 days of
2639	2639	receiving an application and license fee call a meeting of the
2640	2640	commission for the purpose of approving or rejecting an
2641	2641	application for a license or match permit which has been
2642	2642	submitted to the commission. The meeting shall be held within
2643	2643	20 days of the call of the chair at a place designated by the
2644	2644	chair."
2645	2645	"§41-9-1028
2646	2646	1261
2647	2647	1262
2648	2648	1263
2649	2649	1264
2650	2650	1265
2651	2651	1266
2652	2652	1267
2653	2653	1268
2654	2654	1269
2655	2655	1270
2656	2656	1271
2657	2657	1272
2658	2658	1273
2659	2659	1274
2660	2660	1275
2661	2661	1276
2662	2662	1277
2663	2663	1278
2664	2664	1279
2665	2665	1280
2666	2666	1281
2667	2667	1282
2668	2668	1283
2669	2669	1284
2670	2670	1285
2671	2671	1286
2672	2672	1287
2673	2673	1288 SB224 INTRODUCED
2674	2674	Page 47
2675	2675	"§41-9-1028
2676	2676	A member or employee of the commission and any person
2677	2677	who administers or enforces this article or rules adopted in
2678	2678	accordance with this article shall not be a member of,
2679	2679	contract with, or receive any compensation from any person or
2680	2680	organization who authorizes, arranges, or promotes matches,
2681	2681	contests, or exhibitions of professional boxing, professional
2682	2682	bare knuckle boxing, tough man contests, professional
2683	2683	wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed
2684	2684	martial arts or who otherwise has a financial interest in any
2685	2685	activity or licensee regulated by the commission. The term
2686	2686	compensation does not include funds held in escrow for payment
2687	2687	to another person in connection with a professional match,
2688	2688	contest, or exhibition of boxing, bare knuckle boxing,
2689	2689	wrestling, or mixed martial arts."
2690	2690	"§41-9-1029
2691	2691	(a)(1) No person shall promote or hold a match,
2692	2692	contest, or exhibition of professional boxing, professional
2693	2693	bare knuckle boxing, tough man contests, professional
2694	2694	wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed
2695	2695	martial arts within this state without first applying for and
2696	2696	obtaining a promoter's license from the commission.
2697	2697	(2) Licenses shall be issued annually and shall expire
2698	2698	on December 31 of each calendar year.
2699	2699	(b) Promoters shall apply to the commission for a
2700	2700	license required by subsection (a) on a form provided by the
2701	2701	commission. The application shall be accompanied by a
2702	2702	nonrefundable fee not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars
2703	2703	($250). The application shall also be accompanied by
2704	2704	1289
2705	2705	1290
2706	2706	1291
2707	2707	1292
2708	2708	1293
2709	2709	1294
2710	2710	1295
2711	2711	1296
2712	2712	1297
2713	2713	1298
2714	2714	1299
2715	2715	1300
2716	2716	1301
2717	2717	1302
2718	2718	1303
2719	2719	1304
2720	2720	1305
2721	2721	1306
2722	2722	1307
2723	2723	1308
2724	2724	1309
2725	2725	1310
2726	2726	1311
2727	2727	1312
2728	2728	1313
2729	2729	1314
2730	2730	1315
2731	2731	1316 SB224 INTRODUCED
2732	2732	Page 48
2733	2733	($250). The application shall also be accompanied by
2734	2734	established by the executive director and a performance bond
2735	2735	in an amount and under any conditions required by the
2736	2736	commission executive director .
2737	2737	(c)(1) In addition to the license required by
2738	2738	subsection (a), a match, contest, or exhibition of
2739	2739	professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, tough
2740	2740	man contests, professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial
2741	2741	arts, or professional mixed martial arts within this state
2742	2742	shall not be staged unless a match permit has been issued by
2743	2743	the commission for the match, contest, or exhibition.
2744	2744	(2) Each application for a match permit shall be on a
2745	2745	form provided by the commission executive director and shall
2746	2746	be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee not to
2747	2747	exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250) established by the
2748	2748	executive director . The commission executive director may
2749	2749	charge an additional match fee in accordance with rules
2750	2750	adopted by the commission executive director .
2751	2751	(d) The commission, prior to issuing any match permit,
2752	2752	may require a performance bond in addition to that required in
2753	2753	subsection (b).
2754	2754	(e) The commission executive director may refund any
2755	2755	portion of the match permit fee in excess of two hundred fifty
2756	2756	dollars ($250) to any person who paid the excess fee if the
2757	2757	match, contest, or exhibition of professional boxing,
2758	2758	professional bare knuckle boxing, tough man contests,
2759	2759	professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or
2760	2760	professional mixed martial arts for which the fees were paid
2761	2761	is not held.
2762	2762	1317
2763	2763	1318
2764	2764	1319
2765	2765	1320
2766	2766	1321
2767	2767	1322
2768	2768	1323
2769	2769	1324
2770	2770	1325
2771	2771	1326
2772	2772	1327
2773	2773	1328
2774	2774	1329
2775	2775	1330
2776	2776	1331
2777	2777	1332
2778	2778	1333
2779	2779	1334
2780	2780	1335
2781	2781	1336
2782	2782	1337
2783	2783	1338
2784	2784	1339
2785	2785	1340
2786	2786	1341
2787	2787	1342
2788	2788	1343
2789	2789	1344 SB224 INTRODUCED
2790	2790	Page 49
2791	2791	is not held.
2792	2792	(f) The commission shall have the sole authority to
2793	2793	certify the results of each amateur mixed martial arts match,
2794	2794	contest, or exhibition held within the state."
2795	2795	Section 4. Relating to the Alabama Board of Athletic
2796	2796	Trainers; to amend Sections 34-40-2, 34-40-3, 34-40-5,
2797	2797	34-40-8, 34-40-11, and 34-40-14 of the Code of Alabama 1975,
2798	2798	to read as follows:
2799	2799	"§34-40-2
2800	2800	As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have
2801	2801	the following meanings, respectively, unless the context
2802	2802	clearly indicates otherwise:
2803	2803	(1) ADVISORY COUNCIL. The Advisory Council of the State
2804	2804	Board of Medical Examiners and the Alabama Board of Athletic
2805	2805	Trainers created pursuant to Section 34-40-3.2.
2806	2806	(2) ATHLETIC INJURY. An injury or condition sustained
2807	2807	as a result of, or limiting the preparation for or
2808	2808	participation in, an exercise, sport, game, recreational
2809	2809	activity, or any other activity that requires a level of
2810	2810	strength, endurance, flexibility, or agility that is
2811	2811	comparable to the level of strength, endurance, flexibility,
2812	2812	or agility required for an exercise, sport, game, or
2813	2813	recreational activity; or any injury that a physician deems
2814	2814	would benefit from athletic training services.
2815	2815	(3) ATHLETIC TRAINER. An individual licensed by the
2816	2816	Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers and under the direction or
2817	2817	referral, or both, of a licensed physician after meeting the
2818	2818	requirements of this chapter and rules adopted pursuant to
2819	2819	this chapter.
2820	2820	1345
2821	2821	1346
2822	2822	1347
2823	2823	1348
2824	2824	1349
2825	2825	1350
2826	2826	1351
2827	2827	1352
2828	2828	1353
2829	2829	1354
2830	2830	1355
2831	2831	1356
2832	2832	1357
2833	2833	1358
2834	2834	1359
2835	2835	1360
2836	2836	1361
2837	2837	1362
2838	2838	1363
2839	2839	1364
2840	2840	1365
2841	2841	1366
2842	2842	1367
2843	2843	1368
2844	2844	1369
2845	2845	1370
2846	2846	1371
2847	2847	1372 SB224 INTRODUCED
2848	2848	Page 50
2849	2849	this chapter.
2850	2850	(4) ATHLETIC TRAINING PRACTICE. Practice by an athletic
2851	2851	trainer of any of the following:
2852	2852	a. The application of care for an athletic injury,
2853	2853	including the application or provision of: (i) principles,
2854	2854	methods, and procedures of recognition, examination,
2855	2855	assessment, clinical evaluation, prevention, management,
2856	2856	emergency care, disposition, or rehabilitation and
2857	2857	reconditioning of athletic injuries; (ii) appropriate
2858	2858	preventive and supportive devices; (iii) treatment using
2859	2859	physical modalities such as heat, cold, light, mechanical
2860	2860	devices, electric stimulation, manual therapy techniques,
2861	2861	aquatic therapy, sound, or therapeutic exercise; and (iv) any
2862	2862	other physical agent that is included within the written
2863	2863	protocols allowed by the State Board of Medical Examiners and
2864	2864	prescribed by a physician.
2865	2865	b. The organization and administration of athletic
2866	2866	training programs, including health care administration and
2867	2867	professional responsibility.
2868	2868	c. The provision of athletic training, education, and
2869	2869	guidance to physically active individuals, coaches, medical
2870	2870	personnel, and the community in the prevention and care of
2871	2871	athletic injuries.
2872	2872	d. The recognition of potential illnesses and referrals
2873	2873	to a physician for diagnosis and treatment.
2874	2874	e. The provision of injury prevention services
2875	2875	developed for physically active individuals.
2876	2876	(5) BOARD. The Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers.
2877	2877	(6) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
2878	2878	1373
2879	2879	1374
2880	2880	1375
2881	2881	1376
2882	2882	1377
2883	2883	1378
2884	2884	1379
2885	2885	1380
2886	2886	1381
2887	2887	1382
2888	2888	1383
2889	2889	1384
2890	2890	1385
2891	2891	1386
2892	2892	1387
2893	2893	1388
2894	2894	1389
2895	2895	1390
2896	2896	1391
2897	2897	1392
2898	2898	1393
2899	2899	1394
2900	2900	1395
2901	2901	1396
2902	2902	1397
2903	2903	1398
2904	2904	1399
2905	2905	1400 SB224 INTRODUCED
2906	2906	Page 51
2907	2907	(6) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
2908	2908	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
2909	2909	in Section 25-2B-1.
2910	2910	(6)(7) INJURY PREVENTION. Care and guidance related to
2911	2911	risk management, including biomechanics, conditioning,
2912	2912	flexibility, energy requirements, strength training, and
2913	2913	fitness.
2914	2914	(7)(8) PHYSICAL THERAPIST. A physical therapist
2915	2915	licensed by the Alabama State Board of Physical Therapy.
2916	2916	(8)(9) PHYSICIAN. A physician licensed by the Medical
2917	2917	Licensure Commission of Alabama.
2918	2918	(9)(10) PHYSICIAN SUPERVISION. a. An athletic trainer
2919	2919	acting under the supervision of a physician if:
2920	2920	1. The activities are undertaken pursuant to a verbal
2921	2921	or written order of the physician who has evaluated the
2922	2922	physically active individual; or
2923	2923	2. The activity is undertaken in accordance with a
2924	2924	written protocol signed by the physician which describes the
2925	2925	athletic injury encountered and directs appropriate medical
2926	2926	interventions consistent with the qualification, training, and
2927	2927	experience of the athletic trainer. The State Board of Medical
2928	2928	Examiners shall establish medical criteria for any protocol
2929	2929	used by athletic trainers and shall specify those conditions
2930	2930	and circumstances that require referral to the physician for
2931	2931	further evaluation.
2932	2932	b. Physician supervision establishes a formal
2933	2933	relationship between an athletic trainer and a physician under
2934	2934	which the athletic trainer is authorized to practice as
2935	2935	evidenced by a written protocol approved by the State Board of
2936	2936	1401
2937	2937	1402
2938	2938	1403
2939	2939	1404
2940	2940	1405
2941	2941	1406
2942	2942	1407
2943	2943	1408
2944	2944	1409
2945	2945	1410
2946	2946	1411
2947	2947	1412
2948	2948	1413
2949	2949	1414
2950	2950	1415
2951	2951	1416
2952	2952	1417
2953	2953	1418
2954	2954	1419
2955	2955	1420
2956	2956	1421
2957	2957	1422
2958	2958	1423
2959	2959	1424
2960	2960	1425
2961	2961	1426
2962	2962	1427
2963	2963	1428 SB224 INTRODUCED
2964	2964	Page 52
2965	2965	evidenced by a written protocol approved by the State Board of
2966	2966	Medical Examiners and requires professional oversight and
2967	2967	direction pursuant to the rules of the State Board of Medical
2968	2968	Examiners and the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers as
2969	2969	recommended by the advisory council. No rule adopted pursuant
2970	2970	to this paragraph shall be effective without the approval of
2971	2971	both the State Board of Medical Examiners and the board."
2972	2972	"§34-40-3
2973	2973	(a) The Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers is created.
2974	2974	Commencing on October 1, 2025, the board shall be subject to
2975	2975	the leadership, support, and oversight of the Executive
2976	2976	Director of the Office of Occupational and Professional
2977	2977	Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25. The board shall
2978	2978	be composed of nine members who shall serve four-year terms.
2979	2979	Members may not serve more than three consecutive four-year
2980	2980	terms. Three members shall be a member of a minority class,
2981	2981	one of whom shall be a physician member. The composition of
2982	2982	the board shall be as follows:
2983	2983	(1) Six members who are athletic trainers, appointed by
2984	2984	the Alabama Athletic Trainers' Association in accordance with
2985	2985	subsection (b), one of whom shall also be a physical
2986	2986	therapist.
2987	2987	(2) Three physicians actively engaged in the treatment
2988	2988	of athletic injuries or illnesses, appointed by the Medical
2989	2989	Association of the State of Alabama.
2990	2990	(3) The President of the Alabama Athletic Trainers'
2991	2991	Association who shall serve as an ex officio member of the
2992	2992	board and whose term of office shall be yearly to coincide
2993	2993	with his or her term as President of the Alabama Athletic
2994	2994	1429
2995	2995	1430
2996	2996	1431
2997	2997	1432
2998	2998	1433
2999	2999	1434
3000	3000	1435
3001	3001	1436
3002	3002	1437
3003	3003	1438
3004	3004	1439
3005	3005	1440
3006	3006	1441
3007	3007	1442
3008	3008	1443
3009	3009	1444
3010	3010	1445
3011	3011	1446
3012	3012	1447
3013	3013	1448
3014	3014	1449
3015	3015	1450
3016	3016	1451
3017	3017	1452
3018	3018	1453
3019	3019	1454
3020	3020	1455
3021	3021	1456 SB224 INTRODUCED
3022	3022	Page 53
3023	3023	with his or her term as President of the Alabama Athletic
3024	3024	Trainers' Association.
3025	3025	(b) The Alabama Athletic Trainers' Association shall
3026	3026	conduct an annual meeting at which all athletic trainers
3027	3027	holding a current license under this chapter shall have the
3028	3028	right to attend, nominate, and vote for the athletic trainer
3029	3029	members of the board. The association shall regulate and
3030	3030	prescribe the date, hour, and place of the meeting, the method
3031	3031	of nomination, and the manner of voting. At least 30 days
3032	3032	prior to the meeting, the board shall send notices to each
3033	3033	current licensee at the address shown on the current
3034	3034	registration notifying of the exact date, hour, and place of
3035	3035	the meeting, the purpose of the meeting, and of the right to
3036	3036	attend and vote. To qualify as a board member pursuant to this
3037	3037	subsection, a person shall be a citizen of the United States
3038	3038	and a resident of this state and have acted as an athletic
3039	3039	trainer for three years within this state immediately
3040	3040	preceding appointment.
3041	3041	(c) In making the initial appointments, the Alabama
3042	3042	Athletic Trainers' Association shall appoint one athletic
3043	3043	trainer whose term will expire in 1994, two athletic trainers
3044	3044	whose terms will expire in 1995, one athletic trainer whose
3045	3045	term will expire in 1996, and two athletic trainers whose
3046	3046	terms will expire in 1997. The Medical Association of the
3047	3047	State of Alabama shall appoint one physician whose term will
3048	3048	expire in 1994, one physician whose term will expire in 1995,
3049	3049	and one physician whose term will expire in 1996. All
3050	3050	appointments expire on December 31 of the year specified.
3051	3051	(d) Each appointee to the board shall qualify by taking
3052	3052	1457
3053	3053	1458
3054	3054	1459
3055	3055	1460
3056	3056	1461
3057	3057	1462
3058	3058	1463
3059	3059	1464
3060	3060	1465
3061	3061	1466
3062	3062	1467
3063	3063	1468
3064	3064	1469
3065	3065	1470
3066	3066	1471
3067	3067	1472
3068	3068	1473
3069	3069	1474
3070	3070	1475
3071	3071	1476
3072	3072	1477
3073	3073	1478
3074	3074	1479
3075	3075	1480
3076	3076	1481
3077	3077	1482
3078	3078	1483
3079	3079	1484 SB224 INTRODUCED
3080	3080	Page 54
3081	3081	(d) Each appointee to the board shall qualify by taking
3082	3082	an oath of office within 15 days from the date of the
3083	3083	appointment. In the event of death, resignation, or removal of
3084	3084	any member, except for physician members, the vacancy of the
3085	3085	unexpired term shall be filled by the board.
3086	3086	(e) The board shall elect a chair, a vice-chair, and a
3087	3087	secretary from its members for a term of one year and may
3088	3088	appoint any committees and formulate any rules it considers
3089	3089	necessary to carry out its duties pursuant to this chapter.
3090	3090	The board shall meet at least twice each year. Additional
3091	3091	meetings may be held at the call of the chair or at the
3092	3092	written request of any two members of the board. The secretary
3093	3093	shall keep a record of the proceedings of the board. The board
3094	3094	may adopt rules consistent with this chapter which are
3095	3095	necessary for the performance of its duties. The board may
3096	3096	employ an executive secretary and any officers and employees
3097	3097	as may be necessary to carry out the duties of the board. The
3098	3098	State Board of Medical Examiners and the board shall jointly
3099	3099	approve any rule or policy that interprets, explains, or
3100	3100	enumerates the permissible acts, functions, or services
3101	3101	rendered by an athletic trainer as those acts, functions, and
3102	3102	services are defined in Section 34-40-2. Any rule or policy
3103	3103	adopted in violation of this requirement is invalid. The board
3104	3104	executive director shall prescribe methods and forms for
3105	3105	license applications, license certificate, license renewal,
3106	3106	verification of license, continuing education verification,
3107	3107	and any forms for information required from licensees to carry
3108	3108	out the duties of the board. The board shall adopt an official
3109	3109	seal and a license certificate of suitable design.
3110	3110	1485
3111	3111	1486
3112	3112	1487
3113	3113	1488
3114	3114	1489
3115	3115	1490
3116	3116	1491
3117	3117	1492
3118	3118	1493
3119	3119	1494
3120	3120	1495
3121	3121	1496
3122	3122	1497
3123	3123	1498
3124	3124	1499
3125	3125	1500
3126	3126	1501
3127	3127	1502
3128	3128	1503
3129	3129	1504
3130	3130	1505
3131	3131	1506
3132	3132	1507
3133	3133	1508
3134	3134	1509
3135	3135	1510
3136	3136	1511
3137	3137	1512 SB224 INTRODUCED
3138	3138	Page 55
3139	3139	seal and a license certificate of suitable design.
3140	3140	(f) Members of the board shall receive one hundred
3141	3141	dollars ($100) for every day actually spent in the performance
3142	3142	of their duties and in addition thereto shall be reimbursed
3143	3143	according to the state travel policy for other expenses in the
3144	3144	same amounts and under the same conditions as state employees
3145	3145	are reimbursed.
3146	3146	(g)(f) The board executive director shall pass upon the
3147	3147	qualifications of applicants for licensure as an athletic
3148	3148	trainer and issue licenses and annual renewals to athletic
3149	3149	trainers. The board executive director shall fix fees for such
3150	3150	applications, licenses, renewals, verification of licensure,
3151	3151	replacement of licenses, name changes of licensees,
3152	3152	publication fees, or other administration fees deemed
3153	3153	necessary to carry out this chapter."
3154	3154	"§34-40-5
3155	3155	(a) Any individual seeking licensure as an athletic
3156	3156	trainer shall be a citizen of the United States or, if not a
3157	3157	citizen of the United States, an individual who is legally
3158	3158	present in the United States with appropriate documentation
3159	3159	from the federal government, and meets at least one of the
3160	3160	following requirements:
3161	3161	(1) Satisfactory completion of all Board of
3162	3162	Certification, Inc., or its successor organization,
3163	3163	qualifications; certification as an athletic trainer in good
3164	3164	standing by the Board of Certification, Inc.; and eligibility
3165	3165	for a National Provider Identifier.
3166	3166	(2) Licensure by reciprocity. The board shall grant,
3167	3167	without examination, licensure to any qualified athletic
3168	3168	1513
3169	3169	1514
3170	3170	1515
3171	3171	1516
3172	3172	1517
3173	3173	1518
3174	3174	1519
3175	3175	1520
3176	3176	1521
3177	3177	1522
3178	3178	1523
3179	3179	1524
3180	3180	1525
3181	3181	1526
3182	3182	1527
3183	3183	1528
3184	3184	1529
3185	3185	1530
3186	3186	1531
3187	3187	1532
3188	3188	1533
3189	3189	1534
3190	3190	1535
3191	3191	1536
3192	3192	1537
3193	3193	1538
3194	3194	1539
3195	3195	1540 SB224 INTRODUCED
3196	3196	Page 56
3197	3197	without examination, licensure to any qualified athletic
3198	3198	trainer holding a license certificate or registration in
3199	3199	another state if that state maintains licensure qualifications
3200	3200	that are substantially equivalent to those required in this
3201	3201	state, and gives similar reciprocity to licensees of this
3202	3202	state.
3203	3203	(b) Any individual desiring to be licensed, desiring a
3204	3204	renewal of an existing license, desiring verification of
3205	3205	licensure, reinstatement of a license, replacement of a
3206	3206	license, or name changes for a licensee as an athletic trainer
3207	3207	in this state shall make and file with the board a written
3208	3208	application or request as prescribed by the board executive
3209	3209	director. The application shall be accompanied by the payment
3210	3210	of a fee, as set by the board executive director , to include
3211	3211	publication fees or other administrative fees deemed necessary
3212	3212	to carry out the provisions of this chapter. Any licensee who
3213	3213	fails to renew his or her license within 90 days following
3214	3214	expiration of the previous license shall be required to file a
3215	3215	new application and pay an application fee with the board."
3216	3216	"§34-40-8
3217	3217	All licenses issued by the board to athletic trainers
3218	3218	shall expire on the last day of December each year pursuant to
3219	3219	rules adopted by the executive director . The license may be
3220	3220	renewed on payment of a renewal fee, fixed by the board
3221	3221	executive director , completion of continuing education, and
3222	3222	current licensee information, as may be needed. The board may
3223	3223	reduce the renewal fee for a licensee who has been licensed
3224	3224	less than six months before his or her license expires. The
3225	3225	board shall adopt a program of continuing education for its
3226	3226	1541
3227	3227	1542
3228	3228	1543
3229	3229	1544
3230	3230	1545
3231	3231	1546
3232	3232	1547
3233	3233	1548
3234	3234	1549
3235	3235	1550
3236	3236	1551
3237	3237	1552
3238	3238	1553
3239	3239	1554
3240	3240	1555
3241	3241	1556
3242	3242	1557
3243	3243	1558
3244	3244	1559
3245	3245	1560
3246	3246	1561
3247	3247	1562
3248	3248	1563
3249	3249	1564
3250	3250	1565
3251	3251	1566
3252	3252	1567
3253	3253	1568 SB224 INTRODUCED
3254	3254	Page 57
3255	3255	board shall adopt a program of continuing education for its
3256	3256	licensees. The successful completion of the annual continuing
3257	3257	education program shall be a requisite for the renewal of
3258	3258	licenses issued pursuant to this chapter."
3259	3259	"§34-40-11
3260	3260	(a) Any person whose application for a license is
3261	3261	denied is entitled to a hearing before the board if the person
3262	3262	submits a written request to the board. Proceedings for
3263	3263	revocation or suspension of a license shall be commenced by
3264	3264	filing charges with the board in writing and under oath. The
3265	3265	charges may be made by any person or persons. The secretary
3266	3266	executive director shall fix a time and place for a hearing
3267	3267	and shall cause a written copy of the charges or reason for
3268	3268	denial of a license, together with a notice of the time and
3269	3269	place fixed for hearing to be served on the applicant
3270	3270	requesting the hearing or the licensee against whom the
3271	3271	charges have been filed at least 20 days prior to the date set
3272	3272	for the hearing. Service of charges and notice of hearing may
3273	3273	be given by certified mail to the last known address of the
3274	3274	licensee or applicant. At the hearing, the applicant or
3275	3275	licensee has the right to appear either personally or by
3276	3276	counsel, or both, to produce witnesses, to have subpoenas
3277	3277	issued by the board, and to cross-examine the opposing or
3278	3278	adverse witnesses. The board is not bound by the strict rules
3279	3279	of procedure or by the laws of evidence in the conduct of the
3280	3280	proceedings, but the determination shall be founded upon
3281	3281	sufficient legal evidence to sustain it. The board shall
3282	3282	determine the charges on their merits and enter an order in a
3283	3283	permanent record setting forth the findings of fact and law,
3284	3284	1569
3285	3285	1570
3286	3286	1571
3287	3287	1572
3288	3288	1573
3289	3289	1574
3290	3290	1575
3291	3291	1576
3292	3292	1577
3293	3293	1578
3294	3294	1579
3295	3295	1580
3296	3296	1581
3297	3297	1582
3298	3298	1583
3299	3299	1584
3300	3300	1585
3301	3301	1586
3302	3302	1587
3303	3303	1588
3304	3304	1589
3305	3305	1590
3306	3306	1591
3307	3307	1592
3308	3308	1593
3309	3309	1594
3310	3310	1595
3311	3311	1596 SB224 INTRODUCED
3312	3312	Page 58
3313	3313	permanent record setting forth the findings of fact and law,
3314	3314	and the action taken. On application, the board may reissue a
3315	3315	license to a person whose license has been cancelled or
3316	3316	revoked, but the application may not be made prior to the
3317	3317	expiration of a period of six months after the order of
3318	3318	cancellation or revocation has become final; and the
3319	3319	application shall be made in the manner and form as the board
3320	3320	may require.
3321	3321	(b) A person whose application for a license has been
3322	3322	refused or whose license has been cancelled, revoked, or
3323	3323	suspended by the board may take an appeal, within 30 days
3324	3324	after the order is entered in the judicial circuit of his or
3325	3325	her residence or in the Montgomery County Circuit Court, to
3326	3326	any court of competent jurisdiction.
3327	3327	(c) Appeal from the judgment of the court lies as in
3328	3328	other civil cases."
3329	3329	"§34-40-14
3330	3330	There is hereby created in the State Treasury a fund to
3331	3331	be known as the Athletic Trainers Fund. All receipts of the
3332	3332	Alabama Athletic Trainers Board shall be deposited into this
3333	3333	fund. The expenses incurred by the Alabama Athletic Trainers
3334	3334	Board in carrying out the provisions of this chapter shall be
3335	3335	paid out of the Athletic Trainers Fund by warrant of the
3336	3336	Comptroller upon the Treasurer upon itemized vouchers,
3337	3337	approved by the chair of the board or his or her designee the
3338	3338	Occupational and Professional Licensing Fund . The Alabama
3339	3339	Board of Athletic Trainers may make grants, and to otherwise
3340	3340	arrange with qualified individuals, institutions, or agencies
3341	3341	to develop and promote athletic training programs and
3342	3342	1597
3343	3343	1598
3344	3344	1599
3345	3345	1600
3346	3346	1601
3347	3347	1602
3348	3348	1603
3349	3349	1604
3350	3350	1605
3351	3351	1606
3352	3352	1607
3353	3353	1608
3354	3354	1609
3355	3355	1610
3356	3356	1611
3357	3357	1612
3358	3358	1613
3359	3359	1614
3360	3360	1615
3361	3361	1616
3362	3362	1617
3363	3363	1618
3364	3364	1619
3365	3365	1620
3366	3366	1621
3367	3367	1622
3368	3368	1623
3369	3369	1624 SB224 INTRODUCED
3370	3370	Page 59
3371	3371	to develop and promote athletic training programs and
3372	3372	continuing education programs for athletic trainers. No funds
3373	3373	shall be withdrawn or expended except as budgeted and allotted
3374	3374	according to Sections 41-4-80 to 41-4-96 and Sections 41-19-1
3375	3375	to 41-19-12, inclusive, and only in amounts as stipulated in
3376	3376	the general appropriations act or other appropriations acts. "
3377	3377	Section 5. Relating to the State Board of Auctioneers;
3378	3378	to amend Sections 34-4-2, 34-4-21, 34-4-27, 34-4-30, 34-4-50,
3379	3379	34-4-51, and 34-4-54 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to read as
3380	3380	follows:
3381	3381	"§34-4-2
3382	3382	For the purposes of this chapter, the following words
3383	3383	and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed by
3384	3384	this section:
3385	3385	(1) AUCTIONEER. Any person who has graduated from an
3386	3386	accredited auction school and has one year's experience as an
3387	3387	apprentice auctioneer or has two years' experience as an
3388	3388	apprentice auctioneer in bid calling, for a fee, commission or
3389	3389	any other valuable consideration, or with the intention or
3390	3390	expectation of receiving the same, by the means of or process
3391	3391	of an auction or sale at auction, offers, negotiates, or
3392	3392	attempts to negotiate a listing contract, sale, purchase, or
3393	3393	exchange of goods, chattels, merchandise, real or personal
3394	3394	property or of any other commodity which may lawfully be kept
3395	3395	or offered for sale by or at public auction.
3396	3396	(2) BOARD. The State Board of Auctioneers.
3397	3397	(3) APPRENTICE AUCTIONEER. Any person who for
3398	3398	compensation or valuable consideration or otherwise is
3399	3399	employed, directly or indirectly, by an auctioneer to deal or
3400	3400	1625
3401	3401	1626
3402	3402	1627
3403	3403	1628
3404	3404	1629
3405	3405	1630
3406	3406	1631
3407	3407	1632
3408	3408	1633
3409	3409	1634
3410	3410	1635
3411	3411	1636
3412	3412	1637
3413	3413	1638
3414	3414	1639
3415	3415	1640
3416	3416	1641
3417	3417	1642
3418	3418	1643
3419	3419	1644
3420	3420	1645
3421	3421	1646
3422	3422	1647
3423	3423	1648
3424	3424	1649
3425	3425	1650
3426	3426	1651
3427	3427	1652 SB224 INTRODUCED
3428	3428	Page 60
3429	3429	employed, directly or indirectly, by an auctioneer to deal or
3430	3430	engage in any activity listed in subdivision (1) of this
3431	3431	section.
3432	3432	(4) GOODS. Any chattels, goods, merchandise, real or
3433	3433	personal property or commodities of any form or type which may
3434	3434	lawfully be kept or offered for sale.
3435	3435	(5) PERSONS. Individuals, associations, partnerships,
3436	3436	and corporations, and the word "persons" shall also include
3437	3437	the officers, directors, and employees of a corporation.
3438	3438	(6) AUCTION BUSINESS or BUSINESS OF AUCTIONEERING. The
3439	3439	performing of any of the acts of an auctioneer or apprentice
3440	3440	auctioneer as defined in this section.
3441	3441	(7) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The executive director of the
3442	3442	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
3443	3443	in Section 25-2B-1. "
3444	3444	"§34-4-21
3445	3445	(a) Any person desiring to enter into the auction
3446	3446	business and obtain a license as an auctioneer or apprentice
3447	3447	auctioneer shall make written application for a license to the
3448	3448	board. Each application shall be accompanied by an examination
3449	3449	fee of an amount not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars
3450	3450	($150), as set by rule of the board, which shall be collected
3451	3451	from each applicant to defray the expenses of the examination
3452	3452	established by the executive director . The application shall
3453	3453	be submitted on forms prepared and furnished by the board
3454	3454	executive director .
3455	3455	(b)(1) Each applicant for a license as an auctioneer
3456	3456	shall be 19 years of age or over, and each applicant for a
3457	3457	license as an apprentice auctioneer shall be 18 years of age
3458	3458	1653
3459	3459	1654
3460	3460	1655
3461	3461	1656
3462	3462	1657
3463	3463	1658
3464	3464	1659
3465	3465	1660
3466	3466	1661
3467	3467	1662
3468	3468	1663
3469	3469	1664
3470	3470	1665
3471	3471	1666
3472	3472	1667
3473	3473	1668
3474	3474	1669
3475	3475	1670
3476	3476	1671
3477	3477	1672
3478	3478	1673
3479	3479	1674
3480	3480	1675
3481	3481	1676
3482	3482	1677
3483	3483	1678
3484	3484	1679
3485	3485	1680 SB224 INTRODUCED
3486	3486	Page 61
3487	3487	license as an apprentice auctioneer shall be 18 years of age
3488	3488	or over. Each applicant for an auctioneer's license shall have
3489	3489	served one year as an apprentice auctioneer under the
3490	3490	supervision of a licensed auctioneer in this state and have
3491	3491	successfully completed a course of study consisting of not
3492	3492	less than 85 hours of classroom instruction in the
3493	3493	fundamentals of auctioneering that satisfies the requirements
3494	3494	of the board.
3495	3495	(2) An application shall also be accompanied by a
3496	3496	recommendation of an employing auctioneer. If an applicant has
3497	3497	not successfully completed an approved course of study that
3498	3498	satisfies the requirements of the board, in lieu thereof, he
3499	3499	or she shall be required to serve two years as an apprentice
3500	3500	under the supervision of a licensed auctioneer in this state.
3501	3501	(c)(1) Any person who files a complete application with
3502	3502	the board in the proper manner shall be entitled to take an
3503	3503	examination to determine his or her qualifications. The board
3504	3504	may require applicants to take and pass an examination
3505	3505	establishing, in a manner satisfactory to the board, that the
3506	3506	applicant has a general knowledge of ethics, reading, writing,
3507	3507	spelling, elementary arithmetic, and the laws of this state
3508	3508	relating to auctions and this chapter. The examination for an
3509	3509	auctioneer's license shall be of a more exacting nature and
3510	3510	scope than the examination for an apprentice auctioneer.
3511	3511	(2) The board, through application and examination,
3512	3512	shall determine whether the applicant is of good repute,
3513	3513	trustworthy, honest, and competent to transact the business of
3514	3514	an auctioneer, or of an apprentice auctioneer, in a manner
3515	3515	1681
3516	3516	1682
3517	3517	1683
3518	3518	1684
3519	3519	1685
3520	3520	1686
3521	3521	1687
3522	3522	1688
3523	3523	1689
3524	3524	1690
3525	3525	1691
3526	3526	1692
3527	3527	1693
3528	3528	1694
3529	3529	1695
3530	3530	1696
3531	3531	1697
3532	3532	1698
3533	3533	1699
3534	3534	1700
3535	3535	1701
3536	3536	1702
3537	3537	1703
3538	3538	1704
3539	3539	1705
3540	3540	1706
3541	3541	1707 SB224 INTRODUCED
3542	3542	Page 62
3543	3543	an auctioneer, or of an apprentice auctioneer, in a manner
3544	3544	that safeguards the interest of the public.
3545	3545	(3) The board shall require, and it shall be the
3546	3546	responsibility of any applicant for an initial, renewal, or
3547	3547	reciprocal license to disclose any prior conviction, any
3548	3548	pending criminal arrest of any nature except misdemeanor
3549	3549	traffic violations, and any prior or pending disciplinary
3550	3550	proceedings against the applicant before a board of
3551	3551	auctioneers or real estate commission in this or any other
3552	3552	state. If an applicant has been convicted of a crime in a
3553	3553	court of competent jurisdiction of this or any other district,
3554	3554	state, or territory of the United States or of a foreign
3555	3555	country, the untrustworthiness of the applicant and the
3556	3556	conviction, in itself, may be sufficient grounds for refusal
3557	3557	of a license.
3558	3558	(4) All auctioneers, apprentice auctioneers, and
3559	3559	auction companies are under a continuing duty to report to the
3560	3560	board any and all criminal arrests, charges, convictions, or
3561	3561	disciplinary proceedings which they may incur, as well as any
3562	3562	civil suits involving them. The board shall receive notice of
3563	3563	any arrest, charge, criminal conviction, or commencement of
3564	3564	disciplinary proceedings within 30 days of its occurrence.
3565	3565	Notice of the commencement of any civil suit shall be received
3566	3566	by the board within 30 days after service of the complaint
3567	3567	upon the defendant in the action.
3568	3568	(d) The board may grant a single auction license once
3569	3569	per calendar year to any nonresident individual who is duly
3570	3570	licensed in good standing as an auctioneer in another state,
3571	3571	or to an auction company in another state, who makes written
3572	3572	1708
3573	3573	1709
3574	3574	1710
3575	3575	1711
3576	3576	1712
3577	3577	1713
3578	3578	1714
3579	3579	1715
3580	3580	1716
3581	3581	1717
3582	3582	1718
3583	3583	1719
3584	3584	1720
3585	3585	1721
3586	3586	1722
3587	3587	1723
3588	3588	1724
3589	3589	1725
3590	3590	1726
3591	3591	1727
3592	3592	1728
3593	3593	1729
3594	3594	1730
3595	3595	1731
3596	3596	1732
3597	3597	1733
3598	3598	1734
3599	3599	1735 SB224 INTRODUCED
3600	3600	Page 63
3601	3601	or to an auction company in another state, who makes written
3602	3602	application to the board and provides satisfactory proof of
3603	3603	all of the following:
3604	3604	(1) The applicant satisfies the age, reputation, and
3605	3605	other qualifications to be licensed as an auctioneer.
3606	3606	(2) The applicant has paid a fee as established by rule
3607	3607	of the board the executive director .
3608	3608	(3) The applicant has not applied for or previously
3609	3609	obtained a license under this chapter.
3610	3610	(4) The applicant is not the subject of a disciplinary
3611	3611	action in any state; has not had a professional license or
3612	3612	business license for any company in which he or she is a
3613	3613	principal in this, or any other licensing jurisdiction,
3614	3614	disciplined, suspended, revoked, or denied; has not been
3615	3615	convicted of a criminal offense; and has no criminal charges
3616	3616	pending in any jurisdiction.
3617	3617	(5) The applicant has provided proof of financial
3618	3618	responsibility in the form of either an irrevocable letter of
3619	3619	credit or a cash bond or surety bond in the amount of ten
3620	3620	thousand dollars ($10,000). If the applicant gives a surety
3621	3621	bond, the bond shall be executed by a surety company
3622	3622	authorized to do business in this state. The bond shall be
3623	3623	made payable to the board and shall be conditioned on
3624	3624	compliance by the applicant with this chapter and the rules
3625	3625	adopted by the board. All bonds shall be in a form approved by
3626	3626	the board.
3627	3627	(e) The license fee for each auctioneer , apprentice
3628	3628	auctioneer, or auction company shall be an amount to be
3629	3629	determined by the board, not to exceed two hundred fifty
3630	3630	1736
3631	3631	1737
3632	3632	1738
3633	3633	1739
3634	3634	1740
3635	3635	1741
3636	3636	1742
3637	3637	1743
3638	3638	1744
3639	3639	1745
3640	3640	1746
3641	3641	1747
3642	3642	1748
3643	3643	1749
3644	3644	1750
3645	3645	1751
3646	3646	1752
3647	3647	1753
3648	3648	1754
3649	3649	1755
3650	3650	1756
3651	3651	1757
3652	3652	1758
3653	3653	1759
3654	3654	1760
3655	3655	1761
3656	3656	1762
3657	3657	1763 SB224 INTRODUCED
3658	3658	Page 64
3659	3659	determined by the board, not to exceed two hundred fifty
3660	3660	dollars ($250), and the license fee for each apprentice
3661	3661	auctioneer shall be an amount to be determined by the board,
3662	3662	not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150). The license
3663	3663	fees shall not be increased more than twenty-five dollars
3664	3664	($25) in any given year executive director .
3665	3665	(f) All licenses shall expire on September 30 of each
3666	3666	year following issuance thereof a date determined by the
3667	3667	executive director and may be renewed upon payment of the
3668	3668	appropriate license fee as required by this chapter. Renewal
3669	3669	of a license may be effected at any time during the months
3670	3670	preceding the date of expiration. No examination shall be
3671	3671	required for the renewal of any license, unless the license
3672	3672	has been revoked or suspended. If a licensee fails to renew
3673	3673	his or her license by the deadline of each year, he or she may
3674	3674	renew his or her license within 60 days after the expiration
3675	3675	date, upon payment of the required fee and a late fee of
3676	3676	twenty-five dollars ($25) for apprentices and fifty dollars
3677	3677	($50) for auctioneers and auction companies. If a licensee
3678	3678	elects not fails to pay the penalty and renew his or her
3679	3679	license, he or she shall be required to submit an application,
3680	3680	pay the examination fee, and take the examination required for
3681	3681	new licensees.
3682	3682	(g) The board, by rule, shall adopt a program of
3683	3683	continuing education for its licensees. No licensee shall have
3684	3684	his or her license renewed unless, in addition to any other
3685	3685	requirements of this chapter, the minimum annual continuing
3686	3686	education requirements are met. The continuing education
3687	3687	program shall not include testing or examination of the
3688	3688	1764
3689	3689	1765
3690	3690	1766
3691	3691	1767
3692	3692	1768
3693	3693	1769
3694	3694	1770
3695	3695	1771
3696	3696	1772
3697	3697	1773
3698	3698	1774
3699	3699	1775
3700	3700	1776
3701	3701	1777
3702	3702	1778
3703	3703	1779
3704	3704	1780
3705	3705	1781
3706	3706	1782
3707	3707	1783
3708	3708	1784
3709	3709	1785
3710	3710	1786
3711	3711	1787
3712	3712	1788
3713	3713	1789
3714	3714	1790
3715	3715	1791 SB224 INTRODUCED
3716	3716	Page 65
3717	3717	program shall not include testing or examination of the
3718	3718	licensees in any manner. Any licensee 65 years of age or older
3719	3719	shall be exempt from the continuing education requirement.
3720	3720	(h) The board shall prepare and deliver to each
3721	3721	licensee a license certificate and pocket card. The
3722	3722	certificate shall be displayed openly at all times in the
3723	3723	office of the licensee. The certificate and the pocket card of
3724	3724	the apprentice auctioneer shall contain his or her name as
3725	3725	well as that of the auctioneer under whose supervision he or
3726	3726	she is employed.
3727	3727	(i) When any auctioneer discharges an apprentice, or
3728	3728	terminates his or her employment with the auctioneer for any
3729	3729	reason, the auctioneer shall deliver or mail by registered or
3730	3730	certified mail to the board the license of the discharged
3731	3731	apprentice auctioneer. It shall be unlawful for any apprentice
3732	3732	auctioneer to perform any of the acts contemplated by this
3733	3733	chapter, either directly or indirectly under authority of his
3734	3734	or her license, until the apprentice auctioneer receives a new
3735	3735	license bearing the name and address of his or her new
3736	3736	employer. No more than one license shall be issued to any
3737	3737	apprentice auctioneer for the same period of time.
3738	3738	(j) Written notice shall be given immediately to the
3739	3739	board by each licensee of any change in his or her mailing
3740	3740	address and the board shall issue a new license for the
3741	3741	unexpired period. A change of mailing address without
3742	3742	notification to the board shall automatically cancel the
3743	3743	license previously issued. For changing a mailing address and
3744	3744	issuance of a new license, the board shall collect a fee in an
3745	3745	amount determined by rule of the board. Each prior license
3746	3746	1792
3747	3747	1793
3748	3748	1794
3749	3749	1795
3750	3750	1796
3751	3751	1797
3752	3752	1798
3753	3753	1799
3754	3754	1800
3755	3755	1801
3756	3756	1802
3757	3757	1803
3758	3758	1804
3759	3759	1805
3760	3760	1806
3761	3761	1807
3762	3762	1808
3763	3763	1809
3764	3764	1810
3765	3765	1811
3766	3766	1812
3767	3767	1813
3768	3768	1814
3769	3769	1815
3770	3770	1816
3771	3771	1817
3772	3772	1818
3773	3773	1819 SB224 INTRODUCED
3774	3774	Page 66
3775	3775	amount determined by rule of the board. Each prior license
3776	3776	shall be returned or accounted for to the board and be
3777	3777	canceled before the issuance of the new license. The board may
3778	3778	require other proof considered desirable with due regard to
3779	3779	the paramount interest of the public in the issuance of the
3780	3780	license.
3781	3781	(k)(1) An auctioneer who is in good standing with the
3782	3782	board may request inactive status by submitting to the board a
3783	3783	written application, his or her current license certificate
3784	3784	and pocket card, and a fee. The auctioneer shall certify on
3785	3785	the application that he or she will not perform any business
3786	3786	of auctioneering while on inactive status. An auctioneer who
3787	3787	has a disciplinary or suspension hearing pending against him
3788	3788	or her may only be granted inactive status upon approval of
3789	3789	the board. Inactive status may be renewed annually upon
3790	3790	written application and payment of a fee. The board executive
3791	3791	director, by rule, shall determine the amount of the initial
3792	3792	application fee and the annual renewal fee.
3793	3793	(2) An auctioneer on inactive status may be restored to
3794	3794	active status by submitting to the board a written application
3795	3795	requesting reactivation and providing proof of satisfying all
3796	3796	continuing education requirements for the most recent
3797	3797	licensure period during which the license was inactive.
3798	3798	(l) Pursuant to Sections 41-22-1 to 41-22-27,
3799	3799	inclusive, the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act, the board
3800	3800	may make and enforce any necessary and reasonable rules
3801	3801	pursuant to the application for any license.
3802	3802	(m) The board executive director , by rule, may
3803	3803	establish and charge reasonable fees relating to the
3804	3804	1820
3805	3805	1821
3806	3806	1822
3807	3807	1823
3808	3808	1824
3809	3809	1825
3810	3810	1826
3811	3811	1827
3812	3812	1828
3813	3813	1829
3814	3814	1830
3815	3815	1831
3816	3816	1832
3817	3817	1833
3818	3818	1834
3819	3819	1835
3820	3820	1836
3821	3821	1837
3822	3822	1838
3823	3823	1839
3824	3824	1840
3825	3825	1841
3826	3826	1842
3827	3827	1843
3828	3828	1844
3829	3829	1845
3830	3830	1846
3831	3831	1847 SB224 INTRODUCED
3832	3832	Page 67
3833	3833	establish and charge reasonable fees relating to the
3834	3834	administration and enforcement of this chapter for application
3835	3835	or other processing costs; online service; continuing
3836	3836	education provider services; copy, mailing, and filing
3837	3837	services; and other fees as necessary to offset licensing and
3838	3838	processing costs."
3839	3839	"§34-4-27
3840	3840	Each auctioneer shall annually pay one state license in
3841	3841	an amount not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250) fee.
3842	3842	Each auctioneer shall also annually pay a county license fee
3843	3843	of twenty-five dollars ($25) , established by the executive
3844	3844	director, in each county where he or she sells by auction. No
3845	3845	privilege license shall be required for any apprentice
3846	3846	auctioneer when he or she is listed as the principal
3847	3847	auctioneer. No license shall be required for any auctioneer
3848	3848	who conducts an auction, without compensation for himself or
3849	3849	herself, where all proceeds from the auction go to the benefit
3850	3850	of any charitable organization. The term "auctioneer" shall
3851	3851	include any person selling real estate, goods, wares,
3852	3852	merchandise, automobiles, livestock, or other things of value
3853	3853	by or at public auction. Sales at public auction involving any
3854	3854	of the following may be conducted for compensation without a
3855	3855	license:
3856	3856	(1) Sales at auction conducted by the owner of any part
3857	3857	of the goods or real estate being offered, or an attorney
3858	3858	representing the owner, unless the owner acquired the goods to
3859	3859	resell.
3860	3860	(2) Sales for the estate of a decedent by an
3861	3861	administrator, executor, or any person acting under order of
3862	3862	1848
3863	3863	1849
3864	3864	1850
3865	3865	1851
3866	3866	1852
3867	3867	1853
3868	3868	1854
3869	3869	1855
3870	3870	1856
3871	3871	1857
3872	3872	1858
3873	3873	1859
3874	3874	1860
3875	3875	1861
3876	3876	1862
3877	3877	1863
3878	3878	1864
3879	3879	1865
3880	3880	1866
3881	3881	1867
3882	3882	1868
3883	3883	1869
3884	3884	1870
3885	3885	1871
3886	3886	1872
3887	3887	1873
3888	3888	1874
3889	3889	1875 SB224 INTRODUCED
3890	3890	Page 68
3891	3891	administrator, executor, or any person acting under order of
3892	3892	any court or the attorney of an administrator, executor, or
3893	3893	any person acting under order of any court.
3894	3894	(3) Sales of property conveyed by deed of trust,
3895	3895	mortgage, judgment, or ordered to be sold according to the
3896	3896	mortgage, judgment, order, or decree.
3897	3897	(4) All sales under legal process."
3898	3898	"§34-4-30
3899	3899	(a) The board may administer oaths and prescribe all
3900	3900	necessary and reasonable rules for the conduct of a hearing.
3901	3901	The board may take testimony of any person by deposition, with
3902	3902	the same fees and mileage and in the same manner as prescribed
3903	3903	by law in judicial procedure of courts of this state in civil
3904	3904	cases. The fees and mileage shall be paid by the party at
3905	3905	whose request the witness is subpoenaed.
3906	3906	(b) The affirmative vote of a majority of the members
3907	3907	of the board shall be required before any disciplinary action
3908	3908	may be taken against a licensee in accordance with this
3909	3909	chapter.
3910	3910	(c) The board is declared to be a quasi judicial body,
3911	3911	and the members or the employees of the board are granted
3912	3912	immunity from civil liability and shall not be liable for
3913	3913	damages therefrom when acting in the performance of their
3914	3914	duties as described in this chapter."
3915	3915	"§34-4-50
3916	3916	(a)(1) The State Board of Auctioneers is created.
3917	3917	Commencing on October 1, 2025, the board shall be subject to
3918	3918	the leadership, support, and oversight of the Executive
3919	3919	Director of the Office of Occupational and Professional
3920	3920	1876
3921	3921	1877
3922	3922	1878
3923	3923	1879
3924	3924	1880
3925	3925	1881
3926	3926	1882
3927	3927	1883
3928	3928	1884
3929	3929	1885
3930	3930	1886
3931	3931	1887
3932	3932	1888
3933	3933	1889
3934	3934	1890
3935	3935	1891
3936	3936	1892
3937	3937	1893
3938	3938	1894
3939	3939	1895
3940	3940	1896
3941	3941	1897
3942	3942	1898
3943	3943	1899
3944	3944	1900
3945	3945	1901
3946	3946	1902
3947	3947	1903 SB224 INTRODUCED
3948	3948	Page 69
3949	3949	Director of the Office of Occupational and Professional
3950	3950	Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25.
3951	3951	(2) The Governor shall appoint a State Board of
3952	3952	Auctioneers to be comprised of seven auctioneer members and
3953	3953	one consumer member to the board. All appointments shall be
3954	3954	for a term of five years, with each auctioneer member
3955	3955	appointed being a resident of a different congressional
3956	3956	district and the consumer member being a resident of and
3957	3957	appointed from the state at-large. Appointments shall end on
3958	3958	the anniversary date of the original appointments, except
3959	3959	appointments to fill a vacancy which shall be for the
3960	3960	unexpired term only. No member shall serve more than two
3961	3961	consecutive terms of office. Each member of the board and his
3962	3962	or her successor shall have been a resident of this state for
3963	3963	at least five years prior to his or her appointment. Each
3964	3964	auctioneer member of the board and his or her successor shall
3965	3965	have been a licensed auctioneer in this state for at least
3966	3966	five years. In the event a district has no qualified candidate
3967	3967	for appointment, the appointment may come from the state
3968	3968	at-large. Each member shall hold office until his or her
3969	3969	successor is appointed by the Governor. The Governor shall
3970	3970	coordinate his or her appointments so that diversity of
3971	3971	gender, race, and geographical area is reflective of the
3972	3972	makeup of this state.
3973	3973	(b) Each auctioneer member of the board shall be of
3974	3974	good moral character and shall have been licensed by the board
3975	3975	and actively engaged in the auction business for at least five
3976	3976	years prior to the appointment.
3977	3977	(c) On the appointment of a new auctioneer board
3978	3978	1904
3979	3979	1905
3980	3980	1906
3981	3981	1907
3982	3982	1908
3983	3983	1909
3984	3984	1910
3985	3985	1911
3986	3986	1912
3987	3987	1913
3988	3988	1914
3989	3989	1915
3990	3990	1916
3991	3991	1917
3992	3992	1918
3993	3993	1919
3994	3994	1920
3995	3995	1921
3996	3996	1922
3997	3997	1923
3998	3998	1924
3999	3999	1925
4000	4000	1926
4001	4001	1927
4002	4002	1928
4003	4003	1929
4004	4004	1930
4005	4005	1931 SB224 INTRODUCED
4006	4006	Page 70
4007	4007	(c) On the appointment of a new auctioneer board
4008	4008	member, the board, at its next meeting, shall elect one of its
4009	4009	members as chair, one member as vice-chair, one member as
4010	4010	secretary, and any other officers deemed necessary. The board
4011	4011	may do all things necessary and convenient for carrying into
4012	4012	effect this chapter. The board may adopt rules not
4013	4013	inconsistent with this chapter or other general laws of the
4014	4014	state.
4015	4015	(d) Except as otherwise provided in Section 34-4-53,
4016	4016	members of the board, board staff, and board attorneys shall
4017	4017	receive the same per diem and travel allowance paid to state
4018	4018	employees for each day they meet to conduct the official
4019	4019	business of the board.
4020	4020	(e) The board may employ an administrator who shall be
4021	4021	exempt from the classified service of the state, and other
4022	4022	staff members necessary to discharge board duties and
4023	4023	administer this chapter. The administrator shall be employed
4024	4024	on the basis of his or her education, experience, and skills
4025	4025	in administration and management. The board shall determine
4026	4026	the duties and fix the compensation of the administrator and
4027	4027	other staff members, subject to the general laws of the state.
4028	4028	(f)(d) The board shall provide by rule for the
4029	4029	investigation of any auction activity that is being promoted,
4030	4030	managed, or supervised by unlicensed individuals in violation
4031	4031	of this chapter and may employ an investigator to assist the
4032	4032	board in enforcement of the laws, rules, and policies adopted
4033	4033	thereunder. The investigator shall be employed on the basis of
4034	4034	his or her education, experience, and skills in law
4035	4035	enforcement. The board shall determine the duties and fix the
4036	4036	1932
4037	4037	1933
4038	4038	1934
4039	4039	1935
4040	4040	1936
4041	4041	1937
4042	4042	1938
4043	4043	1939
4044	4044	1940
4045	4045	1941
4046	4046	1942
4047	4047	1943
4048	4048	1944
4049	4049	1945
4050	4050	1946
4051	4051	1947
4052	4052	1948
4053	4053	1949
4054	4054	1950
4055	4055	1951
4056	4056	1952
4057	4057	1953
4058	4058	1954
4059	4059	1955
4060	4060	1956
4061	4061	1957
4062	4062	1958
4063	4063	1959 SB224 INTRODUCED
4064	4064	Page 71
4065	4065	enforcement. The board shall determine the duties and fix the
4066	4066	compensation of the investigator, subject to the general laws
4067	4067	of the state.
4068	4068	(g)(e) The board shall adopt a seal by which the board
4069	4069	shall authenticate records and documents. On the seal shall be
4070	4070	the words State Board of Auctioneers. Copies of all records
4071	4071	and documents in the office of the board that are duly
4072	4072	certified and authenticated by the seal of the board shall be
4073	4073	received in evidence in all courts equally and with the same
4074	4074	effect as the original. All public records kept in the office
4075	4075	of the board shall be open to public inspection during
4076	4076	reasonable hours.
4077	4077	(h)(f) Each board member shall be accountable to the
4078	4078	Governor for the proper performance of his or her duties as a
4079	4079	member of the board. The Governor shall investigate any
4080	4080	complaints or unfavorable reports concerning the actions of
4081	4081	the board and take appropriate action thereon, including
4082	4082	removal of any board member for misfeasance, malfeasance,
4083	4083	neglect of duty, commission of a felony, incompetence, or
4084	4084	permanent inability to perform official duties. A board member
4085	4085	may be removed at the request of the board for failing to
4086	4086	attend four consecutive, properly noticed meetings."
4087	4087	"§34-4-51
4088	4088	Each member of the board shall receive a certificate of
4089	4089	appointment from the Governor before entering upon the
4090	4090	discharge of the duties of his or her office. The board , or
4091	4091	any committee thereof, shall be entitled to the services of
4092	4092	the state Attorney General, in connection with the affairs of
4093	4093	the board, or may, on approval of the Attorney General, employ
4094	4094	1960
4095	4095	1961
4096	4096	1962
4097	4097	1963
4098	4098	1964
4099	4099	1965
4100	4100	1966
4101	4101	1967
4102	4102	1968
4103	4103	1969
4104	4104	1970
4105	4105	1971
4106	4106	1972
4107	4107	1973
4108	4108	1974
4109	4109	1975
4110	4110	1976
4111	4111	1977
4112	4112	1978
4113	4113	1979
4114	4114	1980
4115	4115	1981
4116	4116	1982
4117	4117	1983
4118	4118	1984
4119	4119	1985
4120	4120	1986
4121	4121	1987 SB224 INTRODUCED
4122	4122	Page 72
4123	4123	the board, or may, on approval of the Attorney General, employ
4124	4124	an attorney to assist or represent it in the enforcement of
4125	4125	this chapter before any court of competent jurisdiction, and
4126	4126	it may take the necessary legal steps through the proper legal
4127	4127	officers of the state to enforce the provisions of this
4128	4128	chapter and collect the penalties provided herein. Complaints
4129	4129	shall be prosecuted in the name of the State Board of
4130	4130	Auctioneers."
4131	4131	"§34-4-54
4132	4132	The executive director of the board shall keep a record
4133	4133	of the proceedings of the board. The board shall deposit all
4134	4134	the funds received and credited by the board into the State
4135	4135	Treasury into an account hereby established to be known as the
4136	4136	"Alabama State Board of Auctioneers Fund." All money derived
4137	4137	under this chapter shall be deposited into the fund and used
4138	4138	only to carry out the requirements of this chapter. No money
4139	4139	shall be paid out of the fund except by warrant of the
4140	4140	Comptroller upon the State Treasury after approval of itemized
4141	4141	vouchers by the executive director of the board or an
4142	4142	authorized designee Occupational and Professional Licensing
4143	4143	Fund."
4144	4144	Section 6. Relating to the Alabama Professional Bail
4145	4145	Bonding Board; to amend Sections 15-13-201, 15-13-202,
4146	4146	15-13-203, 15-13-204, 15-13-206, 15-13-207, 15-13-210,
4147	4147	15-13-212, and 15-13-217 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to read
4148	4148	as follows:
4149	4149	"§15-13-201
4150	4150	For the purposes of this article, the following terms
4151	4151	shall have the following meanings:
4152	4152	1988
4153	4153	1989
4154	4154	1990
4155	4155	1991
4156	4156	1992
4157	4157	1993
4158	4158	1994
4159	4159	1995
4160	4160	1996
4161	4161	1997
4162	4162	1998
4163	4163	1999
4164	4164	2000
4165	4165	2001
4166	4166	2002
4167	4167	2003
4168	4168	2004
4169	4169	2005
4170	4170	2006
4171	4171	2007
4172	4172	2008
4173	4173	2009
4174	4174	2010
4175	4175	2011
4176	4176	2012
4177	4177	2013
4178	4178	2014
4179	4179	2015 SB224 INTRODUCED
4180	4180	Page 73
4181	4181	shall have the following meanings:
4182	4182	(1) BOARD. Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board.
4183	4183	(2) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
4184	4184	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
4185	4185	in Section 25-28-1.
4186	4186	(2)(3) PROFESSIONAL BAIL COMPANY. A person, individual
4187	4187	proprietor, partnership corporation, or other entity, other
4188	4188	than a professional surety company, that furnishes bail or
4189	4189	becomes surety for a person on an appearance bond and does so
4190	4190	for a valuable consideration.
4191	4191	(3)(4) PROFESSIONAL BONDSMAN. Any individual or agent
4192	4192	who is employed by a professional bail company or professional
4193	4193	surety company to solicit and execute appearance bonds or
4194	4194	actively seek bail bond business for or on behalf of a
4195	4195	professional bail company, including any individual who has a
4196	4196	direct or indirect ownership interest in a professional bail
4197	4197	company.
4198	4198	(4)(5) PROFESSIONAL SURETY BONDSMAN. Any individual who
4199	4199	is employed by a professional surety company to solicit and
4200	4200	execute appearance bonds or actively seek bail bond business
4201	4201	for or on behalf of a professional surety company, including
4202	4202	any individual who has a direct or indirect ownership interest
4203	4203	in a professional surety company.
4204	4204	(5)(6) PROFESSIONAL SURETY COMPANY. An insurance
4205	4205	company, domestic or foreign corporation, or association
4206	4206	engaged in the business of insurance, or a surety with a bail
4207	4207	line of insurance to which has been issued a certificate of
4208	4208	authority or certificate of compliance by the Department of
4209	4209	Insurance to execute appearance bonds or bail bonds in
4210	4210	2016
4211	4211	2017
4212	4212	2018
4213	4213	2019
4214	4214	2020
4215	4215	2021
4216	4216	2022
4217	4217	2023
4218	4218	2024
4219	4219	2025
4220	4220	2026
4221	4221	2027
4222	4222	2028
4223	4223	2029
4224	4224	2030
4225	4225	2031
4226	4226	2032
4227	4227	2033
4228	4228	2034
4229	4229	2035
4230	4230	2036
4231	4231	2037
4232	4232	2038
4233	4233	2039
4234	4234	2040
4235	4235	2041
4236	4236	2042
4237	4237	2043 SB224 INTRODUCED
4238	4238	Page 74
4239	4239	Insurance to execute appearance bonds or bail bonds in
4240	4240	criminal cases in the state.
4241	4241	(6)(7) RECOVERY AGENT. Any individual, other than an
4242	4242	attorney or law enforcement officer, utilized by a
4243	4243	professional surety company, professional bail company, or
4244	4244	professional bondsman to apprehend a defendant who was
4245	4245	released on bail and who violated the terms of his or her
4246	4246	bail."
4247	4247	"§15-13-202
4248	4248	(a) An individual may not hold himself or herself out
4249	4249	to the public as a professional bondsman or a professional
4250	4250	surety bondsman, operate as a recovery agent, or use any term,
4251	4251	title, or abbreviation that expresses, infers, or implies that
4252	4252	the individual is licensed as a professional bondsman unless
4253	4253	the individual at the time holds a valid license as a
4254	4254	professional bondsman as provided in this article.
4255	4255	(b) All applicants shall pass an examination, unless
4256	4256	exempted by this article, based on criteria established by the
4257	4257	Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board and established under
4258	4258	Section 15-13-203 and shall comply with the continuing
4259	4259	education requirements established by this article.
4260	4260	(c) The board may issue an apprentice license, which
4261	4261	expires 120 days after issuance at a time determined by the
4262	4262	executive director , to any applicant who satisfies all
4263	4263	criteria for licensure except passing the examination. The
4264	4264	board may require an applicant for licensure as an apprentice
4265	4265	to sign an affidavit, on a form provided by the board,
4266	4266	attesting that the applicant has no felony convictions. The
4267	4267	board, by rule, may also provide an age exception to allow any
4268	4268	2044
4269	4269	2045
4270	4270	2046
4271	4271	2047
4272	4272	2048
4273	4273	2049
4274	4274	2050
4275	4275	2051
4276	4276	2052
4277	4277	2053
4278	4278	2054
4279	4279	2055
4280	4280	2056
4281	4281	2057
4282	4282	2058
4283	4283	2059
4284	4284	2060
4285	4285	2061
4286	4286	2062
4287	4287	2063
4288	4288	2064
4289	4289	2065
4290	4290	2066
4291	4291	2067
4292	4292	2068
4293	4293	2069
4294	4294	2070
4295	4295	2071 SB224 INTRODUCED
4296	4296	Page 75
4297	4297	board, by rule, may also provide an age exception to allow any
4298	4298	applicant who is 19 or 20 years of age to work as an
4299	4299	apprentice until he or she reaches the age of 21 years. The
4300	4300	board executive director may charge a fee , not exceeding fifty
4301	4301	dollars ($50), for an apprentice license."
4302	4302	"§15-13-203
4303	4303	(a) The Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board is
4304	4304	created to administer and enforce this article. Commencing on
4305	4305	October 1, 2025, the board shall be subject to the leadership,
4306	4306	support, and oversight of the Executive Director of the Office
4307	4307	of Occupational and Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter
4308	4308	2B of Title 25. The board shall consist of all of the
4309	4309	following members:
4310	4310	(1) Seven professional bondsmen, one from each of the
4311	4311	seven congressional districts of the state, nominated by the
4312	4312	Alabama Bail Bond Association and appointed by the Governor
4313	4313	from a list of not more than four nominees for each position
4314	4314	on the board. For the initial terms of office, the President
4315	4315	of the Alabama Bail Bond Association shall be the professional
4316	4316	bondsman member of the board who represents the congressional
4317	4317	district in which he or she resides. Each professional
4318	4318	bondsman member appointed to the board shall be the owner of a
4319	4319	professional bail bond company with at least five years of
4320	4320	experience. Except as otherwise provided, no two professional
4321	4321	bondsman members shall reside in the same congressional
4322	4322	district. If no professional bondsman is available for
4323	4323	nomination by the Alabama Bail Bond Association for a
4324	4324	congressional district, the Alabama Bail Bond Association
4325	4325	shall provide a list of four professional bondsman nominees
4326	4326	2072
4327	4327	2073
4328	4328	2074
4329	4329	2075
4330	4330	2076
4331	4331	2077
4332	4332	2078
4333	4333	2079
4334	4334	2080
4335	4335	2081
4336	4336	2082
4337	4337	2083
4338	4338	2084
4339	4339	2085
4340	4340	2086
4341	4341	2087
4342	4342	2088
4343	4343	2089
4344	4344	2090
4345	4345	2091
4346	4346	2092
4347	4347	2093
4348	4348	2094
4349	4349	2095
4350	4350	2096
4351	4351	2097
4352	4352	2098
4353	4353	2099 SB224 INTRODUCED
4354	4354	Page 76
4355	4355	shall provide a list of four professional bondsman nominees
4356	4356	from the state at large to the Governor for that congressional
4357	4357	district, and the Governor shall appoint one of those nominees
4358	4358	to fill that position on the board.
4359	4359	(2) One serving circuit, district, or municipal court
4360	4360	judge, nominated by the Alabama Bail Bond Association and
4361	4361	appointed by the Governor from a list of four nominees.
4362	4362	(3) One serving circuit or municipal court clerk,
4363	4363	nominated by the Alabama Bail Bond Association and appointed
4364	4364	by the Governor from a list of four nominees.
4365	4365	(b) The appointments to the board shall be for terms of
4366	4366	four years. The nominating and appointing authorities shall
4367	4367	coordinate their nominations and appointments so that
4368	4368	diversity of gender, race, and geographical areas is
4369	4369	reflective of the makeup of this state. Vacancies shall be
4370	4370	filled by appointment of the Governor for the unexpired
4371	4371	portion of the term.
4372	4372	(c) The board, pursuant to the Alabama Administrative
4373	4373	Procedure Act, Chapter 22 of Title 41, shall adopt and enforce
4374	4374	reasonable rules as the board determines necessary to
4375	4375	effectively and efficiently carry out its official duty of
4376	4376	licensing and regulating professional bail bond companies and
4377	4377	professional bondsmen.
4378	4378	(d) Each member of the board shall receive travel and
4379	4379	per diem compensation for expenses incurred in the conduct of
4380	4380	official duties while attending meetings and transacting the
4381	4381	business of the board, in accordance with applicable state
4382	4382	travel and per diem paid to state employees. The compensation
4383	4383	of members shall be paid from funds available to the board in
4384	4384	2100
4385	4385	2101
4386	4386	2102
4387	4387	2103
4388	4388	2104
4389	4389	2105
4390	4390	2106
4391	4391	2107
4392	4392	2108
4393	4393	2109
4394	4394	2110
4395	4395	2111
4396	4396	2112
4397	4397	2113
4398	4398	2114
4399	4399	2115
4400	4400	2116
4401	4401	2117
4402	4402	2118
4403	4403	2119
4404	4404	2120
4405	4405	2121
4406	4406	2122
4407	4407	2123
4408	4408	2124
4409	4409	2125
4410	4410	2126
4411	4411	2127 SB224 INTRODUCED
4412	4412	Page 77
4413	4413	of members shall be paid from funds available to the board in
4414	4414	the same manner as other expenses are paid. "
4415	4415	"§15-13-204
4416	4416	(a) Pursuant to Section 36-1-12, the members and
4417	4417	employees of the board are granted immunity from civil
4418	4418	liability and may not be liable for damages when acting in the
4419	4419	performance of their duties under this article.
4420	4420	(b) Board members and employees shall be defended by
4421	4421	the Attorney General in regard to any criminal or civil
4422	4422	litigation filed against them based on the performance of
4423	4423	their official duties under this article."
4424	4424	"§15-13-206
4425	4425	(a) There is created in the State Treasury for the use
4426	4426	of the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board a fund to be
4427	4427	known as the Alabama Bail Bond Board Fund.
4428	4428	(b) All application, apprentice, and license fees,
4429	4429	penalties, fines, late fees, and any other fees or funds
4430	4430	collected by the board under this article are to be deposited
4431	4431	in this fund and used only to carry out the operations of the
4432	4432	board into the Occupational and Professional Licensing Fund .
4433	4433	(c) For the purpose of carrying out the objectives of
4434	4434	this article and for the exercise of the powers granted in
4435	4435	this article, the board may direct the disbursement of the
4436	4436	funds from the Alabama Bail Bond Board Fund necessary to cover
4437	4437	reasonable and necessary operating costs and board member
4438	4438	compensation and expenses as provided by this article, which
4439	4439	shall be paid on warrant of the Comptroller upon certificate
4440	4440	or voucher of the secretary of the board, approved by the
4441	4441	president or vice president of the board. Funds may not be
4442	4442	2128
4443	4443	2129
4444	4444	2130
4445	4445	2131
4446	4446	2132
4447	4447	2133
4448	4448	2134
4449	4449	2135
4450	4450	2136
4451	4451	2137
4452	4452	2138
4453	4453	2139
4454	4454	2140
4455	4455	2141
4456	4456	2142
4457	4457	2143
4458	4458	2144
4459	4459	2145
4460	4460	2146
4461	4461	2147
4462	4462	2148
4463	4463	2149
4464	4464	2150
4465	4465	2151
4466	4466	2152
4467	4467	2153
4468	4468	2154
4469	4469	2155 SB224 INTRODUCED
4470	4470	Page 78
4471	4471	president or vice president of the board. Funds may not be
4472	4472	withdrawn or expended except as budgeted and allotted
4473	4473	according to the provisions of Article 4 of Chapter 4 of Title
4474	4474	41."
4475	4475	"§15-13-207
4476	4476	(a) The board may adopt rules necessary to implement
4477	4477	this article and accomplish its objectives subject to the
4478	4478	Alabama Administrative Procedure Act.
4479	4479	(b) The board may adopt and establish canons of ethics
4480	4480	and minimum acceptable professional standards of practice for
4481	4481	licensees within any rules that it adopts.
4482	4482	(c) The board may hire personnel necessary or as
4483	4483	advisable to carry out the purposes of this article.
4484	4484	(d) The Attorney General shall provide legal services
4485	4485	to the board and its employees in connection with official
4486	4486	duties and actions of the board or the board may employ legal
4487	4487	counsel, when deemed necessary by the board, whose
4488	4488	compensation shall be fixed by the board and paid in the same
4489	4489	manner as the per diem and expenses of the board members are
4490	4490	paid."
4491	4491	"§15-13-210
4492	4492	(a) An application and all information on an
4493	4493	application for licensure pursuant to this article shall be
4494	4494	treated as confidential and shall be filed with the board on
4495	4495	forms prescribed by the board executive director . The
4496	4496	application shall include all of the following information of
4497	4497	the applicant:
4498	4498	(1) His or her full name.
4499	4499	(2) His or her date of birth.
4500	4500	2156
4501	4501	2157
4502	4502	2158
4503	4503	2159
4504	4504	2160
4505	4505	2161
4506	4506	2162
4507	4507	2163
4508	4508	2164
4509	4509	2165
4510	4510	2166
4511	4511	2167
4512	4512	2168
4513	4513	2169
4514	4514	2170
4515	4515	2171
4516	4516	2172
4517	4517	2173
4518	4518	2174
4519	4519	2175
4520	4520	2176
4521	4521	2177
4522	4522	2178
4523	4523	2179
4524	4524	2180
4525	4525	2181
4526	4526	2182
4527	4527	2183 SB224 INTRODUCED
4528	4528	Page 79
4529	4529	(2) His or her date of birth.
4530	4530	(3) All residences during the immediate past five
4531	4531	years.
4532	4532	(4) All employment or occupations engaged in during the
4533	4533	immediate past five years.
4534	4534	(5) A list of convictions and pending charges involving
4535	4535	a felony or misdemeanor in any jurisdiction.
4536	4536	(b) On or before September 1 each year, the board shall
4537	4537	send an email reminder to each licensee stating that the last
4538	4538	day for submitting an application for a license renewal is
4539	4539	September 30 of that year. "
4540	4540	"§15-13-212
4541	4541	(a)(1) If an application for a license is denied, the
4542	4542	board shall notify the applicant in writing and specify the
4543	4543	grounds for denial. If the grounds are subject to correction
4544	4544	by the applicant, the notice shall so state and specify a
4545	4545	reasonable period of time within which the applicant shall
4546	4546	make the required correction.
4547	4547	(2) The applicant may submit an application for
4548	4548	reconsideration to the board within 30 days from the date of
4549	4549	receipt of the denial.
4550	4550	(b) The board shall issue a license to all licensees
4551	4551	that shall be at least 8" x 10" in size and shall be displayed
4552	4552	on a wall of the workplace of the licensee. This license shall
4553	4553	be deemed property of the state and subject to forfeiture to
4554	4554	the state upon revocation.
4555	4555	(c) All licenses issued or renewed under this article
4556	4556	shall be valid for a period from the date of issuance until
4557	4557	October 31 determined by the executive director ."
4558	4558	2184
4559	4559	2185
4560	4560	2186
4561	4561	2187
4562	4562	2188
4563	4563	2189
4564	4564	2190
4565	4565	2191
4566	4566	2192
4567	4567	2193
4568	4568	2194
4569	4569	2195
4570	4570	2196
4571	4571	2197
4572	4572	2198
4573	4573	2199
4574	4574	2200
4575	4575	2201
4576	4576	2202
4577	4577	2203
4578	4578	2204
4579	4579	2205
4580	4580	2206
4581	4581	2207
4582	4582	2208
4583	4583	2209
4584	4584	2210
4585	4585	2211 SB224 INTRODUCED
4586	4586	Page 80
4587	4587	October 31 determined by the executive director ."
4588	4588	"§15-13-217
4589	4589	(a) A professional bondsman, professional surety
4590	4590	bondsman, or recovery agent commencing business in any
4591	4591	judicial circuit in this state on and after June 1, 2020,
4592	4592	shall attend a 16-hour instructional course conducted by an
4593	4593	educational provider approved by the board and pass an
4594	4594	examination approved by the board and administered by an
4595	4595	educational provider approved by the board. Upon completion of
4596	4596	the course and passage of the examination, the individual
4597	4597	shall be awarded a pre-licensure examination certificate by
4598	4598	the board, copies of which may be submitted to the presiding
4599	4599	circuit judge, or other judicial authority, along with the
4600	4600	other requirements set forth in Section 15-13-159 or Section
4601	4601	15-13-160. Those professional bondsmen, professional surety
4602	4602	bondsmen, and recovery agents doing business immediately prior
4603	4603	to June 1, 2020, are exempt from the initial instructional
4604	4604	course and examination.
4605	4605	(b) Unless exempted pursuant to subsection (i), a
4606	4606	professional bondsman, professional surety bondsman, or
4607	4607	recovery agent making an annual filing in any circuit in this
4608	4608	state pursuant to Section 15-13-159 or Section 15-13-160 on
4609	4609	and after March 1, 2020, shall first complete eight hours of
4610	4610	continuing education conducted by an educational provider
4611	4611	approved by the board. A professional bail company owner, who
4612	4612	is at least 55 years of age and has five years of experience
4613	4613	in the profession, shall only be required to complete four
4614	4614	hours of continuing education. The educational provider
4615	4615	approved by the board shall provide the board with the name of
4616	4616	2212
4617	4617	2213
4618	4618	2214
4619	4619	2215
4620	4620	2216
4621	4621	2217
4622	4622	2218
4623	4623	2219
4624	4624	2220
4625	4625	2221
4626	4626	2222
4627	4627	2223
4628	4628	2224
4629	4629	2225
4630	4630	2226
4631	4631	2227
4632	4632	2228
4633	4633	2229
4634	4634	2230
4635	4635	2231
4636	4636	2232
4637	4637	2233
4638	4638	2234
4639	4639	2235
4640	4640	2236
4641	4641	2237
4642	4642	2238
4643	4643	2239 SB224 INTRODUCED
4644	4644	Page 81
4645	4645	approved by the board shall provide the board with the name of
4646	4646	all professional bondsmen, professional surety bondsmen, or
4647	4647	recovery agents completing eight hours of continuing
4648	4648	education. Upon completion of the eight hours of continuing
4649	4649	education, the individual shall request issuance of an annual
4650	4650	continuing education certificate from the board, copies of
4651	4651	which may be submitted to the presiding circuit judge along
4652	4652	with the other requirements set forth in Section 15-13-159 or
4653	4653	Section 15-13-160.
4654	4654	(c) The instructional course, examination, or
4655	4655	continuing education courses shall be taught or sponsored by
4656	4656	an educational provider approved by the board, which must
4657	4657	apply annually for authority to offer such examination or
4658	4658	courses.
4659	4659	(d) A list of approved course providers shall be
4660	4660	published on the website of the board.
4661	4661	(e) The cost of the instructional course shall be set
4662	4662	by the approved course provider but shall not exceed five
4663	4663	hundred dollars ($500) per course. Upon completion of the
4664	4664	instructional course, the approved course provider shall issue
4665	4665	an instructional course completion certificate in a form
4666	4666	approved by the board. This completion certificate, along with
4667	4667	the application fee, must be presented to the board in order
4668	4668	to take the pre-licensure examination. An instructional course
4669	4669	completion certificate shall be valid for a period of 12
4670	4670	months.
4671	4671	(f) The cost of continuing education courses shall be
4672	4672	set by the approved course provider but shall not exceed
4673	4673	seventy-five dollars ($75) per hour. Any fee required to be
4674	4674	2240
4675	4675	2241
4676	4676	2242
4677	4677	2243
4678	4678	2244
4679	4679	2245
4680	4680	2246
4681	4681	2247
4682	4682	2248
4683	4683	2249
4684	4684	2250
4685	4685	2251
4686	4686	2252
4687	4687	2253
4688	4688	2254
4689	4689	2255
4690	4690	2256
4691	4691	2257
4692	4692	2258
4693	4693	2259
4694	4694	2260
4695	4695	2261
4696	4696	2262
4697	4697	2263
4698	4698	2264
4699	4699	2265
4700	4700	2266
4701	4701	2267 SB224 INTRODUCED
4702	4702	Page 82
4703	4703	seventy-five dollars ($75) per hour. Any fee required to be
4704	4704	paid by a course provider for reporting continuing education
4705	4705	course completion to the board may be added to the maximum
4706	4706	charges provided in this subsection.
4707	4707	(g) Each professional bondsman, professional surety
4708	4708	bondsman, and recovery agent must renew his or her
4709	4709	certification with the board by completing eight hours of
4710	4710	approved continuing education prior to September 30 each year.
4711	4711	Late renewal within the next 12 months may be had by
4712	4712	completing the eight hours of continuing education within a
4713	4713	time period established by the executive director and paying a
4714	4714	renewal license fee of twice the amount otherwise required and
4715	4715	late penalty fee established by the executive director . If a
4716	4716	professional bondsman, professional surety bondsman, or
4717	4717	recovery agent fails to renew a certification for a 12-month
4718	4718	period as required, the professional bondsman, professional
4719	4719	surety bondsman, or recovery agent will be required to take
4720	4720	the instructional course and examination to again become
4721	4721	certified.
4722	4722	(h) The board executive director , by rule, shall set
4723	4723	the fees to be paid to the board in as necessary for the
4724	4724	administration of this section , not to exceed the maximum
4725	4725	amounts set forth below including each of the following :
4726	4726	(1)a. Application fee for a professional bondsman,
4727	4727	professional surety bondsman, or a recovery agent, a
4728	4728	nonrefundable fee to be paid to take the examination and for
4729	4729	the issuance of the pre-licensure examination certificate, per
4730	4730	examination attempt : Up to five hundred dollars ($500) .
4731	4731	b. Application fee for a professional bail company or a
4732	4732	2268
4733	4733	2269
4734	4734	2270
4735	4735	2271
4736	4736	2272
4737	4737	2273
4738	4738	2274
4739	4739	2275
4740	4740	2276
4741	4741	2277
4742	4742	2278
4743	4743	2279
4744	4744	2280
4745	4745	2281
4746	4746	2282
4747	4747	2283
4748	4748	2284
4749	4749	2285
4750	4750	2286
4751	4751	2287
4752	4752	2288
4753	4753	2289
4754	4754	2290
4755	4755	2291
4756	4756	2292
4757	4757	2293
4758	4758	2294
4759	4759	2295 SB224 INTRODUCED
4760	4760	Page 83
4761	4761	b. Application fee for a professional bail company or a
4762	4762	professional surety company, a nonrefundable fee to be paid
4763	4763	for the issuance of an initial license : Up to five hundred
4764	4764	dollars ($500). Payment of this fee does not alleviate the
4765	4765	requirement that each individual professional bondsman,
4766	4766	professional surety bondsman, and recovery agent be licensed
4767	4767	under this chapter.
4768	4768	(2)a. Annual license renewal fee for a professional
4769	4769	bondsman, professional surety bondsman, or recovery agent, to
4770	4770	be paid to receive the annual continuing education
4771	4771	certificate: From fifty dollars ($50) up to five hundred
4772	4772	dollars ($500).
4773	4773	b. Annual license renewal fee for a professional bail
4774	4774	company or a professional surety company, to be paid to
4775	4775	receive the renewal license: Up to one hundred dollars ($100).
4776	4776	(i) Any professional bondsman or professional bail
4777	4777	company owner who , on August 1, 2021, is at least 65 years of
4778	4778	age and has 15 years of experience in the profession, shall be
4779	4779	exempt from the continuing education requirements of this
4780	4780	article.
4781	4781	(j) The board shall adopt rules necessary to carry out
4782	4782	this section."
4783	4783	Section 7. Relating to the Alabama Behavior Analyst
4784	4784	Licensing Board; to amend Sections 34-5A-1, 34-5A-3, 31-5A-4,
4785	4785	and 34-5A-7 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
4786	4786	"§34-5A-1
4787	4787	For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms
4788	4788	shall have the following meanings:
4789	4789	(1) APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS DIRECT CONTACT
4790	4790	2296
4791	4791	2297
4792	4792	2298
4793	4793	2299
4794	4794	2300
4795	4795	2301
4796	4796	2302
4797	4797	2303
4798	4798	2304
4799	4799	2305
4800	4800	2306
4801	4801	2307
4802	4802	2308
4803	4803	2309
4804	4804	2310
4805	4805	2311
4806	4806	2312
4807	4807	2313
4808	4808	2314
4809	4809	2315
4810	4810	2316
4811	4811	2317
4812	4812	2318
4813	4813	2319
4814	4814	2320
4815	4815	2321
4816	4816	2322
4817	4817	2323 SB224 INTRODUCED
4818	4818	Page 84
4819	4819	(1) APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS DIRECT CONTACT
4820	4820	TECHNICIAN. An individual who directly implements applied
4821	4821	behavior analysis services.
4822	4822	(2) BOARD. The Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensing Board
4823	4823	charged with overseeing the regulation of behavior analyst
4824	4824	professionals.
4825	4825	(3) CERTIFYING ENTITY. The nationally accredited
4826	4826	Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Incorporated.
4827	4827	(4) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
4828	4828	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
4829	4829	in Section 25-2B-1.
4830	4830	(4)(5) LICENSED ASSISTANT BEHAVIOR ANALYST. An
4831	4831	individual who is certified by the certifying entity as a
4832	4832	board certified assistant behavior analyst and who satisfies
4833	4833	the criteria identified in Section 34-5A-4.
4834	4834	(5)(6) LICENSED BEHAVIOR ANALYST. An individual who is
4835	4835	certified by the certifying entity as a board certified
4836	4836	behavior analyst and who satisfies the criteria identified in
4837	4837	Section 34-5A-4.
4838	4838	(6)(7) PRACTICE OF BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS. The design,
4839	4839	implementation, and evaluation of instructional and
4840	4840	environmental modifications to produce socially significant
4841	4841	improvements in human behavior.
4842	4842	a. The practice of behavior analysis includes all of
4843	4843	the following:
4844	4844	1. The empirical identification of functional relations
4845	4845	between behavior and environmental factors, known as
4846	4846	functional assessment and analysis.
4847	4847	2. Interventions based on scientific research and the
4848	4848	2324
4849	4849	2325
4850	4850	2326
4851	4851	2327
4852	4852	2328
4853	4853	2329
4854	4854	2330
4855	4855	2331
4856	4856	2332
4857	4857	2333
4858	4858	2334
4859	4859	2335
4860	4860	2336
4861	4861	2337
4862	4862	2338
4863	4863	2339
4864	4864	2340
4865	4865	2341
4866	4866	2342
4867	4867	2343
4868	4868	2344
4869	4869	2345
4870	4870	2346
4871	4871	2347
4872	4872	2348
4873	4873	2349
4874	4874	2350
4875	4875	2351 SB224 INTRODUCED
4876	4876	Page 85
4877	4877	2. Interventions based on scientific research and the
4878	4878	direct observation and measurement of behavior and
4879	4879	environment, which utilize contextual factors, establishing
4880	4880	operations, antecedent stimuli, positive reinforcement, and
4881	4881	other consequences to help individuals develop new behaviors,
4882	4882	increase or decrease existing behaviors, and elicit behaviors
4883	4883	under specific environmental conditions.
4884	4884	b. The practice of behavior analysis does not include
4885	4885	psychological testing, psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, sex
4886	4886	therapy, psychoanalysis or hypnotherapy, or long-term
4887	4887	counseling as treatment modalities.
4888	4888	c. The practice of behavior analysis does not include
4889	4889	preventing or alleviating or curing of diseases or injuries.
4890	4890	d. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as
4891	4891	permitting or allowing a licensed behavior analyst to
4892	4892	prescribe or administer any drug, make a medical diagnosis,
4893	4893	provide medical treatment, or manage a medical condition. A
4894	4894	licensed behavior analyst may not attempt to diagnose,
4895	4895	prescribe for, treat, or advise a client with reference to any
4896	4896	problem, complaint, or condition falling outside the
4897	4897	boundaries of behavior analysis."
4898	4898	"§34-5A-3
4899	4899	(a)(1) The Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensing Board is
4900	4900	established within the Department of Mental Health, Division
4901	4901	of Developmental Disabilities . Commencing on October 1, 2025,
4902	4902	the board shall be subject to the leadership, support, and
4903	4903	oversight of the Executive Director of the Office of
4904	4904	Occupational and Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B
4905	4905	of Title 25.
4906	4906	2352
4907	4907	2353
4908	4908	2354
4909	4909	2355
4910	4910	2356
4911	4911	2357
4912	4912	2358
4913	4913	2359
4914	4914	2360
4915	4915	2361
4916	4916	2362
4917	4917	2363
4918	4918	2364
4919	4919	2365
4920	4920	2366
4921	4921	2367
4922	4922	2368
4923	4923	2369
4924	4924	2370
4925	4925	2371
4926	4926	2372
4927	4927	2373
4928	4928	2374
4929	4929	2375
4930	4930	2376
4931	4931	2377
4932	4932	2378
4933	4933	2379 SB224 INTRODUCED
4934	4934	Page 86
4935	4935	of Title 25.
4936	4936	(2) The board shall consist of seven members, including
4937	4937	four licensed behavior analysts, one licensed psychologist in
4938	4938	the state, one parent or legal guardian of a person being
4939	4939	treated for a behavior disorder, or a person who has received
4940	4940	services from a licensed behavior analyst, and one public
4941	4941	member, who, except for the initial members, shall be
4942	4942	appointed by the Governor, as provided in subsection (b). The
4943	4943	membership of the board shall be inclusive and reflect the
4944	4944	racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic
4945	4945	diversity of the state. Each member shall serve a three-year
4946	4946	term, with initial terms being staggered so that one member
4947	4947	serves an initial term of one year, three members serve
4948	4948	initial terms of two years, and three members serve initial
4949	4949	terms of three years, as provided by the Commissioner of the
4950	4950	Department of Mental Health . The public member shall be a
4951	4951	person who is not and never was a member of any profession
4952	4952	licensed or regulated under this chapter, or the spouse of
4953	4953	such person, and a person who does not have and never has had
4954	4954	a material interest in the practice of behavior analysis.
4955	4955	(b) The initial members of the board shall be board
4956	4956	certified behavior analysts, as recognized by the certifying
4957	4957	entity, and shall each become licensed as a behavior analyst
4958	4958	or assistant behavior analyst, pursuant to this chapter,
4959	4959	during his or her initial term serving on the board. These
4960	4960	initial board members shall be appointed by the Commissioner
4961	4961	of the Department of Mental Health upon recommendations
4962	4962	submitted by the Alabama Association for Behavior Analysis,
4963	4963	the Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council, the
4964	4964	2380
4965	4965	2381
4966	4966	2382
4967	4967	2383
4968	4968	2384
4969	4969	2385
4970	4970	2386
4971	4971	2387
4972	4972	2388
4973	4973	2389
4974	4974	2390
4975	4975	2391
4976	4976	2392
4977	4977	2393
4978	4978	2394
4979	4979	2395
4980	4980	2396
4981	4981	2397
4982	4982	2398
4983	4983	2399
4984	4984	2400
4985	4985	2401
4986	4986	2402
4987	4987	2403
4988	4988	2404
4989	4989	2405
4990	4990	2406
4991	4991	2407 SB224 INTRODUCED
4992	4992	Page 87
4993	4993	the Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council, the
4994	4994	Department of Mental Health, and any other group determined
4995	4995	appropriate by the commissioner. Subsequent appointments
4996	4996	Members shall be appointed by the Governor upon
4997	4997	recommendations submitted by the board.
4998	4998	(c) Any vacancy occurring other than by expiration of
4999	4999	terms shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term
5000	5000	by appointment by the Governor, upon recommendation of the
5001	5001	board.
5002	5002	(d) No member shall serve more than two successive
5003	5003	three-year terms.
5004	5004	(e) A member shall serve until a successor is appointed
5005	5005	and assumes office.
5006	5006	(f) Members shall be paid out of the funds of the board
5007	5007	the same per diem as prescribed by law for state employees for
5008	5008	each day of attendance of board business.
5009	5009	(g)(f) The board shall meet at least twice annually and
5010	5010	may meet at such other times as necessary, at the call of the
5011	5011	chair or by a majority of the members, to complete the
5012	5012	business required.
5013	5013	(h)(g) The board shall promulgate and enforce rules and
5014	5014	the executive director shall establish fees necessary to
5015	5015	implement this chapter.
5016	5016	(i)(h) The board shall investigate all complaints
5017	5017	relating to the practice of behavior analysis by any licensed
5018	5018	behavior analyst, licensed assistant behavior analyst, or any
5019	5019	person alleged to be practicing or providing supervision
5020	5020	without a state license.
5021	5021	(1) The board may fine, censure, revoke, or deny a
5022	5022	2408
5023	5023	2409
5024	5024	2410
5025	5025	2411
5026	5026	2412
5027	5027	2413
5028	5028	2414
5029	5029	2415
5030	5030	2416
5031	5031	2417
5032	5032	2418
5033	5033	2419
5034	5034	2420
5035	5035	2421
5036	5036	2422
5037	5037	2423
5038	5038	2424
5039	5039	2425
5040	5040	2426
5041	5041	2427
5042	5042	2428
5043	5043	2429
5044	5044	2430
5045	5045	2431
5046	5046	2432
5047	5047	2433
5048	5048	2434
5049	5049	2435 SB224 INTRODUCED
5050	5050	Page 88
5051	5051	(1) The board may fine, censure, revoke, or deny a
5052	5052	license, place on probation, reprimand, or otherwise
5053	5053	discipline a licensee on any of the following grounds:
5054	5054	a. Conviction of a crime which the board determines to
5055	5055	be of a nature as to render the person convicted unfit to
5056	5056	practice as a behavior analyst.
5057	5057	b. Violation of the professional and ethical compliance
5058	5058	code or the rules of the board.
5059	5059	c. Fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a license.
5060	5060	(2) The board may summarily suspend the license of a
5061	5061	licensee who the board determines poses an imminent danger to
5062	5062	the public. A hearing shall be held within 10 days after the
5063	5063	suspension to determine whether the summary action was
5064	5064	warranted.
5065	5065	(3) No license may be denied, suspended, or revoked or
5066	5066	a person otherwise disciplined without prior notice and
5067	5067	opportunity for hearing, except that the board, without prior
5068	5068	notice of hearing, may take action against any person
5069	5069	convicted of a crime listed in paragraph a. of subdivision
5070	5070	(1). No license may be denied, suspended, or revoked or a
5071	5071	person otherwise disciplined pursuant to this section except
5072	5072	by vote of a majority of the membership of the board.
5073	5073	(4) Any person may file a complaint with the board
5074	5074	seeking the denial, suspension, or revocation of a license
5075	5075	issued or pending issuance by the board, or seeking to
5076	5076	otherwise discipline a person for any violation of this
5077	5077	chapter or rules adopted by the board. Complaints shall be in
5078	5078	a form prescribed by the board. If the board determines that a
5079	5079	complaint alleges facts which, if true, would require
5080	5080	2436
5081	5081	2437
5082	5082	2438
5083	5083	2439
5084	5084	2440
5085	5085	2441
5086	5086	2442
5087	5087	2443
5088	5088	2444
5089	5089	2445
5090	5090	2446
5091	5091	2447
5092	5092	2448
5093	5093	2449
5094	5094	2450
5095	5095	2451
5096	5096	2452
5097	5097	2453
5098	5098	2454
5099	5099	2455
5100	5100	2456
5101	5101	2457
5102	5102	2458
5103	5103	2459
5104	5104	2460
5105	5105	2461
5106	5106	2462
5107	5107	2463 SB224 INTRODUCED
5108	5108	Page 89
5109	5109	complaint alleges facts which, if true, would require
5110	5110	disciplinary action or denial, revocation, or suspension of a
5111	5111	license, the board shall promptly institute a hearing. If the
5112	5112	board determines that a complaint does not allege facts which
5113	5113	warrant a hearing, the complaint may be dismissed by the
5114	5114	board. The board, on its own motion, may institute a hearing
5115	5115	for disciplinary action or for the denial, suspension, or
5116	5116	revocation of a license.
5117	5117	(5) Any person whose license has been suspended or
5118	5118	revoked may apply to the board for vacation of the suspension
5119	5119	or reinstatement of his or her license.
5120	5120	(j)(i) Upon finding that a person governed by this
5121	5121	chapter has practiced as a behavior analyst, advertised that
5122	5122	he or she performs as a behavior analyst, or utilized a title
5123	5123	or description denoting that he or she is a behavior analyst
5124	5124	without first having obtained a license, the board may do any
5125	5125	of the following:
5126	5126	(1) Impose an administrative fine.
5127	5127	(2) Issue a cease and desist order.
5128	5128	(3) Petition the circuit court of the county where the
5129	5129	act occurred to enforce the cease and desist order and collect
5130	5130	the assessed fine.
5131	5131	(k)(j) A majority of the membership of the board shall
5132	5132	constitute a quorum.
5133	5133	(l)(k) The board shall elect a chair from among its
5134	5134	membership on an annual basis.
5135	5135	(m) There is established a separate special revenue
5136	5136	fund in the State Treasury known as the Alabama Behavior
5137	5137	Analyst Licensing Board Fund. (l) All receipts collected by the
5138	5138	2464
5139	5139	2465
5140	5140	2466
5141	5141	2467
5142	5142	2468
5143	5143	2469
5144	5144	2470
5145	5145	2471
5146	5146	2472
5147	5147	2473
5148	5148	2474
5149	5149	2475
5150	5150	2476
5151	5151	2477
5152	5152	2478
5153	5153	2479
5154	5154	2480
5155	5155	2481
5156	5156	2482
5157	5157	2483
5158	5158	2484
5159	5159	2485
5160	5160	2486
5161	5161	2487
5162	5162	2488
5163	5163	2489
5164	5164	2490
5165	5165	2491 SB224 INTRODUCED
5166	5166	Page 90
5167	5167	Analyst Licensing Board Fund. (l) All receipts collected by the
5168	5168	board pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited into this
5169	5169	fund and used to the credit of the board for its operation and
5170	5170	to carry out this chapter. Receipts shall be disbursed only by
5171	5171	warrant of the Comptroller drawn upon the State Treasury upon
5172	5172	itemized vouchers approved by the chair the Occupational and
5173	5173	Professional Licensing Fund ."
5174	5174	"§34-5A-4
5175	5175	Each person desiring to obtain a license shall submit
5176	5176	an application and authorized fees to the board. The
5177	5177	application shall be created by the executive director and
5178	5178	shall include evidence demonstrating that the applicant
5179	5179	satisfies all of the following requirements:
5180	5180	(1) Is of good moral character and conducts his or her
5181	5181	professional activities in accordance with accepted
5182	5182	professional and ethical standards, including:
5183	5183	a. Compliance with the professional and ethical
5184	5184	compliance code for behavior analysts of the certifying
5185	5185	entity.
5186	5186	b. Completion of a criminal background check pursuant
5187	5187	to rule of the board. The cost of the criminal background
5188	5188	check shall be paid by the applicant. An applicant shall
5189	5189	submit to the board two complete sets of fingerprints and a
5190	5190	form, sworn to by the applicant, containing his or her name,
5191	5191	date of birth, and Social Security number for completion of
5192	5192	the criminal background check. The board shall submit the
5193	5193	fingerprints and form to the State Bureau of Investigations,
5194	5194	or any entity contracted with for the purposes of furnishing
5195	5195	criminal background checks, for a state criminal history
5196	5196	2492
5197	5197	2493
5198	5198	2494
5199	5199	2495
5200	5200	2496
5201	5201	2497
5202	5202	2498
5203	5203	2499
5204	5204	2500
5205	5205	2501
5206	5206	2502
5207	5207	2503
5208	5208	2504
5209	5209	2505
5210	5210	2506
5211	5211	2507
5212	5212	2508
5213	5213	2509
5214	5214	2510
5215	5215	2511
5216	5216	2512
5217	5217	2513
5218	5218	2514
5219	5219	2515
5220	5220	2516
5221	5221	2517
5222	5222	2518
5223	5223	2519 SB224 INTRODUCED
5224	5224	Page 91
5225	5225	criminal background checks, for a state criminal history
5226	5226	record check. The board shall keep information received
5227	5227	pursuant to this section confidential, except that any
5228	5228	information received and relied upon in denying the issuance
5229	5229	of a license in this state may be disclosed if necessary to
5230	5230	support the denial.
5231	5231	(2) In addition to satisfying the requirements of
5232	5232	subdivision (1), a licensed behavior analyst applicant shall
5233	5233	also maintain active status as a board certified behavior
5234	5234	analyst, as recognized by the certifying entity, following
5235	5235	passage of the board certified behavior analyst examination.
5236	5236	(3) In addition to satisfying the requirements of
5237	5237	subdivision (1), a licensed assistant behavior analyst
5238	5238	applicant shall also do all of the following:
5239	5239	a. Maintain active status as a board certified
5240	5240	assistant behavior analyst, as recognized by the certifying
5241	5241	entity, following passage of the board certified assistant
5242	5242	behavior analyst examination.
5243	5243	b. Provide proof of ongoing supervision by a licensed
5244	5244	behavior analyst who is a current board certified behavior
5245	5245	analyst in a manner consistent with the requirements of the
5246	5246	certifying entity for supervision of board certified assistant
5247	5247	behavior analysts."
5248	5248	"§34-5A-7
5249	5249	(a) A license shall be granted for a period of two
5250	5250	years and shall expire on December 31 in the second year.
5251	5251	Before the expiration of a license, the license may be renewed
5252	5252	upon submission of an application for renewal, including proof
5253	5253	of continued certification by the certifying entity and
5254	5254	2520
5255	5255	2521
5256	5256	2522
5257	5257	2523
5258	5258	2524
5259	5259	2525
5260	5260	2526
5261	5261	2527
5262	5262	2528
5263	5263	2529
5264	5264	2530
5265	5265	2531
5266	5266	2532
5267	5267	2533
5268	5268	2534
5269	5269	2535
5270	5270	2536
5271	5271	2537
5272	5272	2538
5273	5273	2539
5274	5274	2540
5275	5275	2541
5276	5276	2542
5277	5277	2543
5278	5278	2544
5279	5279	2545
5280	5280	2546
5281	5281	2547 SB224 INTRODUCED
5282	5282	Page 92
5283	5283	of continued certification by the certifying entity and
5284	5284	payment of the renewal fee imposed by the board executive
5285	5285	director.
5286	5286	(b) All licenses issued pursuant to this chapter shall
5287	5287	be subject to renewal and shall expire unless renewed in the
5288	5288	manner prescribed by the rules of the board executive director
5289	5289	upon the payment of a renewal fee. The board executive
5290	5290	director may provide for a late renewal of a license upon
5291	5291	payment of a late renewal fee if all conditions for renewal
5292	5292	have been satisfied and upon payment of a late renewal fee.
5293	5293	Any license which has not been renewed within two years
5294	5294	following its expiration may not be renewed, restored, or
5295	5295	reissued thereafter. The holder of an expired license may
5296	5296	apply for and obtain a valid license only upon compliance with
5297	5297	all relevant requirements for issuance of a new license.
5298	5298	(c) A suspended license is subject to expiration and
5299	5299	may be renewed as provided in this section. Renewal of a
5300	5300	suspended license does not entitle the applicant, while the
5301	5301	license remains suspended and until it is reinstated, to
5302	5302	engage in licensed activity or in other conduct or activity in
5303	5303	violation of a license revoked on disciplinary grounds. Except
5304	5304	as otherwise provided in this chapter, a licensed behavior
5305	5305	analyst or licensed assistant behavior analyst who desires to
5306	5306	return to the active practice of applied behavior analysis
5307	5307	shall submit an application for reinstatement and shall pay
5308	5308	the nonrefundable reinstatement fee, and any late fee or
5309	5309	penalty fees that may be applicable. The amount of the
5310	5310	reinstatement fee and penalty shall be established by the rule
5311	5311	of the board executive director . The applicant shall meet the
5312	5312	2548
5313	5313	2549
5314	5314	2550
5315	5315	2551
5316	5316	2552
5317	5317	2553
5318	5318	2554
5319	5319	2555
5320	5320	2556
5321	5321	2557
5322	5322	2558
5323	5323	2559
5324	5324	2560
5325	5325	2561
5326	5326	2562
5327	5327	2563
5328	5328	2564
5329	5329	2565
5330	5330	2566
5331	5331	2567
5332	5332	2568
5333	5333	2569
5334	5334	2570
5335	5335	2571
5336	5336	2572
5337	5337	2573
5338	5338	2574
5339	5339	2575 SB224 INTRODUCED
5340	5340	Page 93
5341	5341	of the board executive director . The applicant shall meet the
5342	5342	same requirements as were necessary for initial licensure."
5343	5343	Section 8. Relating to the Board of Examiners in
5344	5344	Counseling; to amend Sections 34-8A-1, 34-8A-2, 34-8A-5,
5345	5345	34-8A-6, 34-8A-7, 34-8A-8, 34-8A-10, 34-8A-13, 34-8A-14,
5346	5346	34-8A-18, and 34-8A-81 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to read as
5347	5347	follows:
5348	5348	"§34-8A-1
5349	5349	There is hereby created a board to be known as the
5350	5350	Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling composed of seven
5351	5351	members, appointed by the Governor of this state within 60
5352	5352	days after July 18, 1979 , in the manner and for the term of
5353	5353	office as hereinafter provided. The board shall perform such
5354	5354	duties and have such powers as this chapter prescribes and
5355	5355	confers upon it. Commencing on October 1, 2025, the board
5356	5356	shall be subject to the leadership, support, and oversight of
5357	5357	the Executive Director of the Office of Occupational and
5358	5358	Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25. "
5359	5359	"§34-8A-2
5360	5360	For the purposes of this chapter, unless the context
5361	5361	requires otherwise, the following words and phrases shall have
5362	5362	the respective meanings ascribed by this section:
5363	5363	(1) ASSOCIATE LICENSED COUNSELOR. Any person that has
5364	5364	been licensed by the board to offer counseling services as
5365	5365	defined in this section while under the supervision of a board
5366	5366	approved supervisor.
5367	5367	(2) BOARD. The Alabama Board of Examiners in
5368	5368	Counseling.
5369	5369	(3) COUNSELING SERVICES. Those acts and behaviors
5370	5370	2576
5371	5371	2577
5372	5372	2578
5373	5373	2579
5374	5374	2580
5375	5375	2581
5376	5376	2582
5377	5377	2583
5378	5378	2584
5379	5379	2585
5380	5380	2586
5381	5381	2587
5382	5382	2588
5383	5383	2589
5384	5384	2590
5385	5385	2591
5386	5386	2592
5387	5387	2593
5388	5388	2594
5389	5389	2595
5390	5390	2596
5391	5391	2597
5392	5392	2598
5393	5393	2599
5394	5394	2600
5395	5395	2601
5396	5396	2602
5397	5397	2603 SB224 INTRODUCED
5398	5398	Page 94
5399	5399	(3) COUNSELING SERVICES. Those acts and behaviors
5400	5400	coming within the private practice of counseling.
5401	5401	(4) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
5402	5402	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
5403	5403	in Section 25-2B-1.
5404	5404	(4)(5) LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR. Any person who
5405	5405	represents to the public by any title or description of
5406	5406	services incorporating the words "licensed professional
5407	5407	counselor" or "licensed counselor"; and who offers to render
5408	5408	professional counseling services in private practice to
5409	5409	individuals, groups, organizations, corporations,
5410	5410	institutions, government agencies, or the general public in
5411	5411	settings of individual or group practice for a fee, salary, or
5412	5412	other compensation, implying licensure and training,
5413	5413	experience, or expertise in counseling, and who holds a
5414	5414	current, valid license to engage in the private practice of
5415	5415	counseling, with the exception of those practitioners listed
5416	5416	in Section 34-8A-3.
5417	5417	(5)(6) PRIVATE PRACTICE OF COUNSELING. Rendering or
5418	5418	offering to render to individuals, groups, organizations, or
5419	5419	the general public counseling services, in settings of
5420	5420	individual or group practice, for a fee, salary, or other
5421	5421	compensation, involving the application of principles,
5422	5422	methods, or procedures of the counseling profession which
5423	5423	include, but are not restricted to:
5424	5424	a. Counseling. To render evaluation and therapy that
5425	5425	includes, but is not limited to, providing individual
5426	5426	counseling, family counseling, marital counseling, group
5427	5427	therapy, school counseling, play therapy, rehabilitation
5428	5428	2604
5429	5429	2605
5430	5430	2606
5431	5431	2607
5432	5432	2608
5433	5433	2609
5434	5434	2610
5435	5435	2611
5436	5436	2612
5437	5437	2613
5438	5438	2614
5439	5439	2615
5440	5440	2616
5441	5441	2617
5442	5442	2618
5443	5443	2619
5444	5444	2620
5445	5445	2621
5446	5446	2622
5447	5447	2623
5448	5448	2624
5449	5449	2625
5450	5450	2626
5451	5451	2627
5452	5452	2628
5453	5453	2629
5454	5454	2630
5455	5455	2631 SB224 INTRODUCED
5456	5456	Page 95
5457	5457	therapy, school counseling, play therapy, rehabilitation
5458	5458	counseling, art therapy, human growth and development
5459	5459	counseling, couples counseling, chemical abuse or dependency
5460	5460	counseling, career counseling, and vocational disability
5461	5461	counseling. The use of specific methods, techniques, or
5462	5462	modalities within the practice of a licensed professional
5463	5463	counselor is restricted to counselors appropriately trained in
5464	5464	the use of these methods, techniques, or modalities. A
5465	5465	licensed professional counselor or associate licensed
5466	5466	counselor may diagnose and develop treatment plans but shall
5467	5467	not attempt to diagnose, prescribe for, treat, or advise a
5468	5468	client with reference to problems or complaints falling
5469	5469	outside the boundaries of counseling services.
5470	5470	b. Appraisal activities. Selecting, administering,
5471	5471	scoring, and interpreting instruments designed to assess an
5472	5472	individual's aptitudes, attitudes, abilities, achievements,
5473	5473	interests, and personal characteristics, but shall not include
5474	5474	the use of projective techniques in the assessment of
5475	5475	personality.
5476	5476	c. Counseling, guidance, and personnel consulting.
5477	5477	Interpreting or reporting upon scientific fact or theory in
5478	5478	counseling, guidance, and personnel services to provide
5479	5479	assistance in solving some current or potential problems of
5480	5480	individuals, groups, or organizations.
5481	5481	d. Referral activities. The evaluating of data to
5482	5482	identify problems and to determine advisability of referral to
5483	5483	other specialists.
5484	5484	e. Research activities. The designing, conducting, and
5485	5485	interpreting of research with human subjects.
5486	5486	2632
5487	5487	2633
5488	5488	2634
5489	5489	2635
5490	5490	2636
5491	5491	2637
5492	5492	2638
5493	5493	2639
5494	5494	2640
5495	5495	2641
5496	5496	2642
5497	5497	2643
5498	5498	2644
5499	5499	2645
5500	5500	2646
5501	5501	2647
5502	5502	2648
5503	5503	2649
5504	5504	2650
5505	5505	2651
5506	5506	2652
5507	5507	2653
5508	5508	2654
5509	5509	2655
5510	5510	2656
5511	5511	2657
5512	5512	2658
5513	5513	2659 SB224 INTRODUCED
5514	5514	Page 96
5515	5515	interpreting of research with human subjects.
5516	5516	(6)(7) PROVISIONAL LICENSE. A one-year, temporary
5517	5517	licensure status equal to that of a licensed professional
5518	5518	counselor or associate licensed counselor with specified
5519	5519	stipulations for establishing substantial equivalency
5520	5520	according to subdivision (4) of Section 34-8A-7."
5521	5521	"§34-8A-5
5522	5522	(a) The board shall elect annually a chair and a vice
5523	5523	chair. Each member shall receive daily compensation as
5524	5524	established by the board for each day actively engaged in the
5525	5525	duties of the board and the same travel expense allowance as
5526	5526	is paid to state employees for travel in the service of the
5527	5527	board. At the request of the executive director, a board
5528	5528	member may work additional days on behalf of the board. For
5529	5529	such activities, the board member shall be compensated at the
5530	5530	same daily rate for scheduled board meetings and shall receive
5531	5531	the same travel expense allowance as is paid to state
5532	5532	employees for travel in the service of the board. The amounts
5533	5533	shall in no case exceed funds available to the board. The
5534	5534	board shall hold at least one regular meeting each year.
5535	5535	Additional meetings may be held at the discretion of the chair
5536	5536	or at the written request of any three members of the board.
5537	5537	The board shall adopt a seal which shall be affixed to all
5538	5538	licenses and certificates issued by the board. The board shall
5539	5539	from time to time adopt those rules and regulations as the
5540	5540	board may deem necessary for the performance of the duties of
5541	5541	the board. The board may appoint and employ a qualified person
5542	5542	possessing a high degree of professional skill, not subject to
5543	5543	the State Merit System, to serve as executive director. The
5544	5544	2660
5545	5545	2661
5546	5546	2662
5547	5547	2663
5548	5548	2664
5549	5549	2665
5550	5550	2666
5551	5551	2667
5552	5552	2668
5553	5553	2669
5554	5554	2670
5555	5555	2671
5556	5556	2672
5557	5557	2673
5558	5558	2674
5559	5559	2675
5560	5560	2676
5561	5561	2677
5562	5562	2678
5563	5563	2679
5564	5564	2680
5565	5565	2681
5566	5566	2682
5567	5567	2683
5568	5568	2684
5569	5569	2685
5570	5570	2686
5571	5571	2687 SB224 INTRODUCED
5572	5572	Page 97
5573	5573	the State Merit System, to serve as executive director. The
5574	5574	compensation of the executive director shall be established by
5575	5575	the board. Four members of the board shall be empowered to
5576	5576	accept grants from foundations and institutions to carry on
5577	5577	the functions of the board.
5578	5578	(b) Notwithstanding any other contrary provision of
5579	5579	law, the executive director employed by the board may be a
5580	5580	practicing licensee of the board. "
5581	5581	"§34-8A-6
5582	5582	(a) A licensee may request that the board designate his
5583	5583	or her license with inactive status at any point prior to the
5584	5584	date of renewal. Granting inactive status to a licensee
5585	5585	revokes all privileges associated with this chapter until
5586	5586	reactivation is requested by the licensee. Procedures for
5587	5587	reactivating a license for practice status will be established
5588	5588	by the board executive director .
5589	5589	(b) All fees from applicants seeking licensing or
5590	5590	certification for private practice under this chapter, and all
5591	5591	license, certificate, or renewal fees received under this
5592	5592	chapter shall be paid to the board. No part of any fee shall
5593	5593	be returnable under any conditions. All fees collected in this
5594	5594	manner plus renewal fees and all deposited in the Occupational
5595	5595	and Professional Licensing Fund. All gifts or grants shall be
5596	5596	deposited in the State Treasury to the credit of the board.
5597	5597	There is appropriated from the Treasury funds to the credit of
5598	5598	the board to be used for printing, travel expenses of the
5599	5599	board, and for other necessary expenses as are necessary to
5600	5600	carry out the provisions of this chapter. Expenses shall be
5601	5601	paid under the written direction of the chair of the board, or
5602	5602	2688
5603	5603	2689
5604	5604	2690
5605	5605	2691
5606	5606	2692
5607	5607	2693
5608	5608	2694
5609	5609	2695
5610	5610	2696
5611	5611	2697
5612	5612	2698
5613	5613	2699
5614	5614	2700
5615	5615	2701
5616	5616	2702
5617	5617	2703
5618	5618	2704
5619	5619	2705
5620	5620	2706
5621	5621	2707
5622	5622	2708
5623	5623	2709
5624	5624	2710
5625	5625	2711
5626	5626	2712
5627	5627	2713
5628	5628	2714
5629	5629	2715 SB224 INTRODUCED
5630	5630	Page 98
5631	5631	paid under the written direction of the chair of the board, or
5632	5632	designee of the chair of the board, in accordance with normal
5633	5633	state procedure Occupational and Professional Licensing Fund .
5634	5634	(c) The board is required to shall charge an
5635	5635	application fee to be determined by the board executive
5636	5636	director. In addition to the application fee, the board
5637	5637	executive director may establish by rule a reasonable
5638	5638	application package fee, supervising counselor approval
5639	5639	processing fee, examination fee, provisional licensure fee,
5640	5640	licensure reactivation fee, and fee for written verification
5641	5641	of licensee status to a third party. The board shall determine
5642	5642	and collect additional reasonable fees in amounts determined
5643	5643	by the board executive director .
5644	5644	(d) Every licensed professional counselor engaging in
5645	5645	private practice in this state is required to pay biennially
5646	5646	to the board by August 1 a renewal fee to be determined by the
5647	5647	board executive director . The chair thereupon shall issue a
5648	5648	document renewing his or her license for a term of two years
5649	5649	prescribed by the executive director . The license of any
5650	5650	licensed professional counselor who fails to have his or her
5651	5651	license renewed biennially by August 1 as prescribed shall
5652	5652	lapse. Failure to renew a license, however, shall not deprive
5653	5653	the licensed professional counselor of the right of renewal
5654	5654	thereafter. A lapsed license may be renewed within a period of
5655	5655	two years after lapse prescribed by the executive director
5656	5656	upon payment of fees in arrears, or thereafter, upon payment
5657	5657	of a renewal fee as determined by the board executive
5658	5658	director. Any licensed professional counselor whose license
5659	5659	has lapsed beyond six years the time period prescribed by the
5660	5660	2716
5661	5661	2717
5662	5662	2718
5663	5663	2719
5664	5664	2720
5665	5665	2721
5666	5666	2722
5667	5667	2723
5668	5668	2724
5669	5669	2725
5670	5670	2726
5671	5671	2727
5672	5672	2728
5673	5673	2729
5674	5674	2730
5675	5675	2731
5676	5676	2732
5677	5677	2733
5678	5678	2734
5679	5679	2735
5680	5680	2736
5681	5681	2737
5682	5682	2738
5683	5683	2739
5684	5684	2740
5685	5685	2741
5686	5686	2742
5687	5687	2743 SB224 INTRODUCED
5688	5688	Page 99
5689	5689	has lapsed beyond six years the time period prescribed by the
5690	5690	executive director must reapply under the current regulations
5691	5691	rules for initial licensure.
5692	5692	(e) An associate licensed counselor engaging in private
5693	5693	practice under the supervision of a supervising counselor in
5694	5694	this state is required to shall pay annually to the board by
5695	5695	the anniversary of his or her initial license issuance date a
5696	5696	renewal fee to be determined by the board. The chair thereupon
5697	5697	shall issue a document renewing the license for a term of one
5698	5698	year executive director . The license of any associate licensed
5699	5699	counselor who fails to have his or her license renewed
5700	5700	annually by the anniversary of the initial license issuance
5701	5701	date shall lapse. Failure to renew a license, however, shall
5702	5702	not deprive the associate licensed counselor of the right of
5703	5703	renewal thereafter. A lapsed license may be renewed within a
5704	5704	period of one year after lapse time period prescribed by the
5705	5705	executive director upon payment of fees in arrears or
5706	5706	thereafter, upon payment of a renewal fee as determined by the
5707	5707	board executive director . Any associate licensed counselor
5708	5708	whose license has lapsed beyond six years the prescribed time
5709	5709	period must reapply under the current regulations rules for
5710	5710	initial licensure.
5711	5711	(f) Any provision of law to the contrary
5712	5712	notwithstanding, the license of any person licensed as a
5713	5713	professional counselor who has allowed his or her license to
5714	5714	lapse for 15 years or less, and who has been in a profession
5715	5715	for at least eight years where counseling is a part of the
5716	5716	daily routine of the profession including, but not limited to,
5717	5717	service as a school principal, school vice principal, school
5718	5718	2744
5719	5719	2745
5720	5720	2746
5721	5721	2747
5722	5722	2748
5723	5723	2749
5724	5724	2750
5725	5725	2751
5726	5726	2752
5727	5727	2753
5728	5728	2754
5729	5729	2755
5730	5730	2756
5731	5731	2757
5732	5732	2758
5733	5733	2759
5734	5734	2760
5735	5735	2761
5736	5736	2762
5737	5737	2763
5738	5738	2764
5739	5739	2765
5740	5740	2766
5741	5741	2767
5742	5742	2768
5743	5743	2769
5744	5744	2770
5745	5745	2771 SB224 INTRODUCED
5746	5746	Page 100
5747	5747	service as a school principal, school vice principal, school
5748	5748	psychometrist, or school psychologist, shall be reinstated
5749	5749	upon the payment of a fee of five hundred dollars ($500)
5750	5750	established by the executive director and the completion of 40
5751	5751	hours of continuing education."
5752	5752	"§34-8A-7
5753	5753	The board shall issue a license as a licensed
5754	5754	professional counselor to each applicant who files an
5755	5755	application upon a form and in a manner as the board executive
5756	5756	director prescribes, accompanied by a fee as is required in
5757	5757	this chapter prescribed by the executive director , and who
5758	5758	furnishes satisfactory evidence of the following to the board:
5759	5759	(1) The applicant is at least 19 years of age.
5760	5760	(2) The applicant is of good moral character.
5761	5761	(3) The applicant is not in violation of any of the
5762	5762	provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations
5763	5763	adopted hereunder.
5764	5764	(4) The applicant has received a master's degree from a
5765	5765	regionally accredited institution of higher learning which is
5766	5766	primarily professional counseling in content based on national
5767	5767	standards, or the substantial equivalent in both subject
5768	5768	matter and extent of training. The board shall use the
5769	5769	standards of nationally recognized professional counseling
5770	5770	associations as guides in establishing the standards for
5771	5771	counselor licensure.
5772	5772	(5) The applicant submits documentation of completion
5773	5773	of 3,000 hours of supervised experience in professional
5774	5774	counseling acceptable to the board. An applicant may subtract
5775	5775	1,000 hours of the required professional experience for every
5776	5776	2772
5777	5777	2773
5778	5778	2774
5779	5779	2775
5780	5780	2776
5781	5781	2777
5782	5782	2778
5783	5783	2779
5784	5784	2780
5785	5785	2781
5786	5786	2782
5787	5787	2783
5788	5788	2784
5789	5789	2785
5790	5790	2786
5791	5791	2787
5792	5792	2788
5793	5793	2789
5794	5794	2790
5795	5795	2791
5796	5796	2792
5797	5797	2793
5798	5798	2794
5799	5799	2795
5800	5800	2796
5801	5801	2797
5802	5802	2798
5803	5803	2799 SB224 INTRODUCED
5804	5804	Page 101
5805	5805	1,000 hours of the required professional experience for every
5806	5806	15 graduate semester hours obtained beyond the master's
5807	5807	degree, provided that those hours are clearly related to the
5808	5808	field of professional counseling and are acceptable to the
5809	5809	board. In no case may the applicant have less than 1,000 hours
5810	5810	of the required professional supervised experience.
5811	5811	(6) The applicant demonstrates competence and knowledge
5812	5812	in professional counseling by passing an examination, as the
5813	5813	board prescribes. A specialty designation may be added upon
5814	5814	demonstration to the board that the applicant has met the
5815	5815	recognized minimum standards as established by nationally
5816	5816	recognized certification agencies. Upon successful passage of
5817	5817	an examination, and upon receipt of credentials from
5818	5818	certifying agencies the board may, by a majority of the board
5819	5819	members present and voting, consider the credentials adequate
5820	5820	evidence of professional competence and recommend to the chair
5821	5821	of the board that a license with appropriate specialty
5822	5822	designation, if any, be approved. A licensed professional
5823	5823	counselor cannot claim or advertise a counseling specialty
5824	5824	unless the qualifications of that specialty have been met and
5825	5825	have been approved by the board.
5826	5826	(7) The applicant is a citizen of the United States or,
5827	5827	if not a citizen of the United States, a person who is legally
5828	5828	present in the United States with appropriate documentation
5829	5829	from the federal government."
5830	5830	"§34-8A-8
5831	5831	The board shall issue a license as an associate
5832	5832	licensed counselor to each applicant who files an application
5833	5833	upon a form and in such manner as the board executive director
5834	5834	2800
5835	5835	2801
5836	5836	2802
5837	5837	2803
5838	5838	2804
5839	5839	2805
5840	5840	2806
5841	5841	2807
5842	5842	2808
5843	5843	2809
5844	5844	2810
5845	5845	2811
5846	5846	2812
5847	5847	2813
5848	5848	2814
5849	5849	2815
5850	5850	2816
5851	5851	2817
5852	5852	2818
5853	5853	2819
5854	5854	2820
5855	5855	2821
5856	5856	2822
5857	5857	2823
5858	5858	2824
5859	5859	2825
5860	5860	2826
5861	5861	2827 SB224 INTRODUCED
5862	5862	Page 102
5863	5863	upon a form and in such manner as the board executive director
5864	5864	prescribes accompanied by such fees as are required by this
5865	5865	chapter, and who furnishes satisfactory evidence of the
5866	5866	following to the board:
5867	5867	(1) The applicant has complied with provisions outlined
5868	5868	in subdivisions (1), (2), (3), and (4) of Section 34-8A-7;
5869	5869	(2) The associate licensed counselor may not practice
5870	5870	without direct supervision by a licensed professional
5871	5871	counselor. The plan for supervision of the associate licensed
5872	5872	counselor is to be approved by the board prior to any actual
5873	5873	performance of counseling on the part of the associate
5874	5874	licensed counselor;
5875	5875	(3) Any associate licensed counselor after meeting the
5876	5876	requirements specified in subdivisions (5) and (6) of Section
5877	5877	34-8A-7 may petition the board for licensure as a professional
5878	5878	counselor."
5879	5879	"§34-8A-10
5880	5880	The place of examination shall be designated in advance
5881	5881	by the board executive director , and such examination shall be
5882	5882	given annually at such time and place determined by the
5883	5883	executive director and under the supervision as the board may
5884	5884	determine, and specifically at such other times as in the
5885	5885	opinion of the board executive director the number of
5886	5886	applicants warrants."
5887	5887	"§34-8A-13
5888	5888	The board is required to preserve an examination score
5889	5889	of each candidate, as part of its records for a period of two
5890	5890	years following the date of examination as determined by the
5891	5891	executive director ."
5892	5892	2828
5893	5893	2829
5894	5894	2830
5895	5895	2831
5896	5896	2832
5897	5897	2833
5898	5898	2834
5899	5899	2835
5900	5900	2836
5901	5901	2837
5902	5902	2838
5903	5903	2839
5904	5904	2840
5905	5905	2841
5906	5906	2842
5907	5907	2843
5908	5908	2844
5909	5909	2845
5910	5910	2846
5911	5911	2847
5912	5912	2848
5913	5913	2849
5914	5914	2850
5915	5915	2851
5916	5916	2852
5917	5917	2853
5918	5918	2854
5919	5919	2855 SB224 INTRODUCED
5920	5920	Page 103
5921	5921	executive director ."
5922	5922	"§34-8A-14
5923	5923	(a) Counselors licensed as a licensed professional
5924	5924	counselor by the board shall be required to submit biennially
5925	5925	at the time of renewal a license renewal fee to be established
5926	5926	by the board executive director . No license shall be renewed
5927	5927	unless the renewal request is accompanied by evidence
5928	5928	satisfactory to the board of the completion during the
5929	5929	previous 24 months of relevant professional and continued
5930	5930	educational experience.
5931	5931	(b) Counselors licensed as an associate licensed
5932	5932	counselor by the board shall be required to submit annually at
5933	5933	the time of renewal a license renewal fee to be established by
5934	5934	the board executive director . No license shall be renewed
5935	5935	unless the renewal request is accompanied by evidence
5936	5936	satisfactory to the board of the completion during the
5937	5937	previous 12 months of relevant professional and continued
5938	5938	educational experience.
5939	5939	(c) If any professional counselor or counselor
5940	5940	associate duly licensed under this chapter, by virtue of
5941	5941	additional training and experience, is qualified to practice
5942	5942	in a specialty other than that for which he or she was deemed
5943	5943	competent at the time of initial licensing, and wishes to
5944	5944	offer such service under the provisions of this chapter, he or
5945	5945	she is required to submit at the time of biennial renewal of
5946	5946	licenses, additional credentials and he or she is to be given
5947	5947	the opportunity to demonstrate his or her knowledge and
5948	5948	application thereof in areas deemed relevant to his or her
5949	5949	specialty. This procedure is considered a necessary part of
5950	5950	2856
5951	5951	2857
5952	5952	2858
5953	5953	2859
5954	5954	2860
5955	5955	2861
5956	5956	2862
5957	5957	2863
5958	5958	2864
5959	5959	2865
5960	5960	2866
5961	5961	2867
5962	5962	2868
5963	5963	2869
5964	5964	2870
5965	5965	2871
5966	5966	2872
5967	5967	2873
5968	5968	2874
5969	5969	2875
5970	5970	2876
5971	5971	2877
5972	5972	2878
5973	5973	2879
5974	5974	2880
5975	5975	2881
5976	5976	2882
5977	5977	2883 SB224 INTRODUCED
5978	5978	Page 104
5979	5979	specialty. This procedure is considered a necessary part of
5980	5980	the renewal process. No charge in addition to the renewal fee
5981	5981	is levied."
5982	5982	"§34-8A-18
5983	5983	(a) In addition to any other powers and functions which
5984	5984	may be conferred upon it by law, the board may issue an order
5985	5985	assessing a civil penalty not less than five hundred dollars
5986	5986	($500) and not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000)
5987	5987	against any person who holds himself or herself out to the
5988	5988	public as a licensed professional counselor or associate
5989	5989	licensed counselor or who uses any title or description as
5990	5990	prescribed in subdivisions (1) and (4) of Section 34-8A-2, or
5991	5991	who shall engage in the private practice of counseling and
5992	5992	does not then possess in full force and virtue a valid license
5993	5993	to engage in private practice as a licensed professional
5994	5994	counselor or associate licensed counselor under this chapter.
5995	5995	(b) In determining the amount of any penalty, the board
5996	5996	shall consider the seriousness of the violation, including any
5997	5997	threat to the health, safety, or welfare of the public, the
5998	5998	unlawful gain or economic benefit gained by the violation, the
5999	5999	person's history of previous violations, and the person's
6000	6000	efforts to mitigate and comply with this chapter.
6001	6001	(c) Civil penalties assessed in an order under this
6002	6002	section and not paid within 60 days from the effective date of
6003	6003	the order may be recovered in a civil action brought by the
6004	6004	board in the Circuit Court of Montgomery County or the county
6005	6005	in which the defendant does business.
6006	6006	(d) Judicial review of an order entered by the board
6007	6007	under this section shall be conducted in accordance with the
6008	6008	2884
6009	6009	2885
6010	6010	2886
6011	6011	2887
6012	6012	2888
6013	6013	2889
6014	6014	2890
6015	6015	2891
6016	6016	2892
6017	6017	2893
6018	6018	2894
6019	6019	2895
6020	6020	2896
6021	6021	2897
6022	6022	2898
6023	6023	2899
6024	6024	2900
6025	6025	2901
6026	6026	2902
6027	6027	2903
6028	6028	2904
6029	6029	2905
6030	6030	2906
6031	6031	2907
6032	6032	2908
6033	6033	2909
6034	6034	2910
6035	6035	2911 SB224 INTRODUCED
6036	6036	Page 105
6037	6037	under this section shall be conducted in accordance with the
6038	6038	pertinent provisions for the judicial review of contested
6039	6039	cases as provided under the Alabama Administrative Procedure
6040	6040	Act.
6041	6041	(e) The board shall exercise its jurisdiction for
6042	6042	disciplinary oversight of licensees during the period of their
6043	6043	licensure. The board shall not accept voluntary surrender of a
6044	6044	license on the part of a licensee to avoid possible
6045	6045	disciplinary actions by the board. Securing inactive status of
6046	6046	a license shall not negate jurisdiction of the board for a
6047	6047	licensee's actions during any period of active licensure. If a
6048	6048	former licensee or a licensee with inactive status is found to
6049	6049	be in violation of the relevant state law or regulations, a
6050	6050	public announcement of the decision of the board shall be
6051	6051	proffered in a manner to be determined by the board.
6052	6052	(f) The Attorney General shall be the attorney of the
6053	6053	board, but the board may employ other counsel. "
6054	6054	"§34-8A-81
6055	6055	(a) The board shall promote the early identification,
6056	6056	intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation of licensees who
6057	6057	may be impaired.
6058	6058	(b) The board executive director may contract with any
6059	6059	nonprofit corporation or medical professional association for
6060	6060	the purpose of creating, supporting, and maintaining the
6061	6061	Alabama Licensed Counselor Wellness Committee. The committee
6062	6062	shall consist of not less than three nor more than nine
6063	6063	licensees. Committee members shall be appointed by the board
6064	6064	for terms of three years and shall be eligible for
6065	6065	reappointment. The board, for just cause, may remove a
6066	6066	2912
6067	6067	2913
6068	6068	2914
6069	6069	2915
6070	6070	2916
6071	6071	2917
6072	6072	2918
6073	6073	2919
6074	6074	2920
6075	6075	2921
6076	6076	2922
6077	6077	2923
6078	6078	2924
6079	6079	2925
6080	6080	2926
6081	6081	2927
6082	6082	2928
6083	6083	2929
6084	6084	2930
6085	6085	2931
6086	6086	2932
6087	6087	2933
6088	6088	2934
6089	6089	2935
6090	6090	2936
6091	6091	2937
6092	6092	2938
6093	6093	2939 SB224 INTRODUCED
6094	6094	Page 106
6095	6095	reappointment. The board, for just cause, may remove a
6096	6096	committee member before the expiration of his or her term.
6097	6097	(c) The board executive director may expend any
6098	6098	available funds as necessary to cover the operational expenses
6099	6099	of the committee including, but not limited to, the actual
6100	6100	cost of travel, office overhead, personnel expenses, and
6101	6101	compensation of committee members and staff. Funds expended
6102	6102	pursuant to this subsection are not subject to competitive bid
6103	6103	laws."
6104	6104	Section 9. Relating to the Alabama Board of Electrical
6105	6105	Contractors; to amend Sections 34-36-3, 34-36-4, 34-36-7,
6106	6106	34-36-8, 34-36-9, 34-36-11, and 34-36-17 of the Code of
6107	6107	Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
6108	6108	"§34-36-3
6109	6109	The following terms shall have the meanings
6110	6110	respectively ascribed to them used in this chapter, for the
6111	6111	purposes of this chapter, unless the context clearly requires
6112	6112	a different meaning:
6113	6113	(1) BOARD. The Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors.
6114	6114	(2) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
6115	6115	Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors Office of Occupational
6116	6116	and Professional Licensing as defined in Section 25-2B-1 .
6117	6117	(3) ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING. Any job or project in the
6118	6118	State of Alabama wherein the electrical contractor proposes to
6119	6119	bid, install, maintain, alter, or repair any electric wiring
6120	6120	devices or equipment.
6121	6121	(4) ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR. Any person, firm, or
6122	6122	corporation who is engaged in the business of soliciting and
6123	6123	installing electrical power or control systems; maintaining,
6124	6124	2940
6125	6125	2941
6126	6126	2942
6127	6127	2943
6128	6128	2944
6129	6129	2945
6130	6130	2946
6131	6131	2947
6132	6132	2948
6133	6133	2949
6134	6134	2950
6135	6135	2951
6136	6136	2952
6137	6137	2953
6138	6138	2954
6139	6139	2955
6140	6140	2956
6141	6141	2957
6142	6142	2958
6143	6143	2959
6144	6144	2960
6145	6145	2961
6146	6146	2962
6147	6147	2963
6148	6148	2964
6149	6149	2965
6150	6150	2966
6151	6151	2967 SB224 INTRODUCED
6152	6152	Page 107
6153	6153	installing electrical power or control systems; maintaining,
6154	6154	altering, or repairing electrical power or control systems,
6155	6155	any electrical wiring devices, equipment, or any other
6156	6156	electrical apparatus. A person who possesses the necessary
6157	6157	qualifications, training, and technical knowledge to plan, lay
6158	6158	out, and supervise the installation of electrical wiring,
6159	6159	apparatus, or equipment for lighting, heating, power, or
6160	6160	controls and who possesses any of the following
6161	6161	qualifications:
6162	6162	a. Four years of practical experience as a journeyman
6163	6163	electrician in charge of jobs.
6164	6164	b. Four years of experience in the design and
6165	6165	construction of electrical systems.
6166	6166	(5) JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN. A person who possesses
6167	6167	necessary qualifications, training, and technical knowledge to
6168	6168	install electrical wiring, apparatus, or equipment lighting,
6169	6169	heating, or power or control covered by this chapter. He or
6170	6170	she shall work under a master or state certified electrical
6171	6171	contractor and shall be capable of doing work according to
6172	6172	plans and specifications furnished to him or her and in
6173	6173	accordance with standard rules and regulations governing such
6174	6174	work.
6175	6175	(6) LICENSE. A valid and current certificate of
6176	6176	registration issued by the executive director on behalf of the
6177	6177	board which shall give the named person to whom it is issued
6178	6178	authority to engage in the activity prescribed thereon.
6179	6179	(7) LICENSEE. Any person holding a license.
6180	6180	(8) PERSON. A human person, not a legal entity."
6181	6181	"§34-36-4
6182	6182	2968
6183	6183	2969
6184	6184	2970
6185	6185	2971
6186	6186	2972
6187	6187	2973
6188	6188	2974
6189	6189	2975
6190	6190	2976
6191	6191	2977
6192	6192	2978
6193	6193	2979
6194	6194	2980
6195	6195	2981
6196	6196	2982
6197	6197	2983
6198	6198	2984
6199	6199	2985
6200	6200	2986
6201	6201	2987
6202	6202	2988
6203	6203	2989
6204	6204	2990
6205	6205	2991
6206	6206	2992
6207	6207	2993
6208	6208	2994
6209	6209	2995 SB224 INTRODUCED
6210	6210	Page 108
6211	6211	"§34-36-4
6212	6212	(a) The Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors is
6213	6213	created. Commencing on October 1, 2025, the board shall be
6214	6214	subject to the leadership, support, and oversight of the
6215	6215	Executive Director of the Office of Occupational and
6216	6216	Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25.
6217	6217	(b) A person to be eligible for appointment to serve on
6218	6218	the board shall be a citizen and resident of Alabama. Each
6219	6219	person appointed to the board from each congressional district
6220	6220	shall be actively engaged in the electrical construction
6221	6221	business as a qualified person with electrical construction
6222	6222	background of not less than five consecutive years, and shall
6223	6223	hold certificates to validate his or her competence as an
6224	6224	electrical contractor in the electrical construction field.
6225	6225	The two persons appointed to the board as at-large members
6226	6226	shall be members of the Alabama State Electrical Workers
6227	6227	Association. The membership of the board should be inclusive
6228	6228	and should reflect the racial, gender, geographic,
6229	6229	urban/rural, and economic diversity of the state.
6230	6230	(c) The board shall consist of nine members to be
6231	6231	appointed by the Governor. One member shall be appointed from
6232	6232	each congressional district, and there shall be two at-large
6233	6233	members who shall be appointed from within the state. The
6234	6234	board members from the First, Second, and Third Congressional
6235	6235	Districts shall be appointed for terms of one year; the board
6236	6236	members from the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Congressional
6237	6237	Districts shall be appointed for terms of two years; and the
6238	6238	board member from the Seventh Congressional District as well
6239	6239	as the at-large members shall be appointed for terms of three
6240	6240	2996
6241	6241	2997
6242	6242	2998
6243	6243	2999
6244	6244	3000
6245	6245	3001
6246	6246	3002
6247	6247	3003
6248	6248	3004
6249	6249	3005
6250	6250	3006
6251	6251	3007
6252	6252	3008
6253	6253	3009
6254	6254	3010
6255	6255	3011
6256	6256	3012
6257	6257	3013
6258	6258	3014
6259	6259	3015
6260	6260	3016
6261	6261	3017
6262	6262	3018
6263	6263	3019
6264	6264	3020
6265	6265	3021
6266	6266	3022
6267	6267	3023 SB224 INTRODUCED
6268	6268	Page 109
6269	6269	as the at-large members shall be appointed for terms of three
6270	6270	years. Thereafter, all board members shall be appointed for
6271	6271	terms of three years. Each term shall expire on June 30 of the
6272	6272	last year of the term, and no member shall serve more than two
6273	6273	consecutive three-year terms. Vacancies on the board for any
6274	6274	cause shall be filled by appointment by the Governor for the
6275	6275	remainder of the unexpired term. Members shall serve until
6276	6276	their successors are appointed.
6277	6277	(d) The board shall meet at least semiannually and as
6278	6278	often as necessary. The board shall meet annually to elect
6279	6279	officers from its membership, whose initial terms shall expire
6280	6280	on June 30 next following their election. Special meetings of
6281	6281	the board may be held as the board provides in its rules and
6282	6282	regulations. The board shall meet at least once in the first
6283	6283	quarter and once in the third quarter of the year. Five
6284	6284	members of the board shall constitute a quorum.
6285	6285	(e) The board may adopt rules and regulations to carry
6286	6286	out this chapter.
6287	6287	(f) Any member of the board or duly appointed hearing
6288	6288	officer designated by the board may administer oaths and take
6289	6289	testimony concerning all matters within the jurisdiction of
6290	6290	the board.
6291	6291	(g) The board may sue and be sued in its official name.
6292	6292	Absent negligence, wantonness, recklessness, or deliberate
6293	6293	misconduct, members of the board are immune from liability for
6294	6294	all good faith acts performed in the execution of their duties
6295	6295	of the board.
6296	6296	(h) The board shall adopt a seal for its use containing
6297	6297	the words: Alabama Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board.
6298	6298	3024
6299	6299	3025
6300	6300	3026
6301	6301	3027
6302	6302	3028
6303	6303	3029
6304	6304	3030
6305	6305	3031
6306	6306	3032
6307	6307	3033
6308	6308	3034
6309	6309	3035
6310	6310	3036
6311	6311	3037
6312	6312	3038
6313	6313	3039
6314	6314	3040
6315	6315	3041
6316	6316	3042
6317	6317	3043
6318	6318	3044
6319	6319	3045
6320	6320	3046
6321	6321	3047
6322	6322	3048
6323	6323	3049
6324	6324	3050
6325	6325	3051 SB224 INTRODUCED
6326	6326	Page 110
6327	6327	the words: Alabama Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board.
6328	6328	(i) The board may employ, and at its pleasure
6329	6329	discharge, an executive director. The board may hire other
6330	6330	officers and administrative employees which may be necessary
6331	6331	to implement this chapter. The board may employ, on an as
6332	6332	needed basis, an investigator to investigate complaints. The
6333	6333	board shall not employ electrical inspectors nor provide for
6334	6334	any electrical inspections. The board shall outline the duties
6335	6335	and fix the compensation and expense allowances of all
6336	6336	employees pursuant to the Merit System Act of Alabama.
6337	6337	(j)(i) The board is subject to the Alabama Sunset Law
6338	6338	and is classified as an enumerated agency pursuant to Section
6339	6339	41-20-3. The board shall automatically terminate on October 1,
6340	6340	2012, and every four years thereafter, unless a bill is
6341	6341	enacted that the board be continued, modified, or
6342	6342	reestablished.
6343	6343	(k)(j) Each board member shall be accountable to the
6344	6344	Governor for the proper performance of his or her duties as a
6345	6345	member of the board. The Governor shall investigate any
6346	6346	complaints or unfavorable reports concerning the actions of
6347	6347	the board and shall take appropriate action thereon, including
6348	6348	removal of any board member for misfeasance, malfeasance,
6349	6349	neglect of duty, commission of a felony, incompetence, or
6350	6350	permanent inability to perform official duties. A board member
6351	6351	may be removed at the request of the board after failing to
6352	6352	attend three consecutive properly noticed meetings."
6353	6353	"§34-36-7
6354	6354	(a) All applicants for licensure must submit a
6355	6355	completed application, application fee, and supportive
6356	6356	3052
6357	6357	3053
6358	6358	3054
6359	6359	3055
6360	6360	3056
6361	6361	3057
6362	6362	3058
6363	6363	3059
6364	6364	3060
6365	6365	3061
6366	6366	3062
6367	6367	3063
6368	6368	3064
6369	6369	3065
6370	6370	3066
6371	6371	3067
6372	6372	3068
6373	6373	3069
6374	6374	3070
6375	6375	3071
6376	6376	3072
6377	6377	3073
6378	6378	3074
6379	6379	3075
6380	6380	3076
6381	6381	3077
6382	6382	3078
6383	6383	3079 SB224 INTRODUCED
6384	6384	Page 111
6385	6385	completed application, application fee, and supportive
6386	6386	documentation of qualifications before taking an examination
6387	6387	approved by the board. The board shall examine applicants at
6388	6388	least once every three months according to the method deemed
6389	6389	by it to be the most appropriate to test the qualifications of
6390	6390	applicants. Any national standardized or written examination
6391	6391	proctored by an independent third party which the board shall
6392	6392	approve as substantially similar to the examination required
6393	6393	to be licensed under this chapter may be administered to all
6394	6394	applicants in lieu of or in conjunction with any other
6395	6395	examination which the board shall give to test the
6396	6396	qualifications of applicants. The board shall also have the
6397	6397	right to establish such norms of achievement as shall be
6398	6398	required for a passing grade. The board may, by rule, adopt
6399	6399	the National Electrical Code for the purpose of examinations.
6400	6400	(b) The board may recognize a license issued by any
6401	6401	other state that, in the opinion of the board, has standards
6402	6402	of practice or licensure equal to or higher than those
6403	6403	required by this state. The board shall actively seek to
6404	6404	reciprocate with those states meeting such standards. The
6405	6405	board shall actively seek to maintain those states currently
6406	6406	under agreement.
6407	6407	(c) No license shall be issued except in compliance
6408	6408	with this chapter and none shall be issued except to a person
6409	6409	or a person in a firm, partnership, association, or
6410	6410	corporation. A firm, partnership, association, or corporation,
6411	6411	as such, shall not be licensed. A licensee shall be a citizen
6412	6412	of the United States or, if not a citizen of the United
6413	6413	States, a person who is legally present in the United States
6414	6414	3080
6415	6415	3081
6416	6416	3082
6417	6417	3083
6418	6418	3084
6419	6419	3085
6420	6420	3086
6421	6421	3087
6422	6422	3088
6423	6423	3089
6424	6424	3090
6425	6425	3091
6426	6426	3092
6427	6427	3093
6428	6428	3094
6429	6429	3095
6430	6430	3096
6431	6431	3097
6432	6432	3098
6433	6433	3099
6434	6434	3100
6435	6435	3101
6436	6436	3102
6437	6437	3103
6438	6438	3104
6439	6439	3105
6440	6440	3106
6441	6441	3107 SB224 INTRODUCED
6442	6442	Page 112
6443	6443	States, a person who is legally present in the United States
6444	6444	with appropriate documentation from the federal government.
6445	6445	(d) An individual who has successfully passed, on or
6446	6446	before January 1, 2010, with a minimum score of 70 percent, or
6447	6447	an individual who has successfully passed after January 1,
6448	6448	2010, with a minimum score of 75 percent, a nationally
6449	6449	standardized proctored electrical examination administered in
6450	6450	the State of Alabama, by Block and Associates, International
6451	6451	Code Council, Experior, Promissor, Thomson Prometric, PROV, or
6452	6452	any other exam approved by the board, shall be deemed to be in
6453	6453	compliance with the testing requirement set forth by the board
6454	6454	for licensure as an electrical contractor. Individuals meeting
6455	6455	this qualification shall also be required to complete all
6456	6456	other qualifications set forth by this chapter and the board
6457	6457	prior to issuance of an electrical contractor license.
6458	6458	Electrical contractor applicants affected by this provision
6459	6459	shall have until July 1, 2011, to apply for licensure without
6460	6460	any further examination requirements."
6461	6461	"§34-36-8
6462	6462	(a) All licenses shall expire annually or at other
6463	6463	times designated by the board executive director . All
6464	6464	applications for renewal of licenses shall be filed with the
6465	6465	executive director prior to the expiration date, accompanied
6466	6466	by the annual renewal fee prescribed by the board executive
6467	6467	director.
6468	6468	(b) The board is authorized to establish or adopt, or
6469	6469	both, education requirements and may approve the program or
6470	6470	programs providing education to fulfill the requirements. The
6471	6471	board shall set the minimum standards of education. All
6472	6472	3108
6473	6473	3109
6474	6474	3110
6475	6475	3111
6476	6476	3112
6477	6477	3113
6478	6478	3114
6479	6479	3115
6480	6480	3116
6481	6481	3117
6482	6482	3118
6483	6483	3119
6484	6484	3120
6485	6485	3121
6486	6486	3122
6487	6487	3123
6488	6488	3124
6489	6489	3125
6490	6490	3126
6491	6491	3127
6492	6492	3128
6493	6493	3129
6494	6494	3130
6495	6495	3131
6496	6496	3132
6497	6497	3133
6498	6498	3134
6499	6499	3135 SB224 INTRODUCED
6500	6500	Page 113
6501	6501	board shall set the minimum standards of education. All
6502	6502	persons holding an electrical contractor license shall be
6503	6503	required to complete 14 hours of continuing education every
6504	6504	two years.
6505	6505	(c) The board may promulgate rules regarding the
6506	6506	approval of continuing education courses and the accounting
6507	6507	for continuing education hours.
6508	6508	(d) Any person licensed by the board may elect an
6509	6509	inactive status certificate by notifying the board in writing.
6510	6510	The fee for the issuance and renewal of an inactive status
6511	6511	certificate shall be established by the board executive
6512	6512	director. The board shall provide by rule those activities
6513	6513	which an inactive status certificate holder may engage in and
6514	6514	for a procedure for the reinstatement as an active status
6515	6515	certificate holder."
6516	6516	"§34-36-9
6517	6517	An expired license for an electrical contractor which
6518	6518	has expired for failure to renew may only be restored within
6519	6519	five years from the date of expiration after application and
6520	6520	payment of the prescribed restoration fee and satisfaction of
6521	6521	all continuing education requirements. The restoration fee
6522	6522	shall be established by the board executive director and shall
6523	6523	be due upon application for restoration. The restoration fee
6524	6524	shall be in addition to all accrued renewal fees. Any license
6525	6525	which has not been restored within five years following its
6526	6526	expiration may not be renewed, restored, or reissued
6527	6527	thereafter. The holder of such a cancelled license may apply
6528	6528	for and obtain a valid license only upon compliance with all
6529	6529	relevant requirements as prescribed by this chapter or by rule
6530	6530	3136
6531	6531	3137
6532	6532	3138
6533	6533	3139
6534	6534	3140
6535	6535	3141
6536	6536	3142
6537	6537	3143
6538	6538	3144
6539	6539	3145
6540	6540	3146
6541	6541	3147
6542	6542	3148
6543	6543	3149
6544	6544	3150
6545	6545	3151
6546	6546	3152
6547	6547	3153
6548	6548	3154
6549	6549	3155
6550	6550	3156
6551	6551	3157
6552	6552	3158
6553	6553	3159
6554	6554	3160
6555	6555	3161
6556	6556	3162
6557	6557	3163 SB224 INTRODUCED
6558	6558	Page 114
6559	6559	relevant requirements as prescribed by this chapter or by rule
6560	6560	for issuance of a new license."
6561	6561	"§34-36-11
6562	6562	The board is empowered to may establish and charge
6563	6563	reasonable fees for the administration of examinations,
6564	6564	issuance of all active and inactive licenses, and supplying
6565	6565	information to applicants, licensees, and the general public.
6566	6566	Such fees shall be commensurate with the cost of fulfilling
6567	6567	the duties of the board as defined in this chapter. "
6568	6568	"§34-36-17
6569	6569	There is hereby established a separate fund in the
6570	6570	State Treasury to be known as the Alabama Board of Electrical
6571	6571	Contractors Fund. All money derived under the provisions of
6572	6572	this chapter shall be deposited in this fund and used only to
6573	6573	carry out the provisions of this chapter. Such fund shall be
6574	6574	paid out only by warrant of the Comptroller upon the
6575	6575	Treasurer, upon itemized vouchers, approved by the director of
6576	6576	the board; provided, that no funds shall be withdrawn or
6577	6577	expended except as budgeted and allotted according to the
6578	6578	provisions of Sections 41-4-80 through 41-4-96 and Sections
6579	6579	41-19-1 through 41-19-12, and only in amounts as stipulated in
6580	6580	the general appropriation or other appropriation bills. Any
6581	6581	funds unspent and unencumbered at the end of any state fiscal
6582	6582	year in excess of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000)
6583	6583	shall be transferred into the State General Fund on or before
6584	6584	January 15 of the succeeding year. In addition, there is
6585	6585	hereby appropriated from the Alabama Board of Electrical
6586	6586	Contractors Fund to the Alabama Board of Electrical
6587	6587	Contractors the amount necessary to repay the State General
6588	6588	3164
6589	6589	3165
6590	6590	3166
6591	6591	3167
6592	6592	3168
6593	6593	3169
6594	6594	3170
6595	6595	3171
6596	6596	3172
6597	6597	3173
6598	6598	3174
6599	6599	3175
6600	6600	3176
6601	6601	3177
6602	6602	3178
6603	6603	3179
6604	6604	3180
6605	6605	3181
6606	6606	3182
6607	6607	3183
6608	6608	3184
6609	6609	3185
6610	6610	3186
6611	6611	3187
6612	6612	3188
6613	6613	3189
6614	6614	3190
6615	6615	3191 SB224 INTRODUCED
6616	6616	Page 115
6617	6617	Contractors the amount necessary to repay the State General
6618	6618	Fund for any and all amounts expended therefrom and such
6619	6619	repayment to the State General Fund shall be made as soon as
6620	6620	funds are available into the Occupational and Professional
6621	6621	Licensing Fund."
6622	6622	Section 10. Relating to the Alabama Electronic Security
6623	6623	Board of Licensure; to amend Sections 34-1A-1. 34-1A-2,
6624	6624	34-1A-3, 34-1A-5, and 34-1A-9 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to
6625	6625	read as follows:
6626	6626	"§34-1A-1
6627	6627	For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms
6628	6628	have the following meanings unless the context clearly
6629	6629	indicates otherwise:
6630	6630	(1) ADMINISTRATIVE EMPLOYEE. An individual who engages
6631	6631	in clerical duties for a licensed company, whose work is
6632	6632	restricted to office duties, and who has access to sensitive
6633	6633	client information including, but not limited to, Social
6634	6634	Security numbers, customer privacy codes, customer passwords,
6635	6635	and similar information.
6636	6636	(2) ADMINISTRATIVE FINE. A monetary fine assessed by
6637	6637	the board for unlicensed activity or by an individual,
6638	6638	company, corporation, firm, or business entity.
6639	6639	(3) ALARM MONITORING COMPANY. Any individual, company,
6640	6640	corporation, partnership, or business, or a representative or
6641	6641	agency thereof, authorized to provide alarm monitoring
6642	6642	services for alarm systems or other similar electronic
6643	6643	security systems whether the systems are maintained on
6644	6644	commercial business property, public property, or individual
6645	6645	residential property.
6646	6646	3192
6647	6647	3193
6648	6648	3194
6649	6649	3195
6650	6650	3196
6651	6651	3197
6652	6652	3198
6653	6653	3199
6654	6654	3200
6655	6655	3201
6656	6656	3202
6657	6657	3203
6658	6658	3204
6659	6659	3205
6660	6660	3206
6661	6661	3207
6662	6662	3208
6663	6663	3209
6664	6664	3210
6665	6665	3211
6666	6666	3212
6667	6667	3213
6668	6668	3214
6669	6669	3215
6670	6670	3216
6671	6671	3217
6672	6672	3218
6673	6673	3219 SB224 INTRODUCED
6674	6674	Page 116
6675	6675	residential property.
6676	6676	(4) ALARM SYSTEM. Burglar alarms, security cameras, or
6677	6677	other electrical or electronic device used to prevent or
6678	6678	detect burglary, theft, shoplifting, pilferage, and other
6679	6679	similar losses. The term does not include any fire detection,
6680	6680	fire alarm, or fire communication system.
6681	6681	(5) ALARM VERIFICATION. A reasonable attempt by an
6682	6682	alarm monitoring company to contact the alarm site or alarm
6683	6683	user by telephone or other electronic means to determine
6684	6684	whether an alarm signal is valid prior to requesting law
6685	6685	enforcement to be dispatched to the location and, if the
6686	6686	initial attempted contact is not made, a second reasonable
6687	6687	attempt to make a contact utilizing a different telephone
6688	6688	number or electronic address or number.
6689	6689	(6) BURGLAR ALARM. An assembly of equipment and
6690	6690	devices, or a single device such as a solid-state unit which
6691	6691	plugs directly into an AC line, designed to detect an
6692	6692	unauthorized intrusion or an attempted robbery at a protected
6693	6693	premises or signal public police or private guards to respond,
6694	6694	or both.
6695	6695	(7) CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION SYSTEM (CCTV). A
6696	6696	combination of electronic equipment and devices designed and
6697	6697	arranged for the viewing, monitoring, or recording of video
6698	6698	signals transmitted from transmitters, such as cameras, to
6699	6699	receivers, such as monitors, digital video recorders, and
6700	6700	network video recorders (NVR) through a closed cable or other
6701	6701	video signal transmission method.
6702	6702	(8) ELECTRONIC ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM. A system that is
6703	6703	used as a process to grant or deny an individual access to a
6704	6704	3220
6705	6705	3221
6706	6706	3222
6707	6707	3223
6708	6708	3224
6709	6709	3225
6710	6710	3226
6711	6711	3227
6712	6712	3228
6713	6713	3229
6714	6714	3230
6715	6715	3231
6716	6716	3232
6717	6717	3233
6718	6718	3234
6719	6719	3235
6720	6720	3236
6721	6721	3237
6722	6722	3238
6723	6723	3239
6724	6724	3240
6725	6725	3241
6726	6726	3242
6727	6727	3243
6728	6728	3244
6729	6729	3245
6730	6730	3246
6731	6731	3247 SB224 INTRODUCED
6732	6732	Page 117
6733	6733	used as a process to grant or deny an individual access to a
6734	6734	specific area or object based upon his or her possession of an
6735	6735	item, a code, or physical characteristic.
6736	6736	(9) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
6737	6737	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
6738	6738	in Section 25-2B-1.
6739	6739	(9)(10) HVAC SYSTEM. Heating, ventilation, or air
6740	6740	conditioning devices or mechanisms to provide heating or
6741	6741	cooling to a building or other structure or the devices used
6742	6742	to control the temperature of the heating or cooling devices
6743	6743	in a building or other structure.
6744	6744	(10)(11) INSTALLATION. The initial placement of
6745	6745	equipment or the extension, modification, or alteration of
6746	6746	equipment after initial placement.
6747	6747	(11)(12) LOCKSMITH.
6748	6748	a. An individual or business entity in a commercial,
6749	6749	residential, or automotive setting that does any of the
6750	6750	following for compensation or other consideration:
6751	6751	1. Repairs locks.
6752	6752	2. Rebuilds locks.
6753	6753	3. Rekeys locks.
6754	6754	4. Services locks.
6755	6755	5. Adjusts locks.
6756	6756	6. Installs locks or mechanical locking devices.
6757	6757	7. Installs or services egress controls devices.
6758	6758	8. Installs or services vaults and safety deposit
6759	6759	boxes, including those services performed by safe technicians.
6760	6760	9. Creates or copies transponder keys and any other
6761	6761	automotive keys and electronic operating devices connected to
6762	6762	3248
6763	6763	3249
6764	6764	3250
6765	6765	3251
6766	6766	3252
6767	6767	3253
6768	6768	3254
6769	6769	3255
6770	6770	3256
6771	6771	3257
6772	6772	3258
6773	6773	3259
6774	6774	3260
6775	6775	3261
6776	6776	3262
6777	6777	3263
6778	6778	3264
6779	6779	3265
6780	6780	3266
6781	6781	3267
6782	6782	3268
6783	6783	3269
6784	6784	3270
6785	6785	3271
6786	6786	3272
6787	6787	3273
6788	6788	3274
6789	6789	3275 SB224 INTRODUCED
6790	6790	Page 118
6791	6791	automotive keys and electronic operating devices connected to
6792	6792	motor vehicles.
6793	6793	10. Creates or copies key fobs, proximity keys, smart
6794	6794	keys, door and ignition key devices, or successive electronic
6795	6795	or other high security key technology.
6796	6796	11. Uses any other method of bypassing a locking
6797	6797	mechanism of any kind including, but not limited to, shimming
6798	6798	a lock or picking and popping a lock.
6799	6799	b. The term does not include any of the following:
6800	6800	1. An individual whose activities are limited to making
6801	6801	a duplicate key of an existing key.
6802	6802	2. An individual or business entity that does not
6803	6803	advertise providing locksmith services to the public.
6804	6804	3. An individual or business entity that is licensed by
6805	6805	the board on July 1, 2018, to install or service electronic
6806	6806	access control systems, provided any lock being serviced or
6807	6807	installed has electronic access control capabilities.
6808	6808	4. Police, fire, medical, or other government or
6809	6809	emergency personnel performing activities within the scope of
6810	6810	their official duties.
6811	6811	5. An individual operating a licensed towing and
6812	6812	recovery service who does not advertise services as a
6813	6813	locksmith or otherwise perform locksmith services.
6814	6814	6. An individual or business entity who owns or manages
6815	6815	property, or his or her agent, and who does not advertise
6816	6816	services as a locksmith to the public.
6817	6817	(12)(13) MONITORING STATION. A location where alarm
6818	6818	signals are received as a part of an alarm system and then
6819	6819	relayed via operator to law enforcement officials.
6820	6820	3276
6821	6821	3277
6822	6822	3278
6823	6823	3279
6824	6824	3280
6825	6825	3281
6826	6826	3282
6827	6827	3283
6828	6828	3284
6829	6829	3285
6830	6830	3286
6831	6831	3287
6832	6832	3288
6833	6833	3289
6834	6834	3290
6835	6835	3291
6836	6836	3292
6837	6837	3293
6838	6838	3294
6839	6839	3295
6840	6840	3296
6841	6841	3297
6842	6842	3298
6843	6843	3299
6844	6844	3300
6845	6845	3301
6846	6846	3302
6847	6847	3303 SB224 INTRODUCED
6848	6848	Page 119
6849	6849	relayed via operator to law enforcement officials.
6850	6850	(13)(14) QUALIFYING AGENT. A licensee of the board who
6851	6851	serves in a management and supervisory position with a
6852	6852	company.
6853	6853	(14)(15) SALESPERSON. An individual who, for financial
6854	6854	compensation or in exchange for a thing of value, sells goods
6855	6855	or services to the public on behalf of any company, business,
6856	6856	or other entity that sells, services, or installs alarm
6857	6857	systems, CCTV systems, electronic access control systems, or
6858	6858	mechanical locks.
6859	6859	(15)(16) SERVICE. Necessary repair in order to return
6860	6860	the system to operational condition.
6861	6861	(16)(17) SYSTEM INSTALLER. An individual or business
6862	6862	entity that offers to undertake, represents itself as being
6863	6863	able to undertake, or does undertake the installation,
6864	6864	service, or monitoring of alarm systems, CCTV systems,
6865	6865	electronic access control systems, or mechanical locking
6866	6866	systems for the public for any type of compensation or in
6867	6867	exchange for a thing of value."
6868	6868	"§34-1A-2
6869	6869	(a) The Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure
6870	6870	is created. Commencing on October 1, 2025, the board shall be
6871	6871	subject to the leadership, support, and oversight of the
6872	6872	Executive Director of the Office of Occupational and
6873	6873	Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25.
6874	6874	(b) The board, which shall reflect the racial, gender,
6875	6875	geographic, urban and rural, and economic diversity of the
6876	6876	state, shall consist of the following members, who are
6877	6877	citizens of this state, appointed by the Governor, and subject
6878	6878	3304
6879	6879	3305
6880	6880	3306
6881	6881	3307
6882	6882	3308
6883	6883	3309
6884	6884	3310
6885	6885	3311
6886	6886	3312
6887	6887	3313
6888	6888	3314
6889	6889	3315
6890	6890	3316
6891	6891	3317
6892	6892	3318
6893	6893	3319
6894	6894	3320
6895	6895	3321
6896	6896	3322
6897	6897	3323
6898	6898	3324
6899	6899	3325
6900	6900	3326
6901	6901	3327
6902	6902	3328
6903	6903	3329
6904	6904	3330
6905	6905	3331 SB224 INTRODUCED
6906	6906	Page 120
6907	6907	citizens of this state, appointed by the Governor, and subject
6908	6908	to confirmation by the Alabama Senate:
6909	6909	(1) Two members representing the alarm system industry
6910	6910	selected from five nominees submitted by the Alabama Alarm
6911	6911	Association.
6912	6912	(2) One member of the Alabama Consulting Engineers
6913	6913	Association selected from three nominees submitted by that
6914	6914	association.
6915	6915	(3) One member of the Alabama Sheriffs Association
6916	6916	selected from three nominees submitted by that association.
6917	6917	(4) One member who is a locksmith selected from three
6918	6918	nominees submitted by the Alabama Locksmith Association.
6919	6919	(5) A person who is a representative of the consumers
6920	6920	of the state.
6921	6921	(c)(1) The terms of the board members shall be four
6922	6922	years.
6923	6923	(2) Of these members first appointed, two shall be
6924	6924	appointed to four-year terms, two for three-year terms, and
6925	6925	one for a two-year term.
6926	6926	(3) Any vacancy occurring other than by expiration of
6927	6927	terms shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term
6928	6928	by appointment by the Governor, subject to the nominating
6929	6929	process specified in subsection (b).
6930	6930	(4) No member shall serve more than two successive
6931	6931	four-year terms.
6932	6932	(5) A member shall serve until a successor is appointed
6933	6933	and assumes office.
6934	6934	(d) Members shall be paid out of the funds of the board
6935	6935	the same per diem as prescribed by law for state employees for
6936	6936	3332
6937	6937	3333
6938	6938	3334
6939	6939	3335
6940	6940	3336
6941	6941	3337
6942	6942	3338
6943	6943	3339
6944	6944	3340
6945	6945	3341
6946	6946	3342
6947	6947	3343
6948	6948	3344
6949	6949	3345
6950	6950	3346
6951	6951	3347
6952	6952	3348
6953	6953	3349
6954	6954	3350
6955	6955	3351
6956	6956	3352
6957	6957	3353
6958	6958	3354
6959	6959	3355
6960	6960	3356
6961	6961	3357
6962	6962	3358
6963	6963	3359 SB224 INTRODUCED
6964	6964	Page 121
6965	6965	the same per diem as prescribed by law for state employees for
6966	6966	each day of attendance of a board or committee meeting.
6967	6967	(e)(d) Meetings shall be held at least four times per
6968	6968	year. Special meetings shall be held at the call of the chair
6969	6969	or by a majority of the members.
6970	6970	(f)(e)(1) The board may adopt rules of proceedings.
6971	6971	(2) Three members of the board who are physically
6972	6972	present shall constitute a quorum.
6973	6973	(3) The board shall elect a chair and a vice chair on
6974	6974	an annual basis. The chair or vice chair shall call meetings
6975	6975	of the board to order.
6976	6976	(4) Members of the board may participate in a board
6977	6977	meeting by means of video conference pursuant to the Alabama
6978	6978	Open Meetings Act. Participation by video conference shall
6979	6979	qualify as attendance at a meeting in person. The board may
6980	6980	not conduct official business unless at least three members of
6981	6981	the board are physically present at the board meeting.
6982	6982	Attendance by phone without video conference capability does
6983	6983	not constitute attendance at a board meeting.
6984	6984	(5) Members of a committee of the board may attend a
6985	6985	committee meeting by means of video conference pursuant to the
6986	6986	Alabama Open Meetings Act. Participation by video conference
6987	6987	shall qualify as attendance at a meeting in person. Except as
6988	6988	otherwise provided, a committee may not issue an order or
6989	6989	render a decision unless legal counsel for the board and a
6990	6990	member of the administrative or management staff of the board
6991	6991	is physically present. If legal counsel for the board is not a
6992	6992	member of the committee, only the physical presence of one
6993	6993	member of the administrative or management staff of the board
6994	6994	3360
6995	6995	3361
6996	6996	3362
6997	6997	3363
6998	6998	3364
6999	6999	3365
7000	7000	3366
7001	7001	3367
7002	7002	3368
7003	7003	3369
7004	7004	3370
7005	7005	3371
7006	7006	3372
7007	7007	3373
7008	7008	3374
7009	7009	3375
7010	7010	3376
7011	7011	3377
7012	7012	3378
7013	7013	3379
7014	7014	3380
7015	7015	3381
7016	7016	3382
7017	7017	3383
7018	7018	3384
7019	7019	3385
7020	7020	3386
7021	7021	3387 SB224 INTRODUCED
7022	7022	Page 122
7023	7023	member of the administrative or management staff of the board
7024	7024	and one committee member is required to conduct committee
7025	7025	business if the remainder of the quorum of the committee is
7026	7026	satisfied by the attendance of committee members by means of
7027	7027	video conference. A majority of committee members shall be
7028	7028	physically present to constitute a quorum, conduct official
7029	7029	committee business, or render a decision. Attendance by phone
7030	7030	without video conference capability does not constitute
7031	7031	attendance at a committee meeting. "
7032	7032	"§34-1A-3
7033	7033	The board shall have all of the following powers:
7034	7034	(1) License and regulate individuals and business
7035	7035	entities who hold themselves out as engaging in the business
7036	7036	of alarm system, CCTV, or electronic access control system
7037	7037	installation or service, as a locksmith, or as an alarm
7038	7038	monitoring company.
7039	7039	(2) Establish the qualifications for licensure to
7040	7040	ensure competency and integrity to engage in these businesses
7041	7041	and allow graduates of technical school or community college
7042	7042	programs in related fields to qualify. Qualifications for
7043	7043	licensure shall include the requirement that the applicant is
7044	7044	a United States citizen or legally present in this state.
7045	7045	(3) Examine, or cause to be examined, the
7046	7046	qualifications of each applicant for licensure including the
7047	7047	preparation, administration, and grading of examinations, and
7048	7048	when necessary, requiring the applicant to supply a board
7049	7049	approved criminal background check. A nonresident who is not
7050	7050	physically working in the state, located more than 100 miles
7051	7051	from the nearest state border, and whose duties are limited to
7052	7052	3388
7053	7053	3389
7054	7054	3390
7055	7055	3391
7056	7056	3392
7057	7057	3393
7058	7058	3394
7059	7059	3395
7060	7060	3396
7061	7061	3397
7062	7062	3398
7063	7063	3399
7064	7064	3400
7065	7065	3401
7066	7066	3402
7067	7067	3403
7068	7068	3404
7069	7069	3405
7070	7070	3406
7071	7071	3407
7072	7072	3408
7073	7073	3409
7074	7074	3410
7075	7075	3411
7076	7076	3412
7077	7077	3413
7078	7078	3414
7079	7079	3415 SB224 INTRODUCED
7080	7080	Page 123
7081	7081	from the nearest state border, and whose duties are limited to
7082	7082	administrative employee or monitoring station is exempt from
7083	7083	the requirement of a criminal background check.
7084	7084	(4) License qualified applicants regulated by the
7085	7085	board. Licensing of a qualified applicant should be completed
7086	7086	within six calendar weeks after the board receives all
7087	7087	required paperwork from the applicant. This time frame may be
7088	7088	extended during annual renewal.
7089	7089	(5) Revoke, suspend, or fail to renew a license for
7090	7090	just cause as provided in the rules of the board.
7091	7091	(6) Levy and collect reasonable fees for licensure
7092	7092	including, but not limited to, the application process and
7093	7093	testing of applicants, and renewal, suspension, and reissuance
7094	7094	of licenses, and costs of necessary hearings, that are
7095	7095	sufficient to cover all expenses for the administration and
7096	7096	operation of the board.
7097	7097	(7) Levy and collect administrative fines for violation
7098	7098	of the board's Code of Ethics, noncompliance with this chapter
7099	7099	including, but not limited to, unlicensed activity and
7100	7100	unethical or fraudulent behavior, and collect the costs of
7101	7101	necessary hearings pursuant to the Alabama Administrative
7102	7102	Procedure Act. The board may collect fines imposed by a court
7103	7103	of competent jurisdiction. The board may file a civil action
7104	7104	to collect all fines.
7105	7105	(8) Adopt rules in accordance with the Alabama
7106	7106	Administrative Procedure Act necessary to perform board
7107	7107	duties, to ensure continued competency, to prevent deceptive,
7108	7108	misleading, or criminal practices by board licensees, and to
7109	7109	effectively administer the regulatory system administered by
7110	7110	3416
7111	7111	3417
7112	7112	3418
7113	7113	3419
7114	7114	3420
7115	7115	3421
7116	7116	3422
7117	7117	3423
7118	7118	3424
7119	7119	3425
7120	7120	3426
7121	7121	3427
7122	7122	3428
7123	7123	3429
7124	7124	3430
7125	7125	3431
7126	7126	3432
7127	7127	3433
7128	7128	3434
7129	7129	3435
7130	7130	3436
7131	7131	3437
7132	7132	3438
7133	7133	3439
7134	7134	3440
7135	7135	3441
7136	7136	3442
7137	7137	3443 SB224 INTRODUCED
7138	7138	Page 124
7139	7139	effectively administer the regulatory system administered by
7140	7140	the board.
7141	7141	(9) Register or by other means monitor employees of a
7142	7142	licensee to ensure the employees do not impair the ability of
7143	7143	the licensee to satisfy the requirements of this chapter.
7144	7144	(10) Receive and investigate complaints concerning the
7145	7145	conduct of any individual or business entity whose activities
7146	7146	are regulated by the board, conduct hearings in accordance
7147	7147	with procedures established by the board pursuant to the
7148	7148	Alabama Administrative Procedure Act, and take appropriate
7149	7149	disciplinary action if warranted.
7150	7150	(11) Ensure that periodic inspections are conducted
7151	7151	relating to the operations of licensees to ensure competency
7152	7152	and lawful compliance.
7153	7153	(12) Require the purchase of comprehensive liability
7154	7154	insurance related to business activities in a minimum
7155	7155	specified amount.
7156	7156	(13) Require licensees and employees of licensees to
7157	7157	have visible on their person a photo identification card
7158	7158	issued by the board at all times when providing licensed
7159	7159	services.
7160	7160	(14) Adopt canons of ethics under which the regulated
7161	7161	professional activities of individuals and business entities
7162	7162	shall be conducted.
7163	7163	(15) Employ or contract for necessary personnel,
7164	7164	including an executive director, and provide necessary
7165	7165	offices, supplies, and equipment to fulfill the requirements
7166	7166	of this chapter.
7167	7167	(16)(15) Delegate board powers and duties by resolution
7168	7168	3444
7169	7169	3445
7170	7170	3446
7171	7171	3447
7172	7172	3448
7173	7173	3449
7174	7174	3450
7175	7175	3451
7176	7176	3452
7177	7177	3453
7178	7178	3454
7179	7179	3455
7180	7180	3456
7181	7181	3457
7182	7182	3458
7183	7183	3459
7184	7184	3460
7185	7185	3461
7186	7186	3462
7187	7187	3463
7188	7188	3464
7189	7189	3465
7190	7190	3466
7191	7191	3467
7192	7192	3468
7193	7193	3469
7194	7194	3470
7195	7195	3471 SB224 INTRODUCED
7196	7196	Page 125
7197	7197	(16)(15) Delegate board powers and duties by resolution
7198	7198	to a named designee the executive director .
7199	7199	(17) Enter into contracts and expend funds of the board
7200	7200	to fulfill the requirements of this chapter.
7201	7201	(18) Borrow money for the initial start-up operation of
7202	7202	the board until sufficient receipts are paid into the special
7203	7203	revenue trust fund specified in Section 34-1A-9.
7204	7204	(19)(16) Work with the Office of the Attorney General
7205	7205	and other law enforcement agencies to prohibit any violation
7206	7206	of this chapter.
7207	7207	(20)(17) Establish volunteer procedures for those
7208	7208	individuals or business entities that are exempt from this
7209	7209	chapter.
7210	7210	(21)(18) Conduct inspections relating to the operations
7211	7211	of unlicensed individuals, firms, or corporations to include
7212	7212	the solicitation, installation, servicing, monitoring of
7213	7213	burglar alarm systems, locking systems, or mechanisms, the
7214	7214	holding of privacy codes for burglar alarm systems of a
7215	7215	customer, or the selling, installation, or servicing of access
7216	7216	control systems or CCTV to or for a customer to ensure lawful
7217	7217	compliance with this chapter.
7218	7218	(22)(19) Issue a cease and desist order to any
7219	7219	unlicensed individual, company, corporation, firm, or business
7220	7220	entity engaged in any activity, conduct, or practice
7221	7221	constituting a violation of this chapter or rule adopted by
7222	7222	the board pursuant to this chapter."
7223	7223	"§34-1A-5
7224	7224	(a) The board shall issue licenses authorized by this
7225	7225	chapter to all qualified individuals in accordance with rules
7226	7226	3472
7227	7227	3473
7228	7228	3474
7229	7229	3475
7230	7230	3476
7231	7231	3477
7232	7232	3478
7233	7233	3479
7234	7234	3480
7235	7235	3481
7236	7236	3482
7237	7237	3483
7238	7238	3484
7239	7239	3485
7240	7240	3486
7241	7241	3487
7242	7242	3488
7243	7243	3489
7244	7244	3490
7245	7245	3491
7246	7246	3492
7247	7247	3493
7248	7248	3494
7249	7249	3495
7250	7250	3496
7251	7251	3497
7252	7252	3498
7253	7253	3499 SB224 INTRODUCED
7254	7254	Page 126
7255	7255	chapter to all qualified individuals in accordance with rules
7256	7256	aopted by the board.
7257	7257	(b)(1) Effective beginning January 1, 2014, the license
7258	7258	fee for a two-year period as set by the board shall not exceed
7259	7259	three hundred dollars ($300) for an individual and one
7260	7260	thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) for a business entity.
7261	7261	(2) Effective for the license year beginning January 1,
7262	7262	2014, and thereafter, the board may provide for the licenses
7263	7263	to be renewed on a staggered basis as determined by rule of
7264	7264	the board and, in order to stagger the license renewals, may
7265	7265	issue the license for less than a two-year period. The amount
7266	7266	of the license fees provided in subdivision (1) shall be
7267	7267	prorated by the board on a monthly basis for the number of
7268	7268	months the board issues the licenses in order to convert to
7269	7269	any staggered system of renewals.
7270	7270	(c) The license shall not be transferred or assigned
7271	7271	and is valid only with respect to the person to whom it is
7272	7272	issued.
7273	7273	(d)(c)(1) No license shall be granted if the applicant
7274	7274	has had any prior business license revoked for fraud,
7275	7275	misrepresentation, or any other act that would constitute a
7276	7276	violation of this chapter.
7277	7277	(2)a. An applicant shall not be refused a license
7278	7278	solely because of a prior criminal conviction, unless the
7279	7279	criminal conviction directly relates to the occupation or
7280	7280	profession for which the license is sought. The board may
7281	7281	refuse a license if, based on all the information available,
7282	7282	including the applicant's record of prior convictions, the
7283	7283	board finds that the applicant is unfit or unsuited to engage
7284	7284	3500
7285	7285	3501
7286	7286	3502
7287	7287	3503
7288	7288	3504
7289	7289	3505
7290	7290	3506
7291	7291	3507
7292	7292	3508
7293	7293	3509
7294	7294	3510
7295	7295	3511
7296	7296	3512
7297	7297	3513
7298	7298	3514
7299	7299	3515
7300	7300	3516
7301	7301	3517
7302	7302	3518
7303	7303	3519
7304	7304	3520
7305	7305	3521
7306	7306	3522
7307	7307	3523
7308	7308	3524
7309	7309	3525
7310	7310	3526
7311	7311	3527 SB224 INTRODUCED
7312	7312	Page 127
7313	7313	board finds that the applicant is unfit or unsuited to engage
7314	7314	in the business.
7315	7315	b. The board may consult with appropriate state or
7316	7316	federal law enforcement authorities to verify whether an
7317	7317	applicant has a criminal record prior to granting any license
7318	7318	and, as an aid to this duty, each applicant may be required to
7319	7319	provide his or her fingerprints and complete an affidavit of
7320	7320	his or her criminal record, if any, as a part of the
7321	7321	application. The board may periodically consult with state and
7322	7322	federal law enforcement officials to determine whether current
7323	7323	licensees have new criminal convictions. The administrative or
7324	7324	management staff executive director of the board may also
7325	7325	consult with state or federal law enforcement authorities to
7326	7326	determine if a current or potential employee has a criminal
7327	7327	conviction. Dissemination of criminal history record
7328	7328	information shall be handled in accordance with the rules and
7329	7329	procedures of the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency or the
7330	7330	Federal Bureau of Investigation, as applicable.
7331	7331	(e)(d) Any license granted pursuant to this chapter
7332	7332	shall be issued for a two-year period, but may be staggered
7333	7333	for renewal as otherwise provided. Any license shall expire on
7334	7334	a schedule established by rule of the board executive
7335	7335	director, unless it is renewed pursuant to rules adopted by
7336	7336	the board executive director or unless it is suspended or
7337	7337	revoked.
7338	7338	(f)(e) An affirmative vote of a majority of board
7339	7339	members shall be required before any action to suspend or
7340	7340	revoke a license, to impose a sanction on a licensee, or to
7341	7341	levy an administrative fine. A board member shall disqualify
7342	7342	3528
7343	7343	3529
7344	7344	3530
7345	7345	3531
7346	7346	3532
7347	7347	3533
7348	7348	3534
7349	7349	3535
7350	7350	3536
7351	7351	3537
7352	7352	3538
7353	7353	3539
7354	7354	3540
7355	7355	3541
7356	7356	3542
7357	7357	3543
7358	7358	3544
7359	7359	3545
7360	7360	3546
7361	7361	3547
7362	7362	3548
7363	7363	3549
7364	7364	3550
7365	7365	3551
7366	7366	3552
7367	7367	3553
7368	7368	3554
7369	7369	3555 SB224 INTRODUCED
7370	7370	Page 128
7371	7371	levy an administrative fine. A board member shall disqualify
7372	7372	himself or herself and withdraw from any case in which he or
7373	7373	she cannot accord fair and impartial consideration.
7374	7374	(g)(f) A nonresident of this state may be licensed by
7375	7375	meeting one of the following requirements:
7376	7376	(1) Conforming to this chapter and the rules of the
7377	7377	board.
7378	7378	(2) Holding a valid license in another state with which
7379	7379	reciprocity has been established by the board.
7380	7380	(h)(g) A licensee shall display the license at its
7381	7381	normal place of business and in a manner easily readable by
7382	7382	the general public.
7383	7383	(i)(h) A notice shall be displayed prominently in the
7384	7384	place of business of each licensee regulated pursuant to this
7385	7385	chapter containing the name, mailing address, and telephone
7386	7386	number of the board, and a statement informing consumers that
7387	7387	complaints against licensees may be directed to the board.
7388	7388	(j)(i) An individual, company, corporation, firm,
7389	7389	business, or trademarked entity shall be licensed by the name
7390	7390	advertised. The license number of a licensee or an Internet
7391	7391	address where licensing information can be found shall be
7392	7392	displayed in all advertising, including in social media or
7393	7393	Internet advertising, or on any vehicle displaying advertising
7394	7394	information, as provided by rule of the board.
7395	7395	(k)(j) The board shall prepare information of consumer
7396	7396	interest describing the regulatory functions and describing
7397	7397	the procedures of the board by which consumer complaints shall
7398	7398	be filed with and resolved by the board. The board shall make
7399	7399	the information available to the general public and
7400	7400	3556
7401	7401	3557
7402	7402	3558
7403	7403	3559
7404	7404	3560
7405	7405	3561
7406	7406	3562
7407	7407	3563
7408	7408	3564
7409	7409	3565
7410	7410	3566
7411	7411	3567
7412	7412	3568
7413	7413	3569
7414	7414	3570
7415	7415	3571
7416	7416	3572
7417	7417	3573
7418	7418	3574
7419	7419	3575
7420	7420	3576
7421	7421	3577
7422	7422	3578
7423	7423	3579
7424	7424	3580
7425	7425	3581
7426	7426	3582
7427	7427	3583 SB224 INTRODUCED
7428	7428	Page 129
7429	7429	the information available to the general public and
7430	7430	appropriate state agencies. The board shall provide, upon
7431	7431	request, a listing of all licensees. The board may collect a
7432	7432	fee for the cost of duplicating and mailing materials.
7433	7433	(l)(k) Each written contract for services in the state
7434	7434	of a licensee shall contain the name, mailing address, and
7435	7435	telephone number of the board and a statement informing
7436	7436	consumers that complaints against licensees may be directed to
7437	7437	the board.
7438	7438	(m)(l) Notice of the issuance, revocation,
7439	7439	reinstatement, or expiration of every license issued by the
7440	7440	board shall be furnished to the sheriff of the county and the
7441	7441	chief of police, as appropriate, and the inspection department
7442	7442	of the city where the principal place of business of a
7443	7443	licensee is located.
7444	7444	(n)(m) Information contained in alarm system records
7445	7445	held by the board concerning the location of an alarm system,
7446	7446	the name of the occupant residing at the alarm system
7447	7447	location, or the type of alarm system used shall be
7448	7448	confidential and disclosed only to the board or as otherwise
7449	7449	required by law.
7450	7450	(o)(n) A licensee, upon completing an installation,
7451	7451	shall provide a paper copy or electronic copy of all contracts
7452	7452	to the consumer, or his or her designee.
7453	7453	(p)(o) To be eligible for a qualifying agent license,
7454	7454	an individual applicant shall serve in a management and
7455	7455	supervisory position with a company for not less than 33 hours
7456	7456	per week. A qualifying agent may be subject to disciplinary
7457	7457	action for the actions of individuals employed under his or
7458	7458	3584
7459	7459	3585
7460	7460	3586
7461	7461	3587
7462	7462	3588
7463	7463	3589
7464	7464	3590
7465	7465	3591
7466	7466	3592
7467	7467	3593
7468	7468	3594
7469	7469	3595
7470	7470	3596
7471	7471	3597
7472	7472	3598
7473	7473	3599
7474	7474	3600
7475	7475	3601
7476	7476	3602
7477	7477	3603
7478	7478	3604
7479	7479	3605
7480	7480	3606
7481	7481	3607
7482	7482	3608
7483	7483	3609
7484	7484	3610
7485	7485	3611 SB224 INTRODUCED
7486	7486	Page 130
7487	7487	action for the actions of individuals employed under his or
7488	7488	her supervision. With the exception of a company that only
7489	7489	performs monitoring work, each licensed company, corporation,
7490	7490	firm, and business entity is required to have at least one
7491	7491	licensed employee designated as a qualifying agent.
7492	7492	"§34-1A-9
7493	7493	A separate special revenue trust fund in the State
7494	7494	Treasury to be known as the Alabama Electronic Security Board
7495	7495	of Licensure Fund is established. All receipts collected by
7496	7496	the board under this chapter are to be deposited into this
7497	7497	fund and shall be used only to carry out the provisions of
7498	7498	this chapter. The receipts shall be disbursed only by warrant
7499	7499	of the state Comptroller upon the State Treasury, upon
7500	7500	itemized vouchers approved by the chair of the board. No funds
7501	7501	shall be withdrawn or expended except as budgeted and allotted
7502	7502	according to Sections 41-4-80 to 41-4-96, inclusive, and
7503	7503	41-19-1 to 41-19-12, inclusive, and only in amounts as
7504	7504	stipulated in the general appropriations bill or other
7505	7505	appropriations bills the Occupational and Professional
7506	7506	Licensing Fund."
7507	7507	Section 11. Relating to the State Board of Genetic
7508	7508	Counseling; to amend Sections 34-13A-2, 34-13A-3, 34-13A-4,
7509	7509	34-13A-5, 34-13A-7, and 34-13A-10 of the Code of Alabama 1975,
7510	7510	as follows:
7511	7511	"§34-13A-2
7512	7512	For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms
7513	7513	shall have the following meanings:
7514	7514	(1) ABGC. The American Board of Genetic Counseling, or
7515	7515	its successor or equivalent.
7516	7516	3612
7517	7517	3613
7518	7518	3614
7519	7519	3615
7520	7520	3616
7521	7521	3617
7522	7522	3618
7523	7523	3619
7524	7524	3620
7525	7525	3621
7526	7526	3622
7527	7527	3623
7528	7528	3624
7529	7529	3625
7530	7530	3626
7531	7531	3627
7532	7532	3628
7533	7533	3629
7534	7534	3630
7535	7535	3631
7536	7536	3632
7537	7537	3633
7538	7538	3634
7539	7539	3635
7540	7540	3636
7541	7541	3637
7542	7542	3638
7543	7543	3639 SB224 INTRODUCED
7544	7544	Page 131
7545	7545	its successor or equivalent.
7546	7546	(2) ABMGG. The American Board of Medical Genetics and
7547	7547	Genomics, or its successor or equivalent.
7548	7548	(3) ACGC. The Accreditation Council for Genetic
7549	7549	Counseling, or its successor or equivalent.
7550	7550	(4) BOARD. The Alabama Board of Genetic Counseling.
7551	7551	(5) EXAMINATION FOR LICENSURE. The ABGC or ABMGG
7552	7552	certification examination, or the examination provided by a
7553	7553	successor entity to the ABGC or ABMGG, to test the competence
7554	7554	and qualifications of applicants to practice genetic
7555	7555	counseling.
7556	7556	(6) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
7557	7557	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
7558	7558	in Section 25-2B-1.
7559	7559	(6)(7) GENETIC COUNSELING. The provision of services by
7560	7560	a genetic counselor to do any of the following:
7561	7561	a. Obtain and evaluate individual, family, and medical
7562	7562	histories to determine genetic risk for genetic or medical
7563	7563	conditions and diseases in a patient, his or her offspring, or
7564	7564	other family members.
7565	7565	b. Discuss the features, natural history, means of
7566	7566	diagnosis, genetic and environmental factors, and management
7567	7567	of risk for genetic or medical conditions and diseases.
7568	7568	c. Identify, recommend, and coordinate genetic tests
7569	7569	and other genetic related diagnostic studies as appropriate
7570	7570	for the genetic assessment consistent with practice-based
7571	7571	competencies provided by the ACGC.
7572	7572	d. Integrate genetic test results and other
7573	7573	genetic-related diagnostic studies with personal and family
7574	7574	3640
7575	7575	3641
7576	7576	3642
7577	7577	3643
7578	7578	3644
7579	7579	3645
7580	7580	3646
7581	7581	3647
7582	7582	3648
7583	7583	3649
7584	7584	3650
7585	7585	3651
7586	7586	3652
7587	7587	3653
7588	7588	3654
7589	7589	3655
7590	7590	3656
7591	7591	3657
7592	7592	3658
7593	7593	3659
7594	7594	3660
7595	7595	3661
7596	7596	3662
7597	7597	3663
7598	7598	3664
7599	7599	3665
7600	7600	3666
7601	7601	3667 SB224 INTRODUCED
7602	7602	Page 132
7603	7603	genetic-related diagnostic studies with personal and family
7604	7604	medical history to assess and communicate risk factors for
7605	7605	genetic or medical conditions and diseases.
7606	7606	e. Explain the clinical implications of genetic tests
7607	7607	and other genetic-related diagnostic studies and their
7608	7608	results.
7609	7609	f. Evaluate the responses of the client or family to
7610	7610	the condition or risk of recurrence and provide
7611	7611	client-centered counseling and anticipatory guidance.
7612	7612	g. Identify and utilize community resources that
7613	7613	provide medical, educational, financial, and psychosocial
7614	7614	support and advocacy.
7615	7615	h. Provide written documentation of medical, genetic,
7616	7616	and counseling information for families and health care
7617	7617	professionals.
7618	7618	(7)(8) GENETIC COUNSELING INTERN. A student enrolled in
7619	7619	a genetic counseling program accredited by the ACGC or ABMGG.
7620	7620	(8)(9) GENETIC COUNSELOR. An individual licensed by the
7621	7621	board to engage in the practice of genetic counseling.
7622	7622	(9)(10) GENETIC TEST or GENOMIC TEST.
7623	7623	a. A test or analysis of human genes, gene products,
7624	7624	Deoxyribonucleic acid, Ribonucleic acid, chromosomes,
7625	7625	proteins, or metabolites that does any of the following:
7626	7626	1. Detects genotypes, mutations, chromosomal changes,
7627	7627	abnormalities, or deficiencies, including carrier status, that
7628	7628	are linked to physical or mental disorders or impairments.
7629	7629	2. Indicates a susceptibility to illness, disease,
7630	7630	impairment, or other disorders, whether physical or mental.
7631	7631	3. Demonstrates genetic or chromosomal damage due to
7632	7632	3668
7633	7633	3669
7634	7634	3670
7635	7635	3671
7636	7636	3672
7637	7637	3673
7638	7638	3674
7639	7639	3675
7640	7640	3676
7641	7641	3677
7642	7642	3678
7643	7643	3679
7644	7644	3680
7645	7645	3681
7646	7646	3682
7647	7647	3683
7648	7648	3684
7649	7649	3685
7650	7650	3686
7651	7651	3687
7652	7652	3688
7653	7653	3689
7654	7654	3690
7655	7655	3691
7656	7656	3692
7657	7657	3693
7658	7658	3694
7659	7659	3695 SB224 INTRODUCED
7660	7660	Page 133
7661	7661	3. Demonstrates genetic or chromosomal damage due to
7662	7662	environmental factors.
7663	7663	b. The terms genetic test and genomic test do not
7664	7664	include any of the following:
7665	7665	1. Routine physical measurements.
7666	7666	2. Chemical, blood, and urine analyses that are widely
7667	7667	accepted and in use in clinical practice.
7668	7668	3. Tests for the use of drugs.
7669	7669	4. Tests for the presence of a pathogen.
7670	7670	5. Analyses of proteins or metabolites that do not
7671	7671	detect genotypes, mutations, chromosomal changes,
7672	7672	abnormalities, or deficiencies.
7673	7673	6. Analyses of proteins or metabolites that are
7674	7674	directly related to a manifested disease, disorder, or
7675	7675	pathological condition that could reasonably be detected by a
7676	7676	health care professional with appropriate training and
7677	7677	expertise in the field of medicine involved.
7678	7678	(10)(11) NSGC. The National Society of Genetic
7679	7679	Counselors, or its successor or equivalent.
7680	7680	(11)(12) QUALIFIED SUPERVISOR. Any individual licensed
7681	7681	as a genetic counselor, a physician licensed to practice
7682	7682	medicine or osteopathy in this state, or an individual
7683	7683	certified in molecular genetic pathology by the American Board
7684	7684	of Pathology and the ABMGG.
7685	7685	(12)(13) SUPERVISION. The overall responsibility of a
7686	7686	qualified supervisor to assess the work of a genetic counselor
7687	7687	with a temporary license, including regular meetings and chart
7688	7688	review, if an annual supervision contract signed by the
7689	7689	supervisor and the temporarily licensed genetic counselor is
7690	7690	3696
7691	7691	3697
7692	7692	3698
7693	7693	3699
7694	7694	3700
7695	7695	3701
7696	7696	3702
7697	7697	3703
7698	7698	3704
7699	7699	3705
7700	7700	3706
7701	7701	3707
7702	7702	3708
7703	7703	3709
7704	7704	3710
7705	7705	3711
7706	7706	3712
7707	7707	3713
7708	7708	3714
7709	7709	3715
7710	7710	3716
7711	7711	3717
7712	7712	3718
7713	7713	3719
7714	7714	3720
7715	7715	3721
7716	7716	3722
7717	7717	3723 SB224 INTRODUCED
7718	7718	Page 134
7719	7719	supervisor and the temporarily licensed genetic counselor is
7720	7720	on file with both parties. The presence of a qualified
7721	7721	supervisor is not required during the performance of the
7722	7722	genetic counseling service."
7723	7723	"§34-13A-3
7724	7724	(a) The State Board of Genetic Counseling is created to
7725	7725	implement and administer this chapter. Commencing on October
7726	7726	1, 2025, the board shall be subject to the leadership,
7727	7727	support, and oversight of the Executive Director of the Office
7728	7728	of Occupational and Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter
7729	7729	2B of Title 25.
7730	7730	(b) The membership of the board shall consist of all of
7731	7731	the following:
7732	7732	(1) One individual appointed by the Department of
7733	7733	Genetics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
7734	7734	(2) Four individuals who practice genetic counseling in
7735	7735	Alabama and who hold a master's degree or doctoral degree in
7736	7736	genetic counseling from an ACGC or ABMGG accredited training
7737	7737	program, or an equivalent program approved by the ACGC or the
7738	7738	ABMGG, appointed by the Governor.
7739	7739	(3) One physician appointed by the Medical Association
7740	7740	of the State of Alabama.
7741	7741	(4) One physician appointed by the State Board of
7742	7742	Medical Examiners.
7743	7743	(5) One physician who specializes in pediatric genetics
7744	7744	appointed by the Lieutenant Governor.
7745	7745	(6) One physician appointed by the Speaker of the House
7746	7746	of Representatives.
7747	7747	(c) Board members appointed by the Governor shall serve
7748	7748	3724
7749	7749	3725
7750	7750	3726
7751	7751	3727
7752	7752	3728
7753	7753	3729
7754	7754	3730
7755	7755	3731
7756	7756	3732
7757	7757	3733
7758	7758	3734
7759	7759	3735
7760	7760	3736
7761	7761	3737
7762	7762	3738
7763	7763	3739
7764	7764	3740
7765	7765	3741
7766	7766	3742
7767	7767	3743
7768	7768	3744
7769	7769	3745
7770	7770	3746
7771	7771	3747
7772	7772	3748
7773	7773	3749
7774	7774	3750
7775	7775	3751 SB224 INTRODUCED
7776	7776	Page 135
7777	7777	(c) Board members appointed by the Governor shall serve
7778	7778	for terms of two years and, upon the expiration of a term, may
7779	7779	continue to serve until replaced or reappointed. All other
7780	7780	board members shall serve until they are replaced by their
7781	7781	respective appointing authority.
7782	7782	(d) The board shall annually elect from its membership
7783	7783	a chair, a vice chair, and a secretary.
7784	7784	(e) The appointing authorities shall coordinate their
7785	7785	appointments to assure the board membership is inclusive and
7786	7786	reflects the racial, gender, geographic, urban, rural, and
7787	7787	economic diversity of this state.
7788	7788	(f) Unless acting unreasonably or in bad faith, no
7789	7789	member of the board shall be civilly liable for acting within
7790	7790	the scope of his or her duties as a board member.
7791	7791	(g) Members of the board shall serve without
7792	7792	compensation but, to the extent funds are available, may
7793	7793	receive the same per diem and travel allowance as state
7794	7794	employees.
7795	7795	(h)(1) Except as provided in subdivision (2), members
7796	7796	of the board may participate in a regular meeting of the board
7797	7797	by means of telephone conference, video conference, or similar
7798	7798	communications equipment pursuant to the Alabama Open Meetings
7799	7799	Act, Chapter 25A of Title 36.
7800	7800	(2) Members of the board may only participate in a
7801	7801	meeting of the board relating to a disciplinary action in
7802	7802	person."
7803	7803	"§34-13A-4
7804	7804	(a) The board may issue a license to practice genetic
7805	7805	counseling to any individual who satisfies all of the
7806	7806	3752
7807	7807	3753
7808	7808	3754
7809	7809	3755
7810	7810	3756
7811	7811	3757
7812	7812	3758
7813	7813	3759
7814	7814	3760
7815	7815	3761
7816	7816	3762
7817	7817	3763
7818	7818	3764
7819	7819	3765
7820	7820	3766
7821	7821	3767
7822	7822	3768
7823	7823	3769
7824	7824	3770
7825	7825	3771
7826	7826	3772
7827	7827	3773
7828	7828	3774
7829	7829	3775
7830	7830	3776
7831	7831	3777
7832	7832	3778
7833	7833	3779 SB224 INTRODUCED
7834	7834	Page 136
7835	7835	counseling to any individual who satisfies all of the
7836	7836	following qualifications:
7837	7837	(1) Is at least 21 years of age.
7838	7838	(2) Has applied in writing to the board in a form and
7839	7839	substance that is satisfactory to the board.
7840	7840	(3) Has not engaged in conduct or activities that would
7841	7841	constitute grounds for discipline under this chapter.
7842	7842	(4) Has successfully completed either of the following:
7843	7843	a. A master's degree in genetic counseling from an ACGC
7844	7844	or ABMGG accredited training program, or an equivalent program
7845	7845	approved by the ACGC or the ABMGG.
7846	7846	b. A doctoral degree and an ABMGG accredited medical
7847	7847	genetics training program, or an equivalent program approved
7848	7848	by the ABMGG.
7849	7849	(5) Has successfully completed an examination for
7850	7850	licensure, as approved by the board.
7851	7851	(6) Has paid fees established by board rule.
7852	7852	(7) Has satisfied the requirements for certification
7853	7853	established by the ABGC or its successor, or the ABMGG or its
7854	7854	successor, if required by board rule.
7855	7855	(8) Has satisfied any additional requirements for
7856	7856	licensure established by board rule.
7857	7857	(b) The board executive director may issue a temporary
7858	7858	license to practice genetic counseling to any individual who
7859	7859	has made application to the board, has submitted evidence to
7860	7860	the board of admission to examination for licensure, and has
7861	7861	satisfied all other requirements or conditions for licensure
7862	7862	as provided in this section and by board rule, except for the
7863	7863	examination requirement. A temporary license shall be valid
7864	7864	3780
7865	7865	3781
7866	7866	3782
7867	7867	3783
7868	7868	3784
7869	7869	3785
7870	7870	3786
7871	7871	3787
7872	7872	3788
7873	7873	3789
7874	7874	3790
7875	7875	3791
7876	7876	3792
7877	7877	3793
7878	7878	3794
7879	7879	3795
7880	7880	3796
7881	7881	3797
7882	7882	3798
7883	7883	3799
7884	7884	3800
7885	7885	3801
7886	7886	3802
7887	7887	3803
7888	7888	3804
7889	7889	3805
7890	7890	3806
7891	7891	3807 SB224 INTRODUCED
7892	7892	Page 137
7893	7893	examination requirement. A temporary license shall be valid
7894	7894	for no more than one year. The holder of a temporary license
7895	7895	shall practice only under the supervision of a qualified
7896	7896	supervisor. Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit an
7897	7897	applicant from reapplying for a temporary license if he or she
7898	7898	otherwise satisfies the qualifications of this subsection."
7899	7899	"§34-13A-5
7900	7900	(a) A license issued by the board pursuant to this
7901	7901	chapter shall be valid for no more than two years, unless
7902	7902	otherwise specified by this chapter or board rule a term
7903	7903	prescribed by the executive director , and shall be renewable
7904	7904	on a renewal date established by board rule the executive
7905	7905	director.
7906	7906	(b) An individual who holds an expired license, or a
7907	7907	license on inactive status, may have the license restored by
7908	7908	doing all of the following:
7909	7909	(1) Making application to the board.
7910	7910	(2) Submitting proof acceptable to the board of his or
7911	7911	her fitness to have the license restored including, but not
7912	7912	limited to, sworn evidence certifying his or her active
7913	7913	practice in another jurisdiction that is satisfactory to the
7914	7914	board.
7915	7915	(3) Paying the required restoration fees as established
7916	7916	by board rule the executive director .
7917	7917	(c) If an individual has not maintained an active
7918	7918	practice in another jurisdiction that is satisfactory to the
7919	7919	board pursuant to subdivision (2) of subsection (b), the
7920	7920	board, pursuant to an evaluation program established by rule,
7921	7921	shall determine the fitness of an individual to resume active
7922	7922	3808
7923	7923	3809
7924	7924	3810
7925	7925	3811
7926	7926	3812
7927	7927	3813
7928	7928	3814
7929	7929	3815
7930	7930	3816
7931	7931	3817
7932	7932	3818
7933	7933	3819
7934	7934	3820
7935	7935	3821
7936	7936	3822
7937	7937	3823
7938	7938	3824
7939	7939	3825
7940	7940	3826
7941	7941	3827
7942	7942	3828
7943	7943	3829
7944	7944	3830
7945	7945	3831
7946	7946	3832
7947	7947	3833
7948	7948	3834
7949	7949	3835 SB224 INTRODUCED
7950	7950	Page 138
7951	7951	shall determine the fitness of an individual to resume active
7952	7952	status and may require the individual to complete a period of
7953	7953	evaluated clinical experience and successful completion of an
7954	7954	examination for licensure.
7955	7955	(d) A licensee may elect to place his or her license on
7956	7956	inactive status by notifying the board, in writing, on a form
7957	7957	prescribed by board rule. An inactive licensee may not
7958	7958	practice genetic counseling in this state and shall be excused
7959	7959	from the payment of renewal fees until he or she notifies the
7960	7960	board of his or her desire to resume active status. An
7961	7961	individual requesting restoration to active status shall pay
7962	7962	the current renewal fee and shall satisfy the requirements of
7963	7963	subsection (b)."
7964	7964	"§34-13A-7
7965	7965	The board may do all of the following:
7966	7966	(1) Determine the qualifications and fitness of
7967	7967	applicants for licensure and renewal of licensure.
7968	7968	(2) Consistent with the laws of this state, adopt and
7969	7969	revise rules as necessary to conduct its business, carry out
7970	7970	its duties, and administer this chapter.
7971	7971	(3) Examine for, approve, issue, deny, revoke, suspend,
7972	7972	sanction, and renew the license of any applicant or genetic
7973	7973	counselor, as applicable, pursuant to this chapter and conduct
7974	7974	hearings in connection with those actions.
7975	7975	(4) Conduct hearings on complaints concerning
7976	7976	violations of this chapter, and any rule adopted pursuant to
7977	7977	this chapter, and cause the prosecution and enjoinder of any
7978	7978	violation.
7979	7979	(5) Establish licensure, application, examination,
7980	7980	3836
7981	7981	3837
7982	7982	3838
7983	7983	3839
7984	7984	3840
7985	7985	3841
7986	7986	3842
7987	7987	3843
7988	7988	3844
7989	7989	3845
7990	7990	3846
7991	7991	3847
7992	7992	3848
7993	7993	3849
7994	7994	3850
7995	7995	3851
7996	7996	3852
7997	7997	3853
7998	7998	3854
7999	7999	3855
8000	8000	3856
8001	8001	3857
8002	8002	3858
8003	8003	3859
8004	8004	3860
8005	8005	3861
8006	8006	3862
8007	8007	3863 SB224 INTRODUCED
8008	8008	Page 139
8009	8009	(5) Establish licensure, application, examination,
8010	8010	certification, and other administrative fees as necessary.
8011	8011	(6)(5) Establish continuing education requirements.
8012	8012	(7)(6) Impose administrative fines, not to exceed one
8013	8013	thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation, for a violation of
8014	8014	this chapter, a board rule, or a condition of a license.
8015	8015	(8)(7) Accept grants from foundations, individuals, and
8016	8016	institutions to further the purposes of the board .
8017	8017	(9) To the extent funding is available, employ a
8018	8018	director and additional staff as necessary for the proper
8019	8019	performance of the duties of the board. "
8020	8020	"§34-13A-10
8021	8021	There is established in the State Treasury a separate
8022	8022	special revenue trust fund known as the Genetic Counseling
8023	8023	Fund. All receipts collected by the board pursuant to this
8024	8024	chapter shall be deposited into the fund and shall be used
8025	8025	only to implement this chapter. The receipts shall be
8026	8026	disbursed only by warrant of the Comptroller upon the State
8027	8027	Treasury, upon itemized vouchers approved by the executive
8028	8028	director, or the board if no executive director is employed
8029	8029	Occupational and Professional Licensing Fund . The board may
8030	8030	make grants and otherwise arrange with qualified individuals,
8031	8031	institutions, or agencies to develop and promote genetic
8032	8032	counseling programs and continuing education programs for
8033	8033	licensees. No funds may be withdrawn or expended except as
8034	8034	budgeted and allotted according to Sections 41-4-80 to
8035	8035	41-4-96, inclusive, and Sections 41-19-1 to 41-19-12,
8036	8036	inclusive, and only in amounts as stipulated in the general
8037	8037	appropriations bill or other appropriations bills. "
8038	8038	3864
8039	8039	3865
8040	8040	3866
8041	8041	3867
8042	8042	3868
8043	8043	3869
8044	8044	3870
8045	8045	3871
8046	8046	3872
8047	8047	3873
8048	8048	3874
8049	8049	3875
8050	8050	3876
8051	8051	3877
8052	8052	3878
8053	8053	3879
8054	8054	3880
8055	8055	3881
8056	8056	3882
8057	8057	3883
8058	8058	3884
8059	8059	3885
8060	8060	3886
8061	8061	3887
8062	8062	3888
8063	8063	3889
8064	8064	3890
8065	8065	3891 SB224 INTRODUCED
8066	8066	Page 140
8067	8067	appropriations bill or other appropriations bills. "
8068	8068	Section 12. Relating to the Alabama Board of Licensure
8069	8069	for Professional Geologists; to amend Sections 34-41-3,
8070	8070	34-41-4, 34-41-5, 34-41-6, 34-41-9, 34-41-11, 34-41-12,
8071	8071	34-41-14, 34-41-15, 34-41-16, and 31-41-17 of the Code of
8072	8072	Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
8073	8073	"§34-41-3
8074	8074	When used in this chapter, the following words have the
8075	8075	following meanings:
8076	8076	(1) BOARD. The Alabama Board of Licensure for
8077	8077	Professional Geologists.
8078	8078	(2) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
8079	8079	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
8080	8080	in Section 25-2B-1.
8081	8081	(2)(3) GEOLOGIST. A person who holds a degree in the
8082	8082	geological sciences from an accredited college or university.
8083	8083	(3)(4) GEOLOGIST-IN-TRAINING. A person who holds a
8084	8084	degree in the geological sciences from an accredited college
8085	8085	or university and who has successfully passed the part of the
8086	8086	professional examination covering fundamental or academic
8087	8087	geological subjects.
8088	8088	(4)(5) GEOLOGY. The science dealing with the earth and
8089	8089	its history; its constituent rocks, minerals, liquids, gases,
8090	8090	and other materials of which it is composed, and the study of
8091	8091	the processes responsible for the development and change in
8092	8092	the component parts of the earth, for the benefit of mankind.
8093	8093	(5)(6) GOOD MORAL CHARACTER. Character that tends to
8094	8094	ensure the faithful discharge of the professional duties of
8095	8095	the licensed professional geologist based on truth and
8096	8096	3892
8097	8097	3893
8098	8098	3894
8099	8099	3895
8100	8100	3896
8101	8101	3897
8102	8102	3898
8103	8103	3899
8104	8104	3900
8105	8105	3901
8106	8106	3902
8107	8107	3903
8108	8108	3904
8109	8109	3905
8110	8110	3906
8111	8111	3907
8112	8112	3908
8113	8113	3909
8114	8114	3910
8115	8115	3911
8116	8116	3912
8117	8117	3913
8118	8118	3914
8119	8119	3915
8120	8120	3916
8121	8121	3917
8122	8122	3918
8123	8123	3919 SB224 INTRODUCED
8124	8124	Page 141
8125	8125	the licensed professional geologist based on truth and
8126	8126	adherence to ethical principles.
8127	8127	(6)(7) LICENSE. A certificate issued by the board
8128	8128	recognizing the individual named in this certificate as
8129	8129	meeting the requirements for licensing under this chapter.
8130	8130	(7)(8) LICENSED PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGIST. A person who
8131	8131	holds a license as a professional geologist under this
8132	8132	chapter.
8133	8133	(8)(9) PUBLIC PRACTICE OF GEOLOGY. The performance of
8134	8134	geological service or work, including, but not limited to,
8135	8135	consultation, geological investigation, surveys, evaluations,
8136	8136	planning, mapping, or review of geological work related to the
8137	8137	public practice of geology, or both, in which the performance
8138	8138	is related to the public welfare or safeguarding of life,
8139	8139	health, property, and the environment except as otherwise
8140	8140	specifically provided by this chapter. A person publicly
8141	8141	practices or offers to publicly practice geology if the person
8142	8142	does any of the following:
8143	8143	a. Offers to or provides geological work or services to
8144	8144	the public in any branch of the profession of geology.
8145	8145	b. Represents himself or herself to be a licensed
8146	8146	professional geologist by verbal claim, sign, advertisement,
8147	8147	letterhead, card, or in another way.
8148	8148	c. Implies that he or she is a licensed professional
8149	8149	geologist or that he or she is registered under this chapter
8150	8150	through the use of some other title.
8151	8151	d. Holds himself or herself out as one who performs or
8152	8152	is able to perform any geological services or work recognized
8153	8153	by the board as the public practice of geology.
8154	8154	3920
8155	8155	3921
8156	8156	3922
8157	8157	3923
8158	8158	3924
8159	8159	3925
8160	8160	3926
8161	8161	3927
8162	8162	3928
8163	8163	3929
8164	8164	3930
8165	8165	3931
8166	8166	3932
8167	8167	3933
8168	8168	3934
8169	8169	3935
8170	8170	3936
8171	8171	3937
8172	8172	3938
8173	8173	3939
8174	8174	3940
8175	8175	3941
8176	8176	3942
8177	8177	3943
8178	8178	3944
8179	8179	3945
8180	8180	3946
8181	8181	3947 SB224 INTRODUCED
8182	8182	Page 142
8183	8183	by the board as the public practice of geology.
8184	8184	This definition shall not be construed to regulate or
8185	8185	interfere with the legitimate practice of any licensed
8186	8186	professional, other than geologists.
8187	8187	(9)(10) RESPONSIBLE CHARGE OF WORK. The independent
8188	8188	control and direction by the use of initiative, skill, and
8189	8189	independent judgment of geological work or the supervision of
8190	8190	such work.
8191	8191	(10)(11) SPECIALTY. A branch of geology which is
8192	8192	recognized as a subdiscipline for purposes of certification
8193	8193	after registration as a licensed professional geologist.
8194	8194	(11)(12) SUBORDINATE. A person who assists a licensed
8195	8195	professional geologist in the public practice of geology
8196	8196	without assuming the responsible charge of work and who is
8197	8197	under the direction and supervision of a licensed professional
8198	8198	geologist.
8199	8199	(12)(13) UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT. The practice of
8200	8200	geology by a licensed professional geologist who willfully
8201	8201	performs any act, causes omissions, or makes any assertions or
8202	8202	representations which are fraudulent, deceitful, or
8203	8203	misleading, or which in any manner whatsoever discredits or
8204	8204	tends to discredit the profession of geology."
8205	8205	"§34-41-4
8206	8206	(a) There is created the Alabama Board of Licensure for
8207	8207	Professional Geologists which shall administer and enforce
8208	8208	this chapter. Commencing on October 1, 2025, the board shall
8209	8209	be subject to the leadership, support, and oversight of the
8210	8210	Executive Director of the Office of Occupational and
8211	8211	Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25.
8212	8212	3948
8213	8213	3949
8214	8214	3950
8215	8215	3951
8216	8216	3952
8217	8217	3953
8218	8218	3954
8219	8219	3955
8220	8220	3956
8221	8221	3957
8222	8222	3958
8223	8223	3959
8224	8224	3960
8225	8225	3961
8226	8226	3962
8227	8227	3963
8228	8228	3964
8229	8229	3965
8230	8230	3966
8231	8231	3967
8232	8232	3968
8233	8233	3969
8234	8234	3970
8235	8235	3971
8236	8236	3972
8237	8237	3973
8238	8238	3974
8239	8239	3975 SB224 INTRODUCED
8240	8240	Page 143
8241	8241	Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25.
8242	8242	(b) The board shall consist of seven members appointed
8243	8243	by the Governor from a list of nominees submitted by the
8244	8244	board, or any entity designated by the board. Members of the
8245	8245	board, except for the initial board, shall be licensed
8246	8246	professional geologists. Whenever possible the membership of
8247	8247	the board shall be inclusive and reflect the racial, gender,
8248	8248	geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the state.
8249	8249	(c) Each member of the board shall be a citizen of the
8250	8250	United States, a resident of the State of Alabama for at least
8251	8251	five years immediately preceding appointment, reside in the
8252	8252	state during the term of office, and be at least 25 years of
8253	8253	age.
8254	8254	(d) All members of the initial board shall be appointed
8255	8255	by the Governor from a list of nominees who shall at the time
8256	8256	of their appointment qualify for licensing under this chapter
8257	8257	and become duly licensed during their term. Membership of the
8258	8258	board shall include at least one representative member from
8259	8259	each of the following professional subgroups of geologists:
8260	8260	Faculty of the departments of geology at colleges and
8261	8261	universities in the State of Alabama that grant degrees in the
8262	8262	geological sciences; governmental agencies employing
8263	8263	geologists; businesses, exclusive of those exempted herein;
8264	8264	mining industry; petroleum industry; geotechnical and/or
8265	8265	environmental engineering firms; and independent geological
8266	8266	consultants.
8267	8267	(e) After the establishment of the initial board, all
8268	8268	members of the board shall be licensed under this chapter. The
8269	8269	term of office of each member of the board shall be three
8270	8270	3976
8271	8271	3977
8272	8272	3978
8273	8273	3979
8274	8274	3980
8275	8275	3981
8276	8276	3982
8277	8277	3983
8278	8278	3984
8279	8279	3985
8280	8280	3986
8281	8281	3987
8282	8282	3988
8283	8283	3989
8284	8284	3990
8285	8285	3991
8286	8286	3992
8287	8287	3993
8288	8288	3994
8289	8289	3995
8290	8290	3996
8291	8291	3997
8292	8292	3998
8293	8293	3999
8294	8294	4000
8295	8295	4001
8296	8296	4002
8297	8297	4003 SB224 INTRODUCED
8298	8298	Page 144
8299	8299	term of office of each member of the board shall be three
8300	8300	years. Notwithstanding the foregoing, of the first members
8301	8301	appointed, two shall be appointed for a term of one year, two
8302	8302	for terms of two years, and three for terms of three years. No
8303	8303	member shall serve more than two consecutive three-year terms,
8304	8304	without interruption in service of at least three years.
8305	8305	(f) Each term on the board shall expire on September 30
8306	8306	of the year in which the term expires. When the term of a
8307	8307	member expires, the Governor shall appoint a new member or
8308	8308	reappoint the current member for a full term under subsections
8309	8309	(d) and (e). If a vacancy occurs, within 90 days of the
8310	8310	vacancy the Governor shall appoint a replacement to fill the
8311	8311	vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term. Except for
8312	8312	the members of the initial board, all appointments and
8313	8313	reappointments to the board shall be made by the Governor from
8314	8314	a list of nominees submitted by the board, or any entity
8315	8315	designated by the board. In appointing members to the board,
8316	8316	the Governor shall strive to achieve diversity in race,
8317	8317	gender, geography, residence, and economic condition.
8318	8318	(g) The Governor may remove a member of the board only
8319	8319	for neglect of duty, an unexcused failure to attend more than
8320	8320	one of the regularly scheduled meetings held in a calendar
8321	8321	year during the term in office of the member, malfeasance,
8322	8322	violation of this chapter, or conviction of a felony or other
8323	8323	crime of moral turpitude.
8324	8324	(h) Members of the board shall receive reimbursement
8325	8325	for expenses incurred in the performance of duties of one
8326	8326	hundred dollars ($100) per day plus mileage payable at the
8327	8327	same rate as paid for state officers and employees for each
8328	8328	4004
8329	8329	4005
8330	8330	4006
8331	8331	4007
8332	8332	4008
8333	8333	4009
8334	8334	4010
8335	8335	4011
8336	8336	4012
8337	8337	4013
8338	8338	4014
8339	8339	4015
8340	8340	4016
8341	8341	4017
8342	8342	4018
8343	8343	4019
8344	8344	4020
8345	8345	4021
8346	8346	4022
8347	8347	4023
8348	8348	4024
8349	8349	4025
8350	8350	4026
8351	8351	4027
8352	8352	4028
8353	8353	4029
8354	8354	4030
8355	8355	4031 SB224 INTRODUCED
8356	8356	Page 145
8357	8357	same rate as paid for state officers and employees for each
8358	8358	day of actual attendance at a regular or special meeting of
8359	8359	the board.
8360	8360	(i) The board may employ the necessary personnel for
8361	8361	performance of its functions and fix their compensation. (h)
8362	8362	The board may appoint committees to aid in the performance of
8363	8363	its functions."
8364	8364	"§34-41-5
8365	8365	(a) The board shall elect from its membership a chair,
8366	8366	a vice chair, and a secretary-treasurer. The board shall adopt
8367	8367	rules to govern its proceedings. A majority of the appointed
8368	8368	membership of the board shall constitute a quorum for all
8369	8369	meetings.
8370	8370	(b) The board shall, by regulation, adopt an
8371	8371	administrative code and a code of professional conduct, which
8372	8372	shall be published by the board and distributed to every
8373	8373	applicant for licensing and to every licensee under this
8374	8374	chapter. The publication shall constitute due notice to all
8375	8375	applicants and licensees. The board shall solicit comments
8376	8376	from the profession at large concerning these codes and may
8377	8377	revise and amend the codes.
8378	8378	(c) The board executive director shall have the
8379	8379	authority to prepare , and administer, and grade oral or
8380	8380	written examinations, or both, as required or permitted by
8381	8381	this chapter to test an applicant's academic preparation and
8382	8382	ability to apply such training to the public practice of
8383	8383	geology. The board , or the executive director at the
8384	8384	discretion of the board, may take any actions necessary to
8385	8385	prepare, administer, and grade the examinations , and to
8386	8386	4032
8387	8387	4033
8388	8388	4034
8389	8389	4035
8390	8390	4036
8391	8391	4037
8392	8392	4038
8393	8393	4039
8394	8394	4040
8395	8395	4041
8396	8396	4042
8397	8397	4043
8398	8398	4044
8399	8399	4045
8400	8400	4046
8401	8401	4047
8402	8402	4048
8403	8403	4049
8404	8404	4050
8405	8405	4051
8406	8406	4052
8407	8407	4053
8408	8408	4054
8409	8409	4055
8410	8410	4056
8411	8411	4057
8412	8412	4058
8413	8413	4059 SB224 INTRODUCED
8414	8414	Page 146
8415	8415	prepare, administer, and grade the examinations , and to
8416	8416	determine whether the qualifications of an applicant for
8417	8417	licensing meet the minimum standards set forth in this
8418	8418	chapter, and to issue a license to each successful applicant .
8419	8419	The board shall have the authority to adopt or recognize, in
8420	8420	part or in whole, examinations prepared, administered, or
8421	8421	graded by other organizations, on a regional or national
8422	8422	basis, which the board determines are appropriate to measure
8423	8423	the qualifications of an applicant for licensing as a
8424	8424	professional geologist or in any specialty of geology. The
8425	8425	examination questions, correct answers, and any individual
8426	8426	applicant's completed examination shall be available to the
8427	8427	board. The board shall retain the authority to determine a
8428	8428	passing grade for purposes of registration as a professional
8429	8429	geologist in this state.
8430	8430	(d) The board shall consider all applications for
8431	8431	licensing as a professional geologist or certification in any
8432	8432	specialty thereof recognized by the board pursuant to this
8433	8433	chapter and issue licenses as provided in this chapter. The
8434	8434	board shall adopt a seal which shall be affixed to all
8435	8435	licenses issued by the board.
8436	8436	(e) The board may authorize necessary expenditures to
8437	8437	implement this chapter from the fees which it collects. The
8438	8438	expenditures shall not exceed the revenues of the board during
8439	8439	any fiscal year.
8440	8440	(f)(e) The board shall meet within 30 days after a
8441	8441	quorum of its first members is appointed, and thereafter shall
8442	8442	hold at least three regular meetings each year. The board may
8443	8443	provide for additional special meetings including hearings,
8444	8444	4060
8445	8445	4061
8446	8446	4062
8447	8447	4063
8448	8448	4064
8449	8449	4065
8450	8450	4066
8451	8451	4067
8452	8452	4068
8453	8453	4069
8454	8454	4070
8455	8455	4071
8456	8456	4072
8457	8457	4073
8458	8458	4074
8459	8459	4075
8460	8460	4076
8461	8461	4077
8462	8462	4078
8463	8463	4079
8464	8464	4080
8465	8465	4081
8466	8466	4082
8467	8467	4083
8468	8468	4084
8469	8469	4085
8470	8470	4086
8471	8471	4087 SB224 INTRODUCED
8472	8472	Page 147
8473	8473	provide for additional special meetings including hearings,
8474	8474	extra working days for applications review, and examination
8475	8475	proctoring. Minutes of each meeting of the board, recording
8476	8476	the members present and the business taken, shall be signed
8477	8477	and kept by the secretary-treasurer or an assistant secretary
8478	8478	appointed by the board or the executive director .
8479	8479	(g)(f) The board executive director shall establish and
8480	8480	receive reasonable and necessary fees to be charged to the
8481	8481	applicants and registrants to support the administration and
8482	8482	enforcement of this chapter. The secretary-treasurer shall
8483	8483	prepare, certify, and file an annual report of all the
8484	8484	receipts, expenditures, and fund balances with the state
8485	8485	Comptroller.
8486	8486	(h)(g) The board shall approve licensing through comity
8487	8487	for any individual already licensed as a professional
8488	8488	geologist or the equivalent in any other state, territory, or
8489	8489	possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia,
8490	8490	if the license is current and, in the opinion of the board,
8491	8491	the license was issued in compliance with licensing
8492	8492	requirements that are substantially the same as, or more
8493	8493	stringent than, those established pursuant to this chapter.
8494	8494	The board may require additional proof of experience, if
8495	8495	desired.
8496	8496	(i)(h) The board executive director shall renew
8497	8497	certificates and reissue certificates as provided in this
8498	8498	chapter. As a condition of reissuance or renewal, the board
8499	8499	shall have the authority to require, in general or in
8500	8500	individual cases, evidence of continued competence in the
8501	8501	practice of geology through means such as, but not limited to,
8502	8502	4088
8503	8503	4089
8504	8504	4090
8505	8505	4091
8506	8506	4092
8507	8507	4093
8508	8508	4094
8509	8509	4095
8510	8510	4096
8511	8511	4097
8512	8512	4098
8513	8513	4099
8514	8514	4100
8515	8515	4101
8516	8516	4102
8517	8517	4103
8518	8518	4104
8519	8519	4105
8520	8520	4106
8521	8521	4107
8522	8522	4108
8523	8523	4109
8524	8524	4110
8525	8525	4111
8526	8526	4112
8527	8527	4113
8528	8528	4114
8529	8529	4115 SB224 INTRODUCED
8530	8530	Page 148
8531	8531	practice of geology through means such as, but not limited to,
8532	8532	the review of qualifications, experiences, and requirements
8533	8533	for continuing professional education.
8534	8534	(j)(i) Each present and former member of the board , its
8535	8535	agents, employees, and members of committees appointed by the
8536	8536	board to assist the board in carrying out its duties and
8537	8537	responsibilities, shall be exempt from civil liability for any
8538	8538	act or omission occurring while acting in an official
8539	8539	capacity. The Attorney General or his or her appointed
8540	8540	designee shall, without assessing charges to the board for
8541	8541	legal services, defend the board and each present and former
8542	8542	member of the board , its agents, employees, and members of
8543	8543	committees appointed by the board in any action arising from
8544	8544	any act or omission. The Attorney General or his or her
8545	8545	appointed designee shall act as legal advisor to the board.
8546	8546	(k)(j) The board may investigate all reasonably
8547	8547	documented complaints of violations of this chapter and of
8548	8548	unprofessional conduct by licensed and nonlicensed geologists.
8549	8549	The board shall have the authority to refuse issuance or
8550	8550	renewal of a license or to suspend or revoke a license. The
8551	8551	board may impose sanctions including restrictions on the
8552	8552	practice of any registrant or of a person, firm, or
8553	8553	corporation practicing under the limitations of this chapter,
8554	8554	for violations of this chapter or the rules and regulations
8555	8555	promulgated hereunder.
8556	8556	(l)(k) The board shall have the power to administer
8557	8557	oaths and affirmations and to issue subpoenas to compel the
8558	8558	attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence, and
8559	8559	shall have the authority to issue cease and desist orders and
8560	8560	4116
8561	8561	4117
8562	8562	4118
8563	8563	4119
8564	8564	4120
8565	8565	4121
8566	8566	4122
8567	8567	4123
8568	8568	4124
8569	8569	4125
8570	8570	4126
8571	8571	4127
8572	8572	4128
8573	8573	4129
8574	8574	4130
8575	8575	4131
8576	8576	4132
8577	8577	4133
8578	8578	4134
8579	8579	4135
8580	8580	4136
8581	8581	4137
8582	8582	4138
8583	8583	4139
8584	8584	4140
8585	8585	4141
8586	8586	4142
8587	8587	4143 SB224 INTRODUCED
8588	8588	Page 149
8589	8589	shall have the authority to issue cease and desist orders and
8590	8590	to seek injunctions against violations of this chapter or the
8591	8591	rules and regulations promulgated hereunder, as provided
8592	8592	herein.
8593	8593	(m)(l) The board shall , within one year of its
8594	8594	appointment, establish between it and the Alabama State Board
8595	8595	of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, a memorandum of
8596	8596	understanding, containing guidelines for resolving
8597	8597	jurisdictional concerns that may arise between registered
8598	8598	engineers and registered geologists.
8599	8599	(n)(m) The board shall have all other powers and
8600	8600	authority consistent with this section, not enumerated herein,
8601	8601	as are necessary for the administration and enforcement of
8602	8602	this chapter."
8603	8603	"§34-41-6
8604	8604	There is established a separate revenue trust fund in
8605	8605	the State Treasury to be known as the "Alabama Board of
8606	8606	Licensure for Professional Geologists Fund." All receipts and
8607	8607	disciplinary fines collected by the board under this chapter
8608	8608	shall be deposited in this fund and used only to implement
8609	8609	this chapter. Monies shall be disbursed by warrant of the
8610	8610	state Comptroller upon the State Treasury, upon itemized
8611	8611	vouchers approved by the chair of the board or an authorized
8612	8612	designee. No funds shall be withdrawn or expended except as
8613	8613	budgeted and allotted according to Sections 41-4-80 to
8614	8614	41-4-96, inclusive, and 41-19-1 to 41-19-12, inclusive, and
8615	8615	only in amounts as stipulated in the general appropriations
8616	8616	bill or other appropriation bills into the Occupational and
8617	8617	Professional Licensing Fund ."
8618	8618	4144
8619	8619	4145
8620	8620	4146
8621	8621	4147
8622	8622	4148
8623	8623	4149
8624	8624	4150
8625	8625	4151
8626	8626	4152
8627	8627	4153
8628	8628	4154
8629	8629	4155
8630	8630	4156
8631	8631	4157
8632	8632	4158
8633	8633	4159
8634	8634	4160
8635	8635	4161
8636	8636	4162
8637	8637	4163
8638	8638	4164
8639	8639	4165
8640	8640	4166
8641	8641	4167
8642	8642	4168
8643	8643	4169
8644	8644	4170
8645	8645	4171 SB224 INTRODUCED
8646	8646	Page 150
8647	8647	Professional Licensing Fund ."
8648	8648	"§34-41-9
8649	8649	An application for licensing as a professional
8650	8650	geologist or a geologist-in-training shall be made under oath
8651	8651	and shall show: (1) the education of the applicant; (2) a
8652	8652	detailed summary of his or her actual geological work
8653	8653	experience; (3) a signed statement that the applicant has read
8654	8654	and shall adhere to the code of professional conduct adopted
8655	8655	by the board; and (4) not less than five references, three or
8656	8656	more of whom shall be geologists having personal knowledge of
8657	8657	the geologic experience of the applicant. The board executive
8658	8658	director shall determine a reasonable application fee which
8659	8659	shall accompany each application."
8660	8660	"§34-41-11
8661	8661	Annual examinations shall be formulated by the board
8662	8662	and conducted by the board at a time and place the board
8663	8663	executive director shall determine. The board executive
8664	8664	director shall by regulation rule establish the fee required
8665	8665	for examination."
8666	8666	"§34-41-12
8667	8667	(a) Upon payment of a license fee the board shall issue
8668	8668	a biennial license to any applicant who has satisfactorily met
8669	8669	all the requirements of this chapter. Licenses shall show the
8670	8670	full name of the licensee, give a serial number, and shall be
8671	8671	signed by both the chair and secretary-treasurer of the board
8672	8672	under the seal of the board. The issuance of a license by the
8673	8673	board shall be prima facie evidence that the person named
8674	8674	therein is entitled to all the rights and privileges of a
8675	8675	licensed professional geologist while the license remains in
8676	8676	4172
8677	8677	4173
8678	8678	4174
8679	8679	4175
8680	8680	4176
8681	8681	4177
8682	8682	4178
8683	8683	4179
8684	8684	4180
8685	8685	4181
8686	8686	4182
8687	8687	4183
8688	8688	4184
8689	8689	4185
8690	8690	4186
8691	8691	4187
8692	8692	4188
8693	8693	4189
8694	8694	4190
8695	8695	4191
8696	8696	4192
8697	8697	4193
8698	8698	4194
8699	8699	4195
8700	8700	4196
8701	8701	4197
8702	8702	4198
8703	8703	4199 SB224 INTRODUCED
8704	8704	Page 151
8705	8705	licensed professional geologist while the license remains in
8706	8706	full force and effect.
8707	8707	(b) Each license expires on a biennial basis or at
8708	8708	another interval determined by the board unless the license is
8709	8709	renewed. The executive director shall prescribe the expiration
8710	8710	date of each license issued by the board. An application for
8711	8711	renewal shall be filed with the board executive director and
8712	8712	shall be accompanied by the renewal fee prescribed by the
8713	8713	board executive director . A license which has expired for
8714	8714	failure to renew may be restored only after application and
8715	8715	payment of the prescribed restoration fee prescribed by the
8716	8716	executive director , provided the renewal applicant meets all
8717	8717	other provisions established by the board.
8718	8718	(c) An applicant for renewal of a license shall have
8719	8719	satisfactorily maintained continuing education requirements as
8720	8720	specified by the board.
8721	8721	(d) A new license to replace any license lost,
8722	8722	destroyed, or mutilated may be issued subject to the rules of
8723	8723	the board and payment of a fee established by the board
8724	8724	executive director ."
8725	8725	"§34-41-14
8726	8726	(a) Each geologist, upon the issuance of a license,
8727	8727	shall obtain from the secretary-treasurer of the board or his
8728	8728	or her designee, at a cost prescribed by the board executive
8729	8729	director, a seal of the design authorized by the board bearing
8730	8730	the name of the licensee and the legend "Licensed Professional
8731	8731	Geologist - State of Alabama" together with the serial number
8732	8732	of the licensee. A licensed professional geologist shall
8733	8733	approve, sign, and affix his or her seal to all drawings,
8734	8734	4200
8735	8735	4201
8736	8736	4202
8737	8737	4203
8738	8738	4204
8739	8739	4205
8740	8740	4206
8741	8741	4207
8742	8742	4208
8743	8743	4209
8744	8744	4210
8745	8745	4211
8746	8746	4212
8747	8747	4213
8748	8748	4214
8749	8749	4215
8750	8750	4216
8751	8751	4217
8752	8752	4218
8753	8753	4219
8754	8754	4220
8755	8755	4221
8756	8756	4222
8757	8757	4223
8758	8758	4224
8759	8759	4225
8760	8760	4226
8761	8761	4227 SB224 INTRODUCED
8762	8762	Page 152
8763	8763	approve, sign, and affix his or her seal to all drawings,
8764	8764	reports, or other geologic papers, or documents involving the
8765	8765	public practice of geology which have been prepared by the
8766	8766	licensed professional geologist or a subordinate employee
8767	8767	under the direction of the licensed professional geologist for
8768	8768	the use of, or for delivery to, any person or for public
8769	8769	record within the State of Alabama.
8770	8770	(b) A qualified nonresident geologist practicing
8771	8771	geology in the State of Alabama under temporary approval of
8772	8772	the board shall sign and impress with his or her authorized
8773	8773	licensed seal all drawings, reports, or other geologic papers,
8774	8774	or documents involving the public practice of geology which
8775	8775	have been prepared by a licensed geologist or a subordinate
8776	8776	employee under his or her direction for the use of, or for
8777	8777	delivery to, any person or for public record within the State
8778	8778	of Alabama."
8779	8779	"§34-41-15
8780	8780	(a) The board executive director shall keep a register
8781	8781	of all applications for licensing. The register shall include:
8782	8782	(1) The name, age, and address of each applicant.
8783	8783	(2) The date of the application.
8784	8784	(3) The place of business of the applicant.
8785	8785	(4) The education of the applicant and other pertinent
8786	8786	qualifications.
8787	8787	(5) Whether an examination was required.
8788	8788	(6) Whether the applicant was licensed in another
8789	8789	state.
8790	8790	(7) Whether the license was granted.
8791	8791	(8) The dates of the actions by the board.
8792	8792	4228
8793	8793	4229
8794	8794	4230
8795	8795	4231
8796	8796	4232
8797	8797	4233
8798	8798	4234
8799	8799	4235
8800	8800	4236
8801	8801	4237
8802	8802	4238
8803	8803	4239
8804	8804	4240
8805	8805	4241
8806	8806	4242
8807	8807	4243
8808	8808	4244
8809	8809	4245
8810	8810	4246
8811	8811	4247
8812	8812	4248
8813	8813	4249
8814	8814	4250
8815	8815	4251
8816	8816	4252
8817	8817	4253
8818	8818	4254
8819	8819	4255 SB224 INTRODUCED
8820	8820	Page 153
8821	8821	(8) The dates of the actions by the board.
8822	8822	(9) Any other information deemed necessary by the
8823	8823	board.
8824	8824	(b) All official records of the board or affidavits by
8825	8825	the secretary-treasurer of the board executive director as to
8826	8826	the content of such records shall be prima facie evidence of
8827	8827	all matters required to be kept therein.
8828	8828	(c) The board shall treat as confidential and not
8829	8829	subject to disclosure, except to the extent required by law or
8830	8830	by rule or regulation of the board, individual test scores and
8831	8831	applications and material relating thereto, including letters
8832	8832	of reference relating to an application."
8833	8833	"§34-41-16
8834	8834	The secretary-treasurer of the board executive director
8835	8835	shall publish biennially periodically a roster showing the
8836	8836	names, license numbers, places of business, and business and
8837	8837	residence addresses of all professional geologists licensed in
8838	8838	Alabama. Copies of this roster shall be made available to the
8839	8839	public upon request and payment of a reasonable fee."
8840	8840	"§34-41-17
8841	8841	Any person may file written charges against any
8842	8842	licensed professional geologist pursuant to rules and
8843	8843	regulations adopted by the board. Charges or allegations shall
8844	8844	be in writing and shall be sworn to by the person or persons
8845	8845	making them and shall be filed with the secretary-treasurer of
8846	8846	the board executive director . The board shall investigate all
8847	8847	valid complaints."
8848	8848	Section 13. Relating to the Board of Home Medical
8849	8849	Equipment; to amend Sections 34-14C-1, 34-14C-2, 34-14C-4,
8850	8850	4256
8851	8851	4257
8852	8852	4258
8853	8853	4259
8854	8854	4260
8855	8855	4261
8856	8856	4262
8857	8857	4263
8858	8858	4264
8859	8859	4265
8860	8860	4266
8861	8861	4267
8862	8862	4268
8863	8863	4269
8864	8864	4270
8865	8865	4271
8866	8866	4272
8867	8867	4273
8868	8868	4274
8869	8869	4275
8870	8870	4276
8871	8871	4277
8872	8872	4278
8873	8873	4279
8874	8874	4280
8875	8875	4281
8876	8876	4282
8877	8877	4283 SB224 INTRODUCED
8878	8878	Page 154
8879	8879	Equipment; to amend Sections 34-14C-1, 34-14C-2, 34-14C-4,
8880	8880	34-14C-4.1, 34-14C-6 and 34-14C-7 of the Code of Alabama 1975,
8881	8881	to read as follows:
8882	8882	"§34-14C-1
8883	8883	As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have
8884	8884	the following meanings:
8885	8885	(1) BOARD. The Board of Home Medical Equipment as
8886	8886	established by this chapter.
8887	8887	(2) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
8888	8888	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
8889	8889	in Section 25-2B-1.
8890	8890	(2)(3) HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT. Medical devices usable
8891	8891	in a residential setting, as defined in regulations
8892	8892	established by the board.
8893	8893	(3)(4) HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT SERVICES. The
8894	8894	advertisement, sale, rental, delivery, installation,
8895	8895	maintenance, replacement of, or instruction in the use of
8896	8896	medical equipment and related supplies used by a sick or
8897	8897	disabled individual to allow that individual to obtain care or
8898	8898	treatment and be maintained in a residential setting.
8899	8899	(4)(5) HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT SERVICES PROVIDER. A
8900	8900	corporation, other business entity, or person engaged in the
8901	8901	business of providing home medical equipment services, either
8902	8902	directly or through a contractual arrangement, to an unrelated
8903	8903	sick or disabled individual in the residence of that
8904	8904	individual."
8905	8905	"§34-14C-2
8906	8906	(a)(1) The Board of Home Medical Equipment is created.
8907	8907	Commencing on October 1, 2025, the board shall be subject to
8908	8908	4284
8909	8909	4285
8910	8910	4286
8911	8911	4287
8912	8912	4288
8913	8913	4289
8914	8914	4290
8915	8915	4291
8916	8916	4292
8917	8917	4293
8918	8918	4294
8919	8919	4295
8920	8920	4296
8921	8921	4297
8922	8922	4298
8923	8923	4299
8924	8924	4300
8925	8925	4301
8926	8926	4302
8927	8927	4303
8928	8928	4304
8929	8929	4305
8930	8930	4306
8931	8931	4307
8932	8932	4308
8933	8933	4309
8934	8934	4310
8935	8935	4311 SB224 INTRODUCED
8936	8936	Page 155
8937	8937	Commencing on October 1, 2025, the board shall be subject to
8938	8938	the leadership, support, and oversight of the Executive
8939	8939	Director of the Office of Occupational and Professional
8940	8940	Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25.
8941	8941	(2) The Governor shall appoint a minimum of nine
8942	8942	persons to serve on the Board of Home Medical Equipment board,
8943	8943	such persons to include a majority who are employed in the
8944	8944	home medical equipment industry, and at least one person from
8945	8945	each of the following categories: A consumer of home medical
8946	8946	equipment services, a physician, a representative from the
8947	8947	acute-care hospital community, and a representative from the
8948	8948	home health agency community. Those persons employed in the
8949	8949	home medical equipment industry shall be selected from a list
8950	8950	submitted by the Alabama Durable Medical Equipment
8951	8951	Association, or its successor. The consumer member shall be
8952	8952	selected from a list of names submitted by the Governor's
8953	8953	Office on Disability, or its successor. The physician member
8954	8954	shall be selected from a list of names submitted by the
8955	8955	Medical Association of Alabama, or its successor. The
8956	8956	acute-care hospital community member shall be selected from a
8957	8957	list submitted by the Alabama Hospital Association, or its
8958	8958	successor. The home health agency community member shall be
8959	8959	selected from a list of names submitted by the Home Care
8960	8960	Association of Alabama, or its successor. All lists submitted
8961	8961	for nominations shall include at least two names for each
8962	8962	appointed position to be filled. Board members shall each be
8963	8963	citizens of this state and shall have no record of sanctions
8964	8964	related to fraud under federal or state law. The membership of
8965	8965	the board shall be inclusive and reflect the racial, gender,
8966	8966	4312
8967	8967	4313
8968	8968	4314
8969	8969	4315
8970	8970	4316
8971	8971	4317
8972	8972	4318
8973	8973	4319
8974	8974	4320
8975	8975	4321
8976	8976	4322
8977	8977	4323
8978	8978	4324
8979	8979	4325
8980	8980	4326
8981	8981	4327
8982	8982	4328
8983	8983	4329
8984	8984	4330
8985	8985	4331
8986	8986	4332
8987	8987	4333
8988	8988	4334
8989	8989	4335
8990	8990	4336
8991	8991	4337
8992	8992	4338
8993	8993	4339 SB224 INTRODUCED
8994	8994	Page 156
8995	8995	the board shall be inclusive and reflect the racial, gender,
8996	8996	geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the state.
8997	8997	(b) The initial members appointed to the board shall
8998	8998	serve for terms of three to five years, with one-third of the
8999	8999	board being replaced each year, beginning in year four.
9000	9000	Thereafter, subsequent appointments shall be for a term of
9001	9001	four years. No member shall serve more than two consecutive
9002	9002	terms of office. An appointment shall end on October 1, four
9003	9003	years from the date of the last term, and each member shall
9004	9004	hold office until his or her successor is appointed by the
9005	9005	Governor.
9006	9006	(c) Members of the board shall not be entitled to
9007	9007	compensation for service, but shall be reimbursed for
9008	9008	reasonable travel and meeting expenses, according to a budget
9009	9009	developed and approved by the board.
9010	9010	(d)(c) The board shall have the responsibility for
9011	9011	creating, establishing, maintaining, and enforcing regulations
9012	9012	governing the operation of home medical equipment services
9013	9013	providers, including the qualifications of inspectors, the
9014	9014	nature of inspections, and the process for appeals.
9015	9015	(e)(d) Whenever a vacancy occurs on the board due to
9016	9016	the death or resignation of a currently appointed board
9017	9017	member, or other like cause, the vacancy shall be filled by
9018	9018	appointment by the Governor for the remainder of the unexpired
9019	9019	term of the member, as provided under subsection (b). If a
9020	9020	vacancy occurs among those members who are employed in the
9021	9021	home medical equipment industry, the appointment shall be made
9022	9022	from a list submitted by the Alabama Durable Medical Equipment
9023	9023	Association or its successor.
9024	9024	4340
9025	9025	4341
9026	9026	4342
9027	9027	4343
9028	9028	4344
9029	9029	4345
9030	9030	4346
9031	9031	4347
9032	9032	4348
9033	9033	4349
9034	9034	4350
9035	9035	4351
9036	9036	4352
9037	9037	4353
9038	9038	4354
9039	9039	4355
9040	9040	4356
9041	9041	4357
9042	9042	4358
9043	9043	4359
9044	9044	4360
9045	9045	4361
9046	9046	4362
9047	9047	4363
9048	9048	4364
9049	9049	4365
9050	9050	4366
9051	9051	4367 SB224 INTRODUCED
9052	9052	Page 157
9053	9053	Association or its successor.
9054	9054	(f)(e) At the request of the board, the Governor may
9055	9055	remove a member for failing to attend three consecutive and
9056	9056	properly noticed meetings. The Governor may also remove a
9057	9057	board member for any of the following reasons:
9058	9058	(1) Misfeasance.
9059	9059	(2) Malfeasance.
9060	9060	(3) Neglect of duty.
9061	9061	(4) Conviction of a felony.
9062	9062	(5) Permanent inability to perform official duties.
9063	9063	(g) The board may hire personnel necessary to carry out
9064	9064	the provisions of this chapter. With the exception of the
9065	9065	executive director, all personnel shall be subject to the
9066	9066	provisions of the state Merit System Act.
9067	9067	(h)(f) The board shall adopt a seal, which shall be
9068	9068	affixed to all licenses issued by the board, and shall have
9069	9069	all other powers necessary and proper for performing official
9070	9070	duties.
9071	9071	(i)(g) The board executive director may establish and
9072	9072	charge reasonable fees relating to the administration and
9073	9073	enforcement of this chapter including, but not limited to,
9074	9074	application, processing, copying, mailing, filing, and other
9075	9075	fees as necessary to offset costs.
9076	9076	(j)(h) Absent negligence, recklessness, wantonness, or
9077	9077	deliberate misconduct, members of the board are immune from
9078	9078	liability for all good faith acts performed in the exercise of
9079	9079	their duties as members of the board."
9080	9080	"§34-14C-4
9081	9081	(a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a
9082	9082	4368
9083	9083	4369
9084	9084	4370
9085	9085	4371
9086	9086	4372
9087	9087	4373
9088	9088	4374
9089	9089	4375
9090	9090	4376
9091	9091	4377
9092	9092	4378
9093	9093	4379
9094	9094	4380
9095	9095	4381
9096	9096	4382
9097	9097	4383
9098	9098	4384
9099	9099	4385
9100	9100	4386
9101	9101	4387
9102	9102	4388
9103	9103	4389
9104	9104	4390
9105	9105	4391
9106	9106	4392
9107	9107	4393
9108	9108	4394
9109	9109	4395 SB224 INTRODUCED
9110	9110	Page 158
9111	9111	(a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a
9112	9112	home medical equipment services provider shall be licensed
9113	9113	annually by the board before the provider may engage in the
9114	9114	provision of home medical equipment services. In Alabama, when
9115	9115	a single business entity provides home medical equipment
9116	9116	services from more than one location within the state, each
9117	9117	such location shall be licensed. A provider of home medical
9118	9118	equipment services that has a principal place of business
9119	9119	outside this state shall maintain at least one physical
9120	9120	location within this state, each of which shall be licensed.
9121	9121	(b) A license applicant shall submit the application
9122	9122	for licensing or renewal to the board on a form promulgated
9123	9123	and required by the board executive director . Applicants shall
9124	9124	pay a reasonable nonrefundable fee established by the board
9125	9125	executive director at the time the application is submitted.
9126	9126	The board shall have the authority to executive director may
9127	9127	set reasonable fees for applicants to obtain a license. Upon
9128	9128	satisfaction of all applicable standards and requirements for
9129	9129	licensure, the board shall issue a license certificate
9130	9130	permitting the licensee to engage in providing home medical
9131	9131	equipment services. The certificate shall be displayed
9132	9132	prominently at each licensed location. No person, partnership,
9133	9133	corporation, or other legal entity that is not otherwise
9134	9134	exempted under this chapter shall provide home medical
9135	9135	equipment services without first obtaining a license issued by
9136	9136	the board.
9137	9137	(c) Accreditation by the Joint Commission on
9138	9138	Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the Community
9139	9139	Health Accreditation Program, or other accrediting entities
9140	9140	4396
9141	9141	4397
9142	9142	4398
9143	9143	4399
9144	9144	4400
9145	9145	4401
9146	9146	4402
9147	9147	4403
9148	9148	4404
9149	9149	4405
9150	9150	4406
9151	9151	4407
9152	9152	4408
9153	9153	4409
9154	9154	4410
9155	9155	4411
9156	9156	4412
9157	9157	4413
9158	9158	4414
9159	9159	4415
9160	9160	4416
9161	9161	4417
9162	9162	4418
9163	9163	4419
9164	9164	4420
9165	9165	4421
9166	9166	4422
9167	9167	4423 SB224 INTRODUCED
9168	9168	Page 159
9169	9169	Health Accreditation Program, or other accrediting entities
9170	9170	shall not be substituted for compliance with this chapter.
9171	9171	(d) Commencing on June 1, 2014, licenses issued
9172	9172	pursuant to this chapter shall expire on August 31 of the year
9173	9173	following issuance. A license may be renewed within the 60-day
9174	9174	period after August 31 upon payment of both the required fee
9175	9175	and a late fee as established by rule of the board. Any
9176	9176	license that is not renewed before the end of the 60-day grace
9177	9177	period shall lapse. A lapsed license may not be renewed unless
9178	9178	the holder reapplies and satisfies then current requirements
9179	9179	for initial licensure.
9180	9180	(e)(d) License applicants who, upon initial inspection,
9181	9181	are found not to comply with applicable licensing standards,
9182	9182	shall be notified by the board executive director of the areas
9183	9183	of noncompliance and shall be reinspected for compliance upon
9184	9184	application and payment of a reasonable reinspection fee
9185	9185	established by the board of up to three hundred dollars ($300)
9186	9186	executive director .
9187	9187	(f)(e) Except as provided in this chapter, the board
9188	9188	may inspect all license applicants to determine compliance
9189	9189	with the requirements of this chapter prior to the issuance of
9190	9190	a license.
9191	9191	(g)(f) The board may conduct random inspections upon
9192	9192	application for renewal of a license, for cause, and as
9193	9193	necessary to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the
9194	9194	licensing process.
9195	9195	(h)(g) At any time upon the filing of a substantive,
9196	9196	relevant complaint of a consumer of services or other
9197	9197	qualified source as identified by the board, the board may
9198	9198	4424
9199	9199	4425
9200	9200	4426
9201	9201	4427
9202	9202	4428
9203	9203	4429
9204	9204	4430
9205	9205	4431
9206	9206	4432
9207	9207	4433
9208	9208	4434
9209	9209	4435
9210	9210	4436
9211	9211	4437
9212	9212	4438
9213	9213	4439
9214	9214	4440
9215	9215	4441
9216	9216	4442
9217	9217	4443
9218	9218	4444
9219	9219	4445
9220	9220	4446
9221	9221	4447
9222	9222	4448
9223	9223	4449
9224	9224	4450
9225	9225	4451 SB224 INTRODUCED
9226	9226	Page 160
9227	9227	qualified source as identified by the board, the board may
9228	9228	inspect the operations of the provider to determine compliance
9229	9229	with the requirements of this chapter.
9230	9230	(i)(h) The board shall adopt and maintain standards for
9231	9231	the individuals charged with conducting the inspections for
9232	9232	the purpose of determining compliance with the requirements of
9233	9233	this chapter. Board employees or contractors may conduct
9234	9234	inspections.
9235	9235	(j)(i) Upon notice of a failure to pass an inspection
9236	9236	and obtain a license, a provider shall have 30 days to appeal
9237	9237	the inspection results or be subject to penalties pursuant to
9238	9238	Section 34-14C-6. Upon appeal, a provider shall have the right
9239	9239	to an inspection review or a new inspection in accordance with
9240	9240	procedures promulgated by the board."
9241	9241	"§34-14C-4.1
9242	9242	The Board of Home Medical Equipment executive director
9243	9243	may establish by rule, and charge and collect, reasonable
9244	9244	inspection fees pursuant to the Alabama Administrative
9245	9245	Procedure Act."
9246	9246	"§34-14C-6
9247	9247	(a) The board may deny, suspend, or revoke a license as
9248	9248	provided in this section.
9249	9249	(b) A license may not be denied, suspended, or revoked
9250	9250	except by majority vote of the board and with prior notice and
9251	9251	opportunity for hearing in accordance with this chapter and
9252	9252	the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act.
9253	9253	(c) The board may institute a hearing for denial,
9254	9254	suspension, or revocation of a license or any person may file
9255	9255	a written complaint with the board seeking the denial,
9256	9256	4452
9257	9257	4453
9258	9258	4454
9259	9259	4455
9260	9260	4456
9261	9261	4457
9262	9262	4458
9263	9263	4459
9264	9264	4460
9265	9265	4461
9266	9266	4462
9267	9267	4463
9268	9268	4464
9269	9269	4465
9270	9270	4466
9271	9271	4467
9272	9272	4468
9273	9273	4469
9274	9274	4470
9275	9275	4471
9276	9276	4472
9277	9277	4473
9278	9278	4474
9279	9279	4475
9280	9280	4476
9281	9281	4477
9282	9282	4478
9283	9283	4479 SB224 INTRODUCED
9284	9284	Page 161
9285	9285	a written complaint with the board seeking the denial,
9286	9286	suspension, or revocation of an application for licensure or
9287	9287	license issued by the board or the investigation of any
9288	9288	unlicensed person or entity providing home medical equipment
9289	9289	services. The complaint shall be in a form prescribed by the
9290	9290	board.
9291	9291	(d) A copy of the charges, including notice of the time
9292	9292	and place of hearing, shall be served by certified mail,
9293	9293	return receipt requested, at least 21 days before the
9294	9294	scheduled hearing date to the most recent address of the
9295	9295	applicant or licensee on file with the board, or to the last
9296	9296	known address of any unlicensed person or entity providing
9297	9297	home medical equipment services. If the notice and opportunity
9298	9298	for hearing is refused or the return receipt has not been
9299	9299	received by the board within 10 days before the scheduled
9300	9300	hearing, the applicant, licensee, or unlicensed person or
9301	9301	entity may be served by mailing the charges and notice by
9302	9302	first class mail, at least seven days before the hearing date,
9303	9303	to the most recent address on file with the board, or to the
9304	9304	last known address of the unlicensed person or entity
9305	9305	providing home medical equipment services.
9306	9306	(e) The board may invoke disciplinary action as
9307	9307	outlined in subsection (f) whenever it is established to the
9308	9308	satisfaction of the board, after a hearing held in accordance
9309	9309	with this chapter and the Alabama Administrative Procedure
9310	9310	Act, that any person is guilty of any of the following acts:
9311	9311	(1) Violation of this chapter or a rule of the board.
9312	9312	(2) Making a material misrepresentation in furnishing
9313	9313	information to the board.
9314	9314	4480
9315	9315	4481
9316	9316	4482
9317	9317	4483
9318	9318	4484
9319	9319	4485
9320	9320	4486
9321	9321	4487
9322	9322	4488
9323	9323	4489
9324	9324	4490
9325	9325	4491
9326	9326	4492
9327	9327	4493
9328	9328	4494
9329	9329	4495
9330	9330	4496
9331	9331	4497
9332	9332	4498
9333	9333	4499
9334	9334	4500
9335	9335	4501
9336	9336	4502
9337	9337	4503
9338	9338	4504
9339	9339	4505
9340	9340	4506
9341	9341	4507 SB224 INTRODUCED
9342	9342	Page 162
9343	9343	information to the board.
9344	9344	(3) Making a misrepresentation to obtain licensure or
9345	9345	to otherwise violate this chapter.
9346	9346	(4) Conviction of or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo
9347	9347	contendere to any crime that is a felony under the laws of the
9348	9348	United States, or any state or territory of the United States,
9349	9349	or to any crime that is a misdemeanor, if an essential element
9350	9350	of the crime is dishonesty or is directly related to providing
9351	9351	home medical equipment services.
9352	9352	(5) Gross negligence or gross misconduct in providing
9353	9353	home medical equipment services.
9354	9354	(6) Aiding, assisting, or willingly permitting another
9355	9355	person to violate any provision of this chapter or rule of the
9356	9356	board.
9357	9357	(7) Failing, within 30 days, to provide information in
9358	9358	response to a written request of the board.
9359	9359	(8) Failing to cooperate with an inspection or with an
9360	9360	investigation conducted by the board.
9361	9361	(9) Engaging in dishonorable, unethical, or
9362	9362	unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive,
9363	9363	defraud, or harm the public.
9364	9364	(10) Denial, revocation, suspension, or restriction of
9365	9365	a license in another state or jurisdiction to provide home
9366	9366	medical equipment services for a reason other than failure to
9367	9367	renew the license.
9368	9368	(11) Directly or indirectly giving to or receiving from
9369	9369	any person, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity
9370	9370	any fee, commission, rebate, or other form of compensation for
9371	9371	services not actually or personally rendered.
9372	9372	4508
9373	9373	4509
9374	9374	4510
9375	9375	4511
9376	9376	4512
9377	9377	4513
9378	9378	4514
9379	9379	4515
9380	9380	4516
9381	9381	4517
9382	9382	4518
9383	9383	4519
9384	9384	4520
9385	9385	4521
9386	9386	4522
9387	9387	4523
9388	9388	4524
9389	9389	4525
9390	9390	4526
9391	9391	4527
9392	9392	4528
9393	9393	4529
9394	9394	4530
9395	9395	4531
9396	9396	4532
9397	9397	4533
9398	9398	4534
9399	9399	4535 SB224 INTRODUCED
9400	9400	Page 163
9401	9401	services not actually or personally rendered.
9402	9402	(12) A finding that a licensee on probationary status
9403	9403	has violated the terms of the probation.
9404	9404	(13) Willfully making or filing false records, reports,
9405	9405	or billings in the course of providing home medical equipment
9406	9406	services including, but not limited to, false records,
9407	9407	reports, or billings filed with state or federal agencies or
9408	9408	departments.
9409	9409	(14) The use of any words, abbreviations, figures, or
9410	9410	letters with the intention of indicating practice as a home
9411	9411	medical equipment services provider without having first
9412	9412	obtained a license from the board.
9413	9413	(15) Failure to comply with state or federal laws and
9414	9414	regulations concerning home medical equipment services
9415	9415	providers.
9416	9416	(16) Solicitation of home medical equipment services
9417	9417	using false or misleading advertising.
9418	9418	(17) Failure to display a license in accordance with
9419	9419	this chapter.
9420	9420	(18) Failure to report a change of name, address,
9421	9421	control, ownership, or administration to the board within 30
9422	9422	days after the date of change.
9423	9423	(f) When the board finds any person guilty of any of
9424	9424	the grounds set forth in subsection (e), the board may enter
9425	9425	an order imposing one or more of the following penalties:
9426	9426	(l) A letter of reprimand.
9427	9427	(2) Imposition of probation for a period of time and
9428	9428	subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by the board.
9429	9429	(3) Denial of an application for an initial or renewal
9430	9430	4536
9431	9431	4537
9432	9432	4538
9433	9433	4539
9434	9434	4540
9435	9435	4541
9436	9436	4542
9437	9437	4543
9438	9438	4544
9439	9439	4545
9440	9440	4546
9441	9441	4547
9442	9442	4548
9443	9443	4549
9444	9444	4550
9445	9445	4551
9446	9446	4552
9447	9447	4553
9448	9448	4554
9449	9449	4555
9450	9450	4556
9451	9451	4557
9452	9452	4558
9453	9453	4559
9454	9454	4560
9455	9455	4561
9456	9456	4562
9457	9457	4563 SB224 INTRODUCED
9458	9458	Page 164
9459	9459	(3) Denial of an application for an initial or renewal
9460	9460	license.
9461	9461	(4) Suspension of a license for a period of time
9462	9462	established by the board, with or without automatic
9463	9463	reinstatement.
9464	9464	(5) Revocation of a license.
9465	9465	(6) Payment of restitution to each consumer negatively
9466	9466	affected by the prohibited act. Proof of such restitution
9467	9467	shall be a signed and notarized release executed by the
9468	9468	consumer or the estate of the consumer.
9469	9469	(7) Assessment of the costs of the disciplinary
9470	9470	proceedings.
9471	9471	(g) Failure to comply with any final order of the board
9472	9472	is also cause for suspension or revocation of a license. The
9473	9473	board may suspend or revoke any license which has been issued
9474	9474	based on false or fraudulent representations.
9475	9475	(h) The board may informally resolve any alleged
9476	9476	violation of this chapter or rule of the board by stipulation,
9477	9477	agreed settlement, or consent order, in lieu of an
9478	9478	administrative hearing.
9479	9479	(i) Any entity or person found to be providing home
9480	9480	medical equipment services without a license as required by
9481	9481	this chapter shall be subject to an administrative fine of up
9482	9482	to one thousand dollars ($1,000) per day that services were
9483	9483	provided without a license. Funds collected pursuant to this
9484	9484	chapter shall be allocated to the administration of the
9485	9485	program.
9486	9486	(j) Any entity or person found to be providing home
9487	9487	medical equipment services without a license as required by
9488	9488	4564
9489	9489	4565
9490	9490	4566
9491	9491	4567
9492	9492	4568
9493	9493	4569
9494	9494	4570
9495	9495	4571
9496	9496	4572
9497	9497	4573
9498	9498	4574
9499	9499	4575
9500	9500	4576
9501	9501	4577
9502	9502	4578
9503	9503	4579
9504	9504	4580
9505	9505	4581
9506	9506	4582
9507	9507	4583
9508	9508	4584
9509	9509	4585
9510	9510	4586
9511	9511	4587
9512	9512	4588
9513	9513	4589
9514	9514	4590
9515	9515	4591 SB224 INTRODUCED
9516	9516	Page 165
9517	9517	medical equipment services without a license as required by
9518	9518	this chapter may be administratively enjoined by the board
9519	9519	from providing services until such time as the entity or
9520	9520	person complies with this chapter.
9521	9521	(k) In addition to any other disciplinary action
9522	9522	authorized by this chapter, the board may levy and collect
9523	9523	administrative fines for violations of this chapter or the
9524	9524	rules or standards of the board in an amount of up to one
9525	9525	thousand dollars ($1,000) for each violation.
9526	9526	(l) Any person or entity violating this chapter, upon
9527	9527	conviction, shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor, and
9528	9528	subject to fine or imprisonment, or both.
9529	9529	(m) Any entity or person subject to the penalties
9530	9530	prescribed by subsections (i) and (j) may pursue an appeal
9531	9531	through the board according to rules promulgated by the board.
9532	9532	(n) Any hearings related to matters before the board
9533	9533	shall be conducted in Montgomery County.
9534	9534	(o) In addition to any other penalty or disciplinary
9535	9535	action authorized by this chapter, the board may seek an
9536	9536	injunction against any person or entity found in violation of
9537	9537	this chapter. In an action for an injunction, the board may
9538	9538	demand and recover a civil penalty of fifty dollars ($50) per
9539	9539	day for each violation, reasonable attorney fees, and court
9540	9540	costs. No civil penalty shall be awarded to the board if an
9541	9541	administrative fine is assessed pursuant to subsection (i).
9542	9542	(p) Upon the revocation or suspension of a license, the
9543	9543	licensee shall immediately surrender the license to the board,
9544	9544	and if the licensee fails to do so, the board may seize the
9545	9545	license.
9546	9546	4592
9547	9547	4593
9548	9548	4594
9549	9549	4595
9550	9550	4596
9551	9551	4597
9552	9552	4598
9553	9553	4599
9554	9554	4600
9555	9555	4601
9556	9556	4602
9557	9557	4603
9558	9558	4604
9559	9559	4605
9560	9560	4606
9561	9561	4607
9562	9562	4608
9563	9563	4609
9564	9564	4610
9565	9565	4611
9566	9566	4612
9567	9567	4613
9568	9568	4614
9569	9569	4615
9570	9570	4616
9571	9571	4617
9572	9572	4618
9573	9573	4619 SB224 INTRODUCED
9574	9574	Page 166
9575	9575	license.
9576	9576	(q) Any person aggrieved by an adverse action of the
9577	9577	board may appeal the action to the Circuit Court of Montgomery
9578	9578	County in accordance with the Alabama Administrative Procedure
9579	9579	Act."
9580	9580	"§34-14C-7
9581	9581	There is hereby established a separate special revenue
9582	9582	trust fund in the State Treasury to be known as the Home
9583	9583	Medical Equipment Fund. All receipts collected by the board
9584	9584	under the provisions of this chapter are to be deposited into
9585	9585	this fund and shall be used only to carry out the provisions
9586	9586	of this chapter. The receipts shall be disbursed only by
9587	9587	warrant of the state Comptroller upon the State Treasury, upon
9588	9588	itemized vouchers approved by the executive director. No funds
9589	9589	shall be withdrawn or expended except as budgeted and allotted
9590	9590	according to Sections 41-4-80 to 41-4-96, inclusive, and
9591	9591	41-19-1 to 41-19-12, inclusive, and only in amounts as
9592	9592	stipulated in the general appropriations bill or other
9593	9593	appropriations bills the Occupational and Professional
9594	9594	Licensing Fund."
9595	9595	Section 14. Relating to the Alabama Board for
9596	9596	Registered Interior Designers; to amend Sections 34-15C-3,
9597	9597	34-15C-4, 34-15C-5, 34-15C-6, 34-15C-11, and 34-15C-14 of the
9598	9598	Code of Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
9599	9599	"§34-15C-3
9600	9600	For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms
9601	9601	shall have the following meanings:
9602	9602	(1) BOARD. The Alabama Board for Registered Interior
9603	9603	Designers.
9604	9604	4620
9605	9605	4621
9606	9606	4622
9607	9607	4623
9608	9608	4624
9609	9609	4625
9610	9610	4626
9611	9611	4627
9612	9612	4628
9613	9613	4629
9614	9614	4630
9615	9615	4631
9616	9616	4632
9617	9617	4633
9618	9618	4634
9619	9619	4635
9620	9620	4636
9621	9621	4637
9622	9622	4638
9623	9623	4639
9624	9624	4640
9625	9625	4641
9626	9626	4642
9627	9627	4643
9628	9628	4644
9629	9629	4645
9630	9630	4646
9631	9631	4647 SB224 INTRODUCED
9632	9632	Page 167
9633	9633	Designers.
9634	9634	(2) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
9635	9635	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
9636	9636	in Section 25-2B-1.
9637	9637	(2)(3) NCIDQ. The National Council for Interior Design
9638	9638	Qualification.
9639	9639	(3)(4) REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGNER. An interior design
9640	9640	professional, as defined by the NCIDQ, who is approved and
9641	9641	registered by the board and the Secretary of State."
9642	9642	"§34-15C-4
9643	9643	(a) There is created the Alabama Board for Registered
9644	9644	Interior Designers , to. Commencing on October 1, 2025, the
9645	9645	board shall be subject to the leadership, support, and
9646	9646	oversight of the Executive Director of the Office of
9647	9647	Occupational and Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B
9648	9648	of Title 25. The board shall be comprised of seven members
9649	9649	appointed by the Governor in the manner set forth in this
9650	9650	section. The members of the Alabama State Board of
9651	9651	Registration for Interior Design serving on August 1, 2010,
9652	9652	pursuant to former Section 34-15B-4, shall immediately serve
9653	9653	as board members of the Alabama Board for Registered Interior
9654	9654	Designers created by this chapter. For continuity purposes, a
9655	9655	board member serving on August 1, 2010, shall continue to
9656	9656	serve under this chapter for the remainder of his or her term,
9657	9657	and according to the appointment schedule, for which he or she
9658	9658	was appointed by the Governor pursuant to former Section
9659	9659	34-15B-4.
9660	9660	(b) All appointments occurring after August 1, 2010,
9661	9661	shall be for terms of four years, except an appointment to
9662	9662	4648
9663	9663	4649
9664	9664	4650
9665	9665	4651
9666	9666	4652
9667	9667	4653
9668	9668	4654
9669	9669	4655
9670	9670	4656
9671	9671	4657
9672	9672	4658
9673	9673	4659
9674	9674	4660
9675	9675	4661
9676	9676	4662
9677	9677	4663
9678	9678	4664
9679	9679	4665
9680	9680	4666
9681	9681	4667
9682	9682	4668
9683	9683	4669
9684	9684	4670
9685	9685	4671
9686	9686	4672
9687	9687	4673
9688	9688	4674
9689	9689	4675 SB224 INTRODUCED
9690	9690	Page 168
9691	9691	shall be for terms of four years, except an appointment to
9692	9692	fill a vacancy, which shall be for the unexpired term only. No
9693	9693	member shall serve more than two consecutive terms of office.
9694	9694	All members shall continue to serve until a successor is
9695	9695	appointed by the Governor.
9696	9696	(c) The composition of the board shall be as follows:
9697	9697	(1) Five members of the board shall be registered
9698	9698	interior designers, shall be engaged in the full-time practice
9699	9699	of interior design, and shall be appointed from districts
9700	9700	provided in subsection (e).
9701	9701	(2) One member shall be a professional educator, who
9702	9702	teaches in a college or university level interior design
9703	9703	program, and who is a registered interior designer or was
9704	9704	previously registered or certified by the former Alabama State
9705	9705	Board of Registration for Interior Design. If no educator with
9706	9706	these qualifications is willing and able to serve on the
9707	9707	board, this position shall be filled by an educator who has
9708	9708	the necessary credentials to be registered and who agrees to
9709	9709	apply for a certificate of registration within the first year
9710	9710	of his or her service on the board.
9711	9711	(3) One member shall be a consumer who is not a design
9712	9712	professional. The consumer member may not be employed in the
9713	9713	fields of construction, architecture, engineering, interior
9714	9714	design, interior decorating, or any related field.
9715	9715	(d) Of the seven members listed in subsection (c), at
9716	9716	least one shall be a member of a minority race, and the total
9717	9717	membership of the board shall reflect the racial, gender,
9718	9718	urban/rural, and economic diversity of the state.
9719	9719	(e) The five registered interior design members of the
9720	9720	4676
9721	9721	4677
9722	9722	4678
9723	9723	4679
9724	9724	4680
9725	9725	4681
9726	9726	4682
9727	9727	4683
9728	9728	4684
9729	9729	4685
9730	9730	4686
9731	9731	4687
9732	9732	4688
9733	9733	4689
9734	9734	4690
9735	9735	4691
9736	9736	4692
9737	9737	4693
9738	9738	4694
9739	9739	4695
9740	9740	4696
9741	9741	4697
9742	9742	4698
9743	9743	4699
9744	9744	4700
9745	9745	4701
9746	9746	4702
9747	9747	4703 SB224 INTRODUCED
9748	9748	Page 169
9749	9749	(e) The five registered interior design members of the
9750	9750	board, appointed by district, shall be appointed as follows:
9751	9751	(1) Five districts shall be created: Northern, Central,
9752	9752	Western, Eastern, and Southern. One practicing registered
9753	9753	interior designer shall be appointed from each district.
9754	9754	a. The Northern District shall be comprised of
9755	9755	Lauderdale, Colbert, Lawrence, Limestone, Morgan, Cullman,
9756	9756	Marshall, Madison, Jackson, DeKalb, Cherokee, Etowah, Calhoun,
9757	9757	and Cleburne Counties.
9758	9758	b. The Central District shall be comprised of Blount,
9759	9759	Jefferson, St. Clair, and Talladega Counties.
9760	9760	c. The Western District shall be comprised of Marion,
9761	9761	Winston, Lamar, Fayette, Franklin, Walker, Pickens,
9762	9762	Tuscaloosa, Sumter, Greene, Hale, Bibb, Perry, Dallas,
9763	9763	Marengo, Choctaw, Lowndes, Shelby, and Wilcox Counties.
9764	9764	d. The Eastern District shall be comprised of Randolph,
9765	9765	Clay, Chilton, Coosa, Tallapoosa, Chambers, Autauga, Elmore,
9766	9766	Lee, Macon, Montgomery, Bullock, Pike, Coffee, Dale, Henry,
9767	9767	Barbour, Russell, and Crenshaw Counties.
9768	9768	e. The Southern District shall be comprised of Butler,
9769	9769	Covington, Conecuh, Escambia, Houston, Monroe, Clarke,
9770	9770	Washington, Mobile, Geneva, and Baldwin Counties.
9771	9771	(2) When appropriate, the chair of the board shall
9772	9772	notify in writing each registered interior designer, by
9773	9773	district of residence, of the time and place for a district
9774	9774	nomination meeting. The purpose of the district nomination
9775	9775	meeting shall be to select members to serve on a statewide
9776	9776	nominating committee. The district nomination meeting, held
9777	9777	for the purpose of selecting new members to serve on the
9778	9778	4704
9779	9779	4705
9780	9780	4706
9781	9781	4707
9782	9782	4708
9783	9783	4709
9784	9784	4710
9785	9785	4711
9786	9786	4712
9787	9787	4713
9788	9788	4714
9789	9789	4715
9790	9790	4716
9791	9791	4717
9792	9792	4718
9793	9793	4719
9794	9794	4720
9795	9795	4721
9796	9796	4722
9797	9797	4723
9798	9798	4724
9799	9799	4725
9800	9800	4726
9801	9801	4727
9802	9802	4728
9803	9803	4729
9804	9804	4730
9805	9805	4731 SB224 INTRODUCED
9806	9806	Page 170
9807	9807	for the purpose of selecting new members to serve on the
9808	9808	statewide nominating committee, shall be held every four
9809	9809	years, or as required, for the purpose of filling vacancies on
9810	9810	the statewide nominating committee.
9811	9811	(3) At the district nomination meeting, the members of
9812	9812	each district shall select a chair for their respective
9813	9813	district for that meeting, shall proceed according to Robert's
9814	9814	Rules of Order, as most recently revised, and shall select one
9815	9815	person to serve on the statewide nominating committee. Minutes
9816	9816	of the meeting shall be recorded, signed by the chair of the
9817	9817	meeting, and a copy of the signed minutes shall be provided to
9818	9818	the chair of the board and the chair of the statewide
9819	9819	nominating committee. The person shall be selected by a
9820	9820	plurality of the vote and shall be a registered interior
9821	9821	designer who resides in the district.
9822	9822	(f)(1) The statewide nominating committee shall be
9823	9823	composed of one person from each of the five districts listed
9824	9824	in subsection (e). Each person selected for the statewide
9825	9825	nominating committee shall immediately notify the chair of the
9826	9826	board and the chair of the statewide nominating committee of
9827	9827	his or her selection.
9828	9828	(2) A new statewide nominating committee shall be
9829	9829	elected every four years for the purpose of filling any
9830	9830	vacancies or expired terms which may occur on the board. The
9831	9831	statewide nominating committee shall be convened, by call of
9832	9832	the chair of the statewide nominating committee or notice from
9833	9833	a majority of the members thereof, as soon as practical
9834	9834	whenever a vacancy occurs on the board or at any time within
9835	9835	60 days preceding the expiration of the term of a board
9836	9836	4732
9837	9837	4733
9838	9838	4734
9839	9839	4735
9840	9840	4736
9841	9841	4737
9842	9842	4738
9843	9843	4739
9844	9844	4740
9845	9845	4741
9846	9846	4742
9847	9847	4743
9848	9848	4744
9849	9849	4745
9850	9850	4746
9851	9851	4747
9852	9852	4748
9853	9853	4749
9854	9854	4750
9855	9855	4751
9856	9856	4752
9857	9857	4753
9858	9858	4754
9859	9859	4755
9860	9860	4756
9861	9861	4757
9862	9862	4758
9863	9863	4759 SB224 INTRODUCED
9864	9864	Page 171
9865	9865	60 days preceding the expiration of the term of a board
9866	9866	member. All appointments to the board shall be made in the
9867	9867	manner provided in this section.
9868	9868	(3) If a vacancy occurs on the statewide nominating
9869	9869	committee, the chair of the statewide nominating committee
9870	9870	shall notify the chair of the board, who shall call a district
9871	9871	nominating committee meeting to fill the vacancy. Only
9872	9872	practicing registered interior designers may vote in a
9873	9873	district nomination meeting or serve upon the statewide
9874	9874	nominating committee.
9875	9875	(4) The statewide nominating committee shall be
9876	9876	convened, by call of the chair of the statewide nominating
9877	9877	committee or notice from a majority of the members thereof, as
9878	9878	soon as practical whenever a vacancy occurs on the board or at
9879	9879	any time within 60 days preceding the expiration of the term
9880	9880	of a board member. All appointments to the board shall be made
9881	9881	in the manner provided in this section.
9882	9882	(5) Each board member nominated by the statewide
9883	9883	nominating committee shall reside in the district from which
9884	9884	he or she is appointed.
9885	9885	(6) The statewide nominating committee shall select and
9886	9886	submit the names of at least two registered interior designers
9887	9887	to the Governor no later than 60 days of the expiration of the
9888	9888	term of a board member, or no later than 60 days of any
9889	9889	vacancy on the board.
9890	9890	(g) The Governor may remove any member of the board for
9891	9891	misconduct, incapacity, incompetence, or neglect of duty after
9892	9892	the member so charged has been served with a written notice of
9893	9893	the same and has been given an opportunity to be heard by the
9894	9894	4760
9895	9895	4761
9896	9896	4762
9897	9897	4763
9898	9898	4764
9899	9899	4765
9900	9900	4766
9901	9901	4767
9902	9902	4768
9903	9903	4769
9904	9904	4770
9905	9905	4771
9906	9906	4772
9907	9907	4773
9908	9908	4774
9909	9909	4775
9910	9910	4776
9911	9911	4777
9912	9912	4778
9913	9913	4779
9914	9914	4780
9915	9915	4781
9916	9916	4782
9917	9917	4783
9918	9918	4784
9919	9919	4785
9920	9920	4786
9921	9921	4787 SB224 INTRODUCED
9922	9922	Page 172
9923	9923	the same and has been given an opportunity to be heard by the
9924	9924	Governor. Absence from any three consecutive meetings of the
9925	9925	board, without cause acceptable to the Governor, shall be
9926	9926	deemed cause for removal of any member.
9927	9927	(h) Each member of the board shall receive the same per
9928	9928	diem, travel, and expense allowance as is paid by law to state
9929	9929	employees for the time spent in the performance of duties and
9930	9930	in necessary travel.
9931	9931	(i)(h) The board shall hold two or more meetings per
9932	9932	year for the purpose of performing its duties pursuant to this
9933	9933	chapter. A simple majority of the members of the board shall
9934	9934	constitute a quorum at any meeting. A simple majority vote of
9935	9935	the members present shall be sufficient to transact the
9936	9936	business of the board. A new chair shall be elected 60 days
9937	9937	before the end of the term of the previous chair. If no new
9938	9938	chair is elected before the end of the term of the previous
9939	9939	chair, the previous chair shall continue to serve until a
9940	9940	successor is elected. Vacancies in such chair position shall
9941	9941	be filled by act of the board.
9942	9942	(j) The chair may appoint a full-time or part-time
9943	9943	executive director or administrative assistant to the board,
9944	9944	with the consent of the majority of the members of the board.
9945	9945	The executive director or administrative assistant shall serve
9946	9946	at the pleasure of the board. The salary of the executive
9947	9947	director or administrative assistant shall be set by the
9948	9948	board. The executive director or administrative assistant
9949	9949	shall serve as the executive officer to the board, but shall
9950	9950	not be a member of the board. The board, by majority vote of
9951	9951	its members, may employ additional persons, who shall serve at
9952	9952	4788
9953	9953	4789
9954	9954	4790
9955	9955	4791
9956	9956	4792
9957	9957	4793
9958	9958	4794
9959	9959	4795
9960	9960	4796
9961	9961	4797
9962	9962	4798
9963	9963	4799
9964	9964	4800
9965	9965	4801
9966	9966	4802
9967	9967	4803
9968	9968	4804
9969	9969	4805
9970	9970	4806
9971	9971	4807
9972	9972	4808
9973	9973	4809
9974	9974	4810
9975	9975	4811
9976	9976	4812
9977	9977	4813
9978	9978	4814
9979	9979	4815 SB224 INTRODUCED
9980	9980	Page 173
9981	9981	its members, may employ additional persons, who shall serve at
9982	9982	the pleasure of the board, to assist the board and the
9983	9983	executive director or administrative assistant in the keeping
9984	9984	of the records and in the performance of its duties, subject
9985	9985	to available funding. "
9986	9986	"§34-15C-5
9987	9987	The board shall perform the following duties, subject
9988	9988	to the other provisions of this chapter:
9989	9989	(1) Administer fully this chapter and any rules
9990	9990	promulgated by the board pursuant to this chapter.
9991	9991	(2) Prescribe, make, adopt, and amend such rules
9992	9992	pursuant to the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act as the
9993	9993	board deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this
9994	9994	chapter.
9995	9995	(3) For the purpose of enforcing this chapter, conduct
9996	9996	investigations and hearings concerning charges against
9997	9997	registered interior designers, at any time or place within the
9998	9998	state, administer oaths and affirmations, examine witnesses,
9999	9999	and receive evidence in the course of any such hearings.
10000	10000	(4) Issue, in conjunction with the Secretary of State,
10001	10001	any documentation necessary to prove that a registered
10002	10002	interior designer is practicing in accordance with and abiding
10003	10003	by the requirements of this chapter, for which an annual fee,
10004	10004	in an amount determined by the board executive director , shall
10005	10005	be assessed and collected.
10006	10006	(5) Institute legal proceedings pursuant to subsection
10007	10007	(c) of Section 34-15C-12.
10008	10008	(6) Grant, deny, revoke, suspend, or reinstate
10009	10009	certificates of registration.
10010	10010	4816
10011	10011	4817
10012	10012	4818
10013	10013	4819
10014	10014	4820
10015	10015	4821
10016	10016	4822
10017	10017	4823
10018	10018	4824
10019	10019	4825
10020	10020	4826
10021	10021	4827
10022	10022	4828
10023	10023	4829
10024	10024	4830
10025	10025	4831
10026	10026	4832
10027	10027	4833
10028	10028	4834
10029	10029	4835
10030	10030	4836
10031	10031	4837
10032	10032	4838
10033	10033	4839
10034	10034	4840
10035	10035	4841
10036	10036	4842
10037	10037	4843 SB224 INTRODUCED
10038	10038	Page 174
10039	10039	certificates of registration.
10040	10040	(7) Keep a record of its proceedings and make an annual
10041	10041	report thereon to the Governor and the Legislature.
10042	10042	(8) Establish standards and requirements of continuing
10043	10043	education for registered interior designers.
10044	10044	(9) Maintain an official roster of registered interior
10045	10045	designers including, but not limited to, information required
10046	10046	by the board for enforcement of this chapter.
10047	10047	(10) When necessary, require the attendance of
10048	10048	witnesses and the production of all necessary papers, books,
10049	10049	records, documentary evidence, and materials in any hearing,
10050	10050	investigation, or other proceeding before the board, by means
10051	10051	of discovery as provided in the Alabama Rules of Civil
10052	10052	Procedure.
10053	10053	(11) Employ attorneys, accountants, and other persons
10054	10054	as may be necessary to assist the board in carrying out this
10055	10055	chapter when there is a need for such services and when funds
10056	10056	are available for such services.
10057	10057	(12)(11) Adopt rules providing for a registered
10058	10058	interior designer to be classified as inactive and to avoid
10059	10059	the payment of annual fees, so long as the inactive registered
10060	10060	interior designer does not use the titles, stamps, or seals
10061	10061	restricted by subsection (a) or subsection (b) of Section
10062	10062	34-15C-9 during inactive status.
10063	10063	(13) Establish, by administrative rule, procedures for
10064	10064	the assessment of fees for the administration of this
10065	10065	chapter."
10066	10066	"§34-15C-6
10067	10067	(a) Applications for registration shall be submitted on
10068	10068	4844
10069	10069	4845
10070	10070	4846
10071	10071	4847
10072	10072	4848
10073	10073	4849
10074	10074	4850
10075	10075	4851
10076	10076	4852
10077	10077	4853
10078	10078	4854
10079	10079	4855
10080	10080	4856
10081	10081	4857
10082	10082	4858
10083	10083	4859
10084	10084	4860
10085	10085	4861
10086	10086	4862
10087	10087	4863
10088	10088	4864
10089	10089	4865
10090	10090	4866
10091	10091	4867
10092	10092	4868
10093	10093	4869
10094	10094	4870
10095	10095	4871 SB224 INTRODUCED
10096	10096	Page 175
10097	10097	(a) Applications for registration shall be submitted on
10098	10098	forms prescribed and furnished by the board executive
10099	10099	director. The board executive director shall promptly notify
10100	10100	any applicant of the requirements and the schedule of fees
10101	10101	established by the board executive director for registration.
10102	10102	(b) The board shall register an applicant to become a
10103	10103	registered interior designer, and to use the title of
10104	10104	registered interior designer in the State of Alabama, only if
10105	10105	the applicant satisfies all of the following requirements:
10106	10106	(1) The applicant is determined by the board to be of
10107	10107	good ethical character.
10108	10108	(2) The applicant either:
10109	10109	a. Has satisfied all requirements, including all
10110	10110	education and experience requirements, for eligibility to take
10111	10111	the NCIDQ examination; or
10112	10112	b. Holds a degree from a National Architectural
10113	10113	Accreditation Board (NAAB) accredited school and has met NCIDQ
10114	10114	eligibility requirements to take the NCIDQ examination, or is
10115	10115	a registered architect who satisfies NCIDQ eligibility
10116	10116	requirements to take the NCIDQ examination. Such applicants
10117	10117	may take the NCIDQ examination.
10118	10118	(3) The applicant has successfully passed the NCIDQ
10119	10119	examination.
10120	10120	(4) The applicant is at least 21 years of age.
10121	10121	(c) Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection (b),
10122	10122	any person registered with the Alabama State Board of
10123	10123	Registration for Interior Design on August 1, 2010, shall be
10124	10124	registered by the Alabama Board for Registered Interior
10125	10125	Designers, as created by this chapter, on August 1, 2010,
10126	10126	4872
10127	10127	4873
10128	10128	4874
10129	10129	4875
10130	10130	4876
10131	10131	4877
10132	10132	4878
10133	10133	4879
10134	10134	4880
10135	10135	4881
10136	10136	4882
10137	10137	4883
10138	10138	4884
10139	10139	4885
10140	10140	4886
10141	10141	4887
10142	10142	4888
10143	10143	4889
10144	10144	4890
10145	10145	4891
10146	10146	4892
10147	10147	4893
10148	10148	4894
10149	10149	4895
10150	10150	4896
10151	10151	4897
10152	10152	4898
10153	10153	4899 SB224 INTRODUCED
10154	10154	Page 176
10155	10155	Designers, as created by this chapter, on August 1, 2010,
10156	10156	without penalty, for the time remaining on the certificate of
10157	10157	registration of the registered interior designer and any
10158	10158	renewals of that certificate.
10159	10159	(d) Certificates of registration shall expire on
10160	10160	September 30 of each year, a schedule prescribed by the
10161	10161	executive director and shall become invalid on October 1 of
10162	10162	each year, unless renewed.
10163	10163	(e) Renewal of a certificate of registration may be
10164	10164	accomplished at any time prior to and during the month of
10165	10165	September by before expiration by :
10166	10166	(1) The payment of an annual fee, as prescribed by the
10167	10167	board executive director , through such procedures as may be
10168	10168	developed by the board executive director .
10169	10169	(2) Submission of proof, on forms approved by the board
10170	10170	executive director , of compliance with all continuing
10171	10171	education requirements established by the board.
10172	10172	(f) A certificate of registration held by a registered
10173	10173	interior designer serving in the Armed Forces of the United
10174	10174	States shall not expire until September 30 a time prescribed
10175	10175	by the executive director following his or her discharge or
10176	10176	final separation from the Armed Forces of the United States.
10177	10177	(g) A registered interior designer shall maintain and
10178	10178	post his or her certificate of registration in the primary
10179	10179	business office where he or she practices."
10180	10180	"§34-15C-11
10181	10181	The board may revoke, suspend, or refuse to issue a
10182	10182	certificate of registration, issue a private or public
10183	10183	reprimand regarding a registered interior designer, assess and
10184	10184	4900
10185	10185	4901
10186	10186	4902
10187	10187	4903
10188	10188	4904
10189	10189	4905
10190	10190	4906
10191	10191	4907
10192	10192	4908
10193	10193	4909
10194	10194	4910
10195	10195	4911
10196	10196	4912
10197	10197	4913
10198	10198	4914
10199	10199	4915
10200	10200	4916
10201	10201	4917
10202	10202	4918
10203	10203	4919
10204	10204	4920
10205	10205	4921
10206	10206	4922
10207	10207	4923
10208	10208	4924
10209	10209	4925
10210	10210	4926
10211	10211	4927 SB224 INTRODUCED
10212	10212	Page 177
10213	10213	reprimand regarding a registered interior designer, assess and
10214	10214	collect administrative fines against a registered interior
10215	10215	designer not exceeding two thousand dollars ($2,000), or
10216	10216	proceed with any combination of the foregoing, for any of the
10217	10217	following conduct:
10218	10218	(1) Fraud, deceit, dishonesty, or misrepresentation,
10219	10219	whether knowing or unknowing, in the pursuit of his or her
10220	10220	practice or in obtaining any certificate of registration.
10221	10221	(2) Gross negligence, misconduct, or incompetence in
10222	10222	the pursuit of his or her practice.
10223	10223	(3) Conviction of a felony, until civil rights are
10224	10224	restored.
10225	10225	(4) Incompetency as adjudged by a court having
10226	10226	jurisdiction.
10227	10227	(5) Violating or directly or indirectly aiding or
10228	10228	abetting in a violation of Section 34-15C-9.
10229	10229	(6) Practicing in this state in violation of any
10230	10230	standards of professional conduct as may be established by
10231	10231	rule of the board.
10232	10232	(7) Failure to pay any fee or fine assessed by the
10233	10233	board.
10234	10234	(8) Failure to comply with any order of the board."
10235	10235	"§34-15C-14
10236	10236	All fees received by the board shall be deposited into
10237	10237	a fund in the State Treasury known as the Alabama Board for
10238	10238	Registered Interior Designers Fund, which is hereby
10239	10239	established. The fund shall be utilized, in the discretion of
10240	10240	the board, to regulate the practice of registered interior
10241	10241	designers and to pay any necessary expenses of the board,
10242	10242	4928
10243	10243	4929
10244	10244	4930
10245	10245	4931
10246	10246	4932
10247	10247	4933
10248	10248	4934
10249	10249	4935
10250	10250	4936
10251	10251	4937
10252	10252	4938
10253	10253	4939
10254	10254	4940
10255	10255	4941
10256	10256	4942
10257	10257	4943
10258	10258	4944
10259	10259	4945
10260	10260	4946
10261	10261	4947
10262	10262	4948
10263	10263	4949
10264	10264	4950
10265	10265	4951
10266	10266	4952
10267	10267	4953
10268	10268	4954
10269	10269	4955 SB224 INTRODUCED
10270	10270	Page 178
10271	10271	designers and to pay any necessary expenses of the board,
10272	10272	including the cost of employees, legal expenses,
10273	10273	administrative expenses, and other expenses associated with
10274	10274	enforcing and administering this chapter the Occupational and
10275	10275	Professional Licensing Fund . All fees collected prior to
10276	10276	August 1, 2010, and collected pursuant to former Chapter 15A
10277	10277	or former Chapter 15B of this title are ratified, validated,
10278	10278	and transferred to the fund."
10279	10279	Section 15. Relating to the Alabama Licensure Board for
10280	10280	Interpreters and Transliterators; to amend Sections 34-16-3,
10281	10281	34-16-4, 34-16-5, 34-16-6, 34-16-7, 34-16-8, 34-16-9, and
10282	10282	34-16-10 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
10283	10283	"§34-16-3
10284	10284	For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall
10285	10285	have the following meanings:
10286	10286	(1) BOARD. The Alabama Licensure Board for Interpreters
10287	10287	and Transliterators, created pursuant to Section 34-16-4.
10288	10288	(2) CODE OF ETHICS. The tenets established by the
10289	10289	Registry of the Interpreters for the Deaf which set guidelines
10290	10290	governing professional conduct for interpreters and
10291	10291	transliterators, and any other code of ethics approved by the
10292	10292	board.
10293	10293	(3) CONSUMER. A hard of hearing, deaf, or speech
10294	10294	disabled person or any other person or an agency that requires
10295	10295	the services of an interpreter or transliterator to
10296	10296	effectively communicate and comprehend signed or spoken
10297	10297	discourse.
10298	10298	(4) CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM or CEP. A program
10299	10299	approved by the board to improve the skill level of licensees
10300	10300	4956
10301	10301	4957
10302	10302	4958
10303	10303	4959
10304	10304	4960
10305	10305	4961
10306	10306	4962
10307	10307	4963
10308	10308	4964
10309	10309	4965
10310	10310	4966
10311	10311	4967
10312	10312	4968
10313	10313	4969
10314	10314	4970
10315	10315	4971
10316	10316	4972
10317	10317	4973
10318	10318	4974
10319	10319	4975
10320	10320	4976
10321	10321	4977
10322	10322	4978
10323	10323	4979
10324	10324	4980
10325	10325	4981
10326	10326	4982
10327	10327	4983 SB224 INTRODUCED
10328	10328	Page 179
10329	10329	approved by the board to improve the skill level of licensees
10330	10330	and permit holders.
10331	10331	(5) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
10332	10332	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
10333	10333	in Section 25-2B-1.
10334	10334	(5)(6) FUND. The Alabama Licensure Board for
10335	10335	Interpreters and Transliterators Fund Occupational and
10336	10336	Professional Licensing Fund , created pursuant to Section
10337	10337	34-16-9 25-2B-5.
10338	10338	(6)(7) INTERMEDIARY INTERPRETER. A person who is
10339	10339	credentialed as an interpreter and who serves in an
10340	10340	intermediary capacity between another deaf person and another
10341	10341	licensed or permitted interpreter or between two or more deaf
10342	10342	persons.
10343	10343	(7)(8) INTERPRETER. A person who is credentialed as a
10344	10344	professional interpreter and who engages in the practice of
10345	10345	interpreting among consumers. Fluency in all languages
10346	10346	interpreted is required.
10347	10347	(8)(9) INTERPRETING or TRANSLITERATING. The process of
10348	10348	providing accessible communication between and among consumers
10349	10349	who do not share a common means of communication. For the
10350	10350	purposes of this chapter, interpreting means those processes
10351	10351	known as interpretation and transliteration and includes
10352	10352	communication modalities, including, but not limited to,
10353	10353	visual, gestural, and tactile channels.
10354	10354	(9)(10) NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED CERTIFICATION. A
10355	10355	certification awarded to individuals who successfully complete
10356	10356	an evaluation of interpreting skills at a professional level.
10357	10357	The term includes a Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
10358	10358	4984
10359	10359	4985
10360	10360	4986
10361	10361	4987
10362	10362	4988
10363	10363	4989
10364	10364	4990
10365	10365	4991
10366	10366	4992
10367	10367	4993
10368	10368	4994
10369	10369	4995
10370	10370	4996
10371	10371	4997
10372	10372	4998
10373	10373	4999
10374	10374	5000
10375	10375	5001
10376	10376	5002
10377	10377	5003
10378	10378	5004
10379	10379	5005
10380	10380	5006
10381	10381	5007
10382	10382	5008
10383	10383	5009
10384	10384	5010
10385	10385	5011 SB224 INTRODUCED
10386	10386	Page 180
10387	10387	The term includes a Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
10388	10388	certification, or an equivalent such as the National
10389	10389	Association for the Deaf/Alabama Association for the Deaf
10390	10390	Interpreter Assessment Program Level 4 or Level 5, or Cued
10391	10391	Speech Certification at a national level.
10392	10392	(10)(11) ORGANIZATIONS. The Alabama Association of the
10393	10393	Deaf (AAD), a state chapter of the National Association of the
10394	10394	Deaf (NAD); Alabama Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
10395	10395	(ALRID), an affiliate state chapter of the Registry of
10396	10396	Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc., (RID).
10397	10397	(11)(12) SIGN LANGUAGE. Includes all of the following
10398	10398	communication systems:
10399	10399	a. American Sign Language (ASL) Based. The language of
10400	10400	the deaf community that is linguistically independent from
10401	10401	English. The term refers to the visual gestural language used
10402	10402	in the United States and parts of Canada and includes all
10403	10403	regional variations.
10404	10404	b. English Based Sign Systems. Includes, but is not
10405	10405	limited to, all visual representations of the English language
10406	10406	such as manually coded English, Pidgin Sign English, and Oral
10407	10407	Interpreting.
10408	10408	c. Sign Language. A generic term used to describe a
10409	10409	continuum of visual-manual language and communication systems.
10410	10410	d. Cued Speech. A system of handshapes which represents
10411	10411	groups of consonant sounds, combined with hand placements
10412	10412	which represent groups of vowel sounds, used with natural
10413	10413	speech to represent a visual model of spoken language.
10414	10414	(12)(13) TRANSLITERATOR. A person who is credentialed
10415	10415	as a professional transliterator and who engages in the
10416	10416	5012
10417	10417	5013
10418	10418	5014
10419	10419	5015
10420	10420	5016
10421	10421	5017
10422	10422	5018
10423	10423	5019
10424	10424	5020
10425	10425	5021
10426	10426	5022
10427	10427	5023
10428	10428	5024
10429	10429	5025
10430	10430	5026
10431	10431	5027
10432	10432	5028
10433	10433	5029
10434	10434	5030
10435	10435	5031
10436	10436	5032
10437	10437	5033
10438	10438	5034
10439	10439	5035
10440	10440	5036
10441	10441	5037
10442	10442	5038
10443	10443	5039 SB224 INTRODUCED
10444	10444	Page 181
10445	10445	as a professional transliterator and who engages in the
10446	10446	practice of transliteration between consumers utilizing two
10447	10447	different modes of the same language. Fluency in both modes of
10448	10448	language is required."
10449	10449	"§34-16-4
10450	10450	(a) There is created the Alabama Licensure Board for
10451	10451	Interpreters and Transliterators. Commencing on October 1,
10452	10452	2025, the board shall be subject to the leadership, support,
10453	10453	and oversight of the Executive Director of the Office of
10454	10454	Occupational and Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B
10455	10455	of Title 25.
10456	10456	(b) The board shall consist of nine members appointed
10457	10457	by the Governor as follows:
10458	10458	(1) Four members certified as interpreters or
10459	10459	transliterators at a professional level by a nationally
10460	10460	recognized certification, one of whom shall work in an
10461	10461	educational setting. A list of three nominations for each of
10462	10462	these positions shall be submitted to the Governor by ALRID.
10463	10463	(2) Three deaf or hard of hearing members who are
10464	10464	knowledgeable in the field of professional interpreting. A
10465	10465	list of three nominations for each of these positions shall be
10466	10466	submitted to the Governor by AAD.
10467	10467	(3) Two members at-large who have an interest in and
10468	10468	are experienced in dealing with issues that affect the deaf,
10469	10469	hard of hearing, and interpreting communities.
10470	10470	(c) All members of the board shall be citizens of the
10471	10471	United States and the State of Alabama. In appointing members
10472	10472	to the board, the nominating organizations and the Governor,
10473	10473	to the extent possible, shall select those persons whose
10474	10474	5040
10475	10475	5041
10476	10476	5042
10477	10477	5043
10478	10478	5044
10479	10479	5045
10480	10480	5046
10481	10481	5047
10482	10482	5048
10483	10483	5049
10484	10484	5050
10485	10485	5051
10486	10486	5052
10487	10487	5053
10488	10488	5054
10489	10489	5055
10490	10490	5056
10491	10491	5057
10492	10492	5058
10493	10493	5059
10494	10494	5060
10495	10495	5061
10496	10496	5062
10497	10497	5063
10498	10498	5064
10499	10499	5065
10500	10500	5066
10501	10501	5067 SB224 INTRODUCED
10502	10502	Page 182
10503	10503	to the extent possible, shall select those persons whose
10504	10504	appointments ensure that the membership of the board is
10505	10505	inclusive and reflects the racial, gender, geographic,
10506	10506	urban/rural, and economic diversity of the state.
10507	10507	(d) A list of three nominees for each position, except
10508	10508	for the at-large positions, shall be submitted to the Governor
10509	10509	by the designated organizations by October 1, 1998. The
10510	10510	initial terms shall begin January 1, 1999.
10511	10511	(e) The initial members of the board shall serve the
10512	10512	following terms as designated by the Governor:
10513	10513	(1) Four of the initial members shall serve for two
10514	10514	years.
10515	10515	(2) Three of the initial members shall serve for three
10516	10516	years.
10517	10517	(3) Two of the initial members shall serve for four
10518	10518	years.
10519	10519	(f) Subsequent terms of office shall be four years. No
10520	10520	board member may serve more than two consecutive terms. In the
10521	10521	event of a vacancy, the Governor shall fill the vacancy from
10522	10522	the remaining names on the list of nominees for that position.
10523	10523	Each board member shall serve until his or her successor is
10524	10524	duly appointed and qualified.
10525	10525	(g) At its first meeting each year, the board shall
10526	10526	elect a chair, a vice chair, and a secretary. No member shall
10527	10527	be elected to serve more than two consecutive years in the
10528	10528	same office.
10529	10529	(h) After the initial appointments to the board are
10530	10530	made, the board shall meet by January 31 of the following year
10531	10531	for the purpose of organizing and transacting business as may
10532	10532	5068
10533	10533	5069
10534	10534	5070
10535	10535	5071
10536	10536	5072
10537	10537	5073
10538	10538	5074
10539	10539	5075
10540	10540	5076
10541	10541	5077
10542	10542	5078
10543	10543	5079
10544	10544	5080
10545	10545	5081
10546	10546	5082
10547	10547	5083
10548	10548	5084
10549	10549	5085
10550	10550	5086
10551	10551	5087
10552	10552	5088
10553	10553	5089
10554	10554	5090
10555	10555	5091
10556	10556	5092
10557	10557	5093
10558	10558	5094
10559	10559	5095 SB224 INTRODUCED
10560	10560	Page 183
10561	10561	for the purpose of organizing and transacting business as may
10562	10562	properly come before the board. Subsequently, the board shall
10563	10563	meet not less than twice annually, and as frequently as it
10564	10564	deems necessary, at such time and places as it designates. A
10565	10565	quorum necessary to transact business shall consist of five of
10566	10566	the members of the board.
10567	10567	(i) The board shall have all of the following duties:
10568	10568	(1) Act on matters concerning licensure and permitting,
10569	10569	and the process of granting, suspending, reinstating, and
10570	10570	revoking a license or permit.
10571	10571	(2) Set a fee schedule for granting licenses and
10572	10572	permits, for renewing licenses and permits, for reinstating a
10573	10573	lapsed license or permit, and for assessing penalties for late
10574	10574	renewal. The fees shall be sufficient to cover the cost of the
10575	10575	continued operation and administration of the board.
10576	10576	(3) Develop a mechanism for processing applications for
10577	10577	licenses, permits, and renewals.
10578	10578	(4)(2) Establish a procedure to enable the
10579	10579	investigation of complaints concerning the violation of
10580	10580	ethical practices for licensed or permitted interpreters.
10581	10581	(5)(3) Maintain a current register of licensed
10582	10582	interpreters and a current register of permitted interpreters.
10583	10583	These registers shall be matters of public record.
10584	10584	(6)(4) Maintain a complete record of all board
10585	10585	proceedings.
10586	10586	(7)(5) Submit an annual report detailing the
10587	10587	proceedings of the board to the Governor and file a copy with
10588	10588	the Secretary of State.
10589	10589	(8)(6) Adopt continuing education requirements no later
10590	10590	5096
10591	10591	5097
10592	10592	5098
10593	10593	5099
10594	10594	5100
10595	10595	5101
10596	10596	5102
10597	10597	5103
10598	10598	5104
10599	10599	5105
10600	10600	5106
10601	10601	5107
10602	10602	5108
10603	10603	5109
10604	10604	5110
10605	10605	5111
10606	10606	5112
10607	10607	5113
10608	10608	5114
10609	10609	5115
10610	10610	5116
10611	10611	5117
10612	10612	5118
10613	10613	5119
10614	10614	5120
10615	10615	5121
10616	10616	5122
10617	10617	5123 SB224 INTRODUCED
10618	10618	Page 184
10619	10619	(8)(6) Adopt continuing education requirements no later
10620	10620	than October 1 of the year in which the initial board is
10621	10621	appointed. These requirements shall be implemented by January
10622	10622	1 of the year following for renewal of a license or permit.
10623	10623	(j) Board members shall receive the same travel
10624	10624	expenses and per diem as state employees pursuant to Article 2
10625	10625	of Chapter 7 of Title 36 and incidental and clerical expenses
10626	10626	necessarily incurred in carrying out this chapter. The
10627	10627	compensation and expenses shall be paid out of the funds of
10628	10628	the board. Reimbursement shall not be made if available funds
10629	10629	are insufficient for this purpose. "
10630	10630	"§34-16-5
10631	10631	(a) After March 15, 1998, any Any person who provides
10632	10632	interpreting or transliterating services for remuneration
10633	10633	shall be required annually to be licensed or permitted by the
10634	10634	board unless that person is exempt from licensure or
10635	10635	permitting pursuant to Section 34-16-7.
10636	10636	(b) The initial license shall be issued upon submission
10637	10637	of an application, an affidavit documenting current validation
10638	10638	of a nationally recognized certification as approved by the
10639	10639	board, and payment of the required nonrefundable annual fee by
10640	10640	March 15. Licenses shall be renewed annually, upon submission
10641	10641	of an application and an affidavit documenting current
10642	10642	nationally recognized certification at a professional level as
10643	10643	approved by the board, payment of the required nonrefundable
10644	10644	annual fee, and participation in a continuing education
10645	10645	program approved by the board.
10646	10646	(c) All applicants for licensure who are initially
10647	10647	certified after January 1, 1995, shall submit an affidavit
10648	10648	5124
10649	10649	5125
10650	10650	5126
10651	10651	5127
10652	10652	5128
10653	10653	5129
10654	10654	5130
10655	10655	5131
10656	10656	5132
10657	10657	5133
10658	10658	5134
10659	10659	5135
10660	10660	5136
10661	10661	5137
10662	10662	5138
10663	10663	5139
10664	10664	5140
10665	10665	5141
10666	10666	5142
10667	10667	5143
10668	10668	5144
10669	10669	5145
10670	10670	5146
10671	10671	5147
10672	10672	5148
10673	10673	5149
10674	10674	5150
10675	10675	5151 SB224 INTRODUCED
10676	10676	Page 185
10677	10677	certified after January 1, 1995, shall submit an affidavit
10678	10678	documenting that the applicant has passed an interpreter code
10679	10679	of ethics exam approved by the board.
10680	10680	(d) Failure to renew a license on or before March 15 of
10681	10681	any year, by the date established by the executive director
10682	10682	shall result in a lapse of the license. A lapsed license that
10683	10683	is not renewed within 45 days after March 15 of the year of
10684	10684	the lapse, shall expire. The holder of the lapsed license may
10685	10685	be reinstated by the board if the licensee is in compliance
10686	10686	with all other relevant requirements of the board, applies to
10687	10687	the board for renewal pursuant to this section procedures
10688	10688	established by the executive director , and pays the
10689	10689	appropriate renewal, late penalty, and reinstatement fees
10690	10690	prescribed by the board executive director ."
10691	10691	"§34-16-6
10692	10692	(a) Any person who practices as an interpreter or
10693	10693	transliterator for remuneration on August 1, 1998, but who
10694	10694	does not otherwise meet the requirements for licensure, may
10695	10695	obtain a renewable permit to practice interpretation or
10696	10696	transliteration. An initial permit shall be issued upon
10697	10697	submission of the application, documentation of a high school
10698	10698	diploma or GED, current employment as an interpreter, and
10699	10699	payment of the nonrefundable annual fee. Any person who does
10700	10700	not obtain an initial permit by March 15, 1999, may obtain a
10701	10701	nonrenewable provisional permit to practice interpretation or
10702	10702	transliteration upon the submission of the application,
10703	10703	documentation of a high school diploma or GED, payment of the
10704	10704	nonrefundable fee, and submission of three letters of
10705	10705	recommendation from licensed interpreters that verify the
10706	10706	5152
10707	10707	5153
10708	10708	5154
10709	10709	5155
10710	10710	5156
10711	10711	5157
10712	10712	5158
10713	10713	5159
10714	10714	5160
10715	10715	5161
10716	10716	5162
10717	10717	5163
10718	10718	5164
10719	10719	5165
10720	10720	5166
10721	10721	5167
10722	10722	5168
10723	10723	5169
10724	10724	5170
10725	10725	5171
10726	10726	5172
10727	10727	5173
10728	10728	5174
10729	10729	5175
10730	10730	5176
10731	10731	5177
10732	10732	5178
10733	10733	5179 SB224 INTRODUCED
10734	10734	Page 186
10735	10735	recommendation from licensed interpreters that verify the
10736	10736	skill level of the applicant.
10737	10737	(b) In subsequent years, permit holders and
10738	10738	nonrenewable permit holders may apply for a renewable annual
10739	10739	permit that shall require the submission of an affidavit and
10740	10740	supporting materials documenting that the applicant has passed
10741	10741	an interpreter code of ethics exam as approved by the board
10742	10742	and an interpreting performance assessment approved by the
10743	10743	board, the payment of the required nonrefundable annual fee,
10744	10744	and the participation in a continuing education program
10745	10745	approved by the board. Each applicant shall also be a citizen
10746	10746	of the United States or, if not a citizen of the United
10747	10747	States, a person who is legally present in the United States
10748	10748	with appropriate documentation from the federal government.
10749	10749	The affidavit shall be submitted no later than March 15
10750	10750	annually.
10751	10751	(c) Subsequent renewal of a permit by a cued speech
10752	10752	transliterator shall require submission of an affidavit and
10753	10753	supporting materials documenting that the applicant has passed
10754	10754	an interpreter code of ethics exam as approved by the board
10755	10755	and payment of the required nonrefundable annual fee and
10756	10756	participation in a continuing education program approved by
10757	10757	the board. Each applicant shall also be a citizen of the
10758	10758	United States or, if not a citizen of the United States, a
10759	10759	person who is legally present in the United States with
10760	10760	appropriate documentation from the federal government. The
10761	10761	affidavit shall be submitted no later than March 15 annually.
10762	10762	(d) Failure to renew a permit on or before March 15 of
10763	10763	any year, by the date established by the executive director
10764	10764	5180
10765	10765	5181
10766	10766	5182
10767	10767	5183
10768	10768	5184
10769	10769	5185
10770	10770	5186
10771	10771	5187
10772	10772	5188
10773	10773	5189
10774	10774	5190
10775	10775	5191
10776	10776	5192
10777	10777	5193
10778	10778	5194
10779	10779	5195
10780	10780	5196
10781	10781	5197
10782	10782	5198
10783	10783	5199
10784	10784	5200
10785	10785	5201
10786	10786	5202
10787	10787	5203
10788	10788	5204
10789	10789	5205
10790	10790	5206
10791	10791	5207 SB224 INTRODUCED
10792	10792	Page 187
10793	10793	any year, by the date established by the executive director
10794	10794	shall result in a lapse of the permit. The holder of the
10795	10795	lapsed permit may be reinstated by the board if the permittee
10796	10796	is in compliance with all other relevant requirements of the
10797	10797	board, applies to the board for renewal pursuant to this
10798	10798	section, and pays the appropriate renewal, late penalty, and
10799	10799	reinstatement fees prescribed by the board executive
10800	10800	director."
10801	10801	"§34-16-7
10802	10802	The following persons shall be exempt from licensure or
10803	10803	permitting pursuant to this chapter:
10804	10804	(1) Any student who is enrolled in a formal American
10805	10805	sign language program, a formal interpreter training program,
10806	10806	or a formal interpreter or transliterator internship program.
10807	10807	The student shall be allowed to interpret or transliterate as
10808	10808	part of his or her training for a maximum of 16 weeks in an
10809	10809	educational setting or 120 hours in an agency or business.
10810	10810	(2) Any person who interprets or transliterates solely
10811	10811	in a church, synagogue, temple, or other religious setting.
10812	10812	(3) Any person residing outside of the State of Alabama
10813	10813	may provide interpreting and transliterating services for up
10814	10814	to 14 working days per calendar year without a license.
10815	10815	(4) Any person desiring to interpret for remuneration
10816	10816	where circumstances do not allow for fulfillment of the stated
10817	10817	requirements for licensure or permitting may petition the
10818	10818	board for exemption status.
10819	10819	(5) Those public education personnel and State
10820	10820	Department of Rehabilitation personnel, who are not hired as
10821	10821	interpreters and transliterators and who are not as a part of
10822	10822	5208
10823	10823	5209
10824	10824	5210
10825	10825	5211
10826	10826	5212
10827	10827	5213
10828	10828	5214
10829	10829	5215
10830	10830	5216
10831	10831	5217
10832	10832	5218
10833	10833	5219
10834	10834	5220
10835	10835	5221
10836	10836	5222
10837	10837	5223
10838	10838	5224
10839	10839	5225
10840	10840	5226
10841	10841	5227
10842	10842	5228
10843	10843	5229
10844	10844	5230
10845	10845	5231
10846	10846	5232
10847	10847	5233
10848	10848	5234
10849	10849	5235 SB224 INTRODUCED
10850	10850	Page 188
10851	10851	interpreters and transliterators and who are not as a part of
10852	10852	their job description responsible for providing interpreting
10853	10853	or transliteration services, in circumstances that may
10854	10854	necessitate their function as interpreters and transliterators
10855	10855	in emergency or incidental situations.
10856	10856	(6) All other public education personnel hired prior to
10857	10857	March 15, 2000, who provide interpreting and transliterating
10858	10858	services to students. These personnel shall apply for and
10859	10859	receive a permit specifying that their permits are restricted
10860	10860	to interpreting and transliteration services provided in the
10861	10861	public education setting only. The application for this permit
10862	10862	shall be submitted to the board prior to October 1, 2000. It
10863	10863	shall be the responsibility of the permit holder to annually
10864	10864	renew the permit by earning continuing education units in
10865	10865	compliance with the requirements of the interpreters and
10866	10866	transliterators licensure law. If personnel, who have been
10867	10867	grandfathered in pursuant to this subdivision, for any reason
10868	10868	should allow their permits to lapse or expire, those personnel
10869	10869	shall lose all privileges of this exemption and shall adhere
10870	10870	to all requirements of the interpreters and transliterators
10871	10871	licensure law to renew their permits."
10872	10872	"§34-16-8
10873	10873	(a) The board may enter into a reciprocal agreement
10874	10874	with any state, agency, or other organization that licenses,
10875	10875	certifies, or registers professional interpreters or
10876	10876	transliterators, or both, if the board finds that the state,
10877	10877	agency, or organization has substantially the same
10878	10878	requirements or more stringent requirements.
10879	10879	(b) The reciprocity agreement shall provide that the
10880	10880	5236
10881	10881	5237
10882	10882	5238
10883	10883	5239
10884	10884	5240
10885	10885	5241
10886	10886	5242
10887	10887	5243
10888	10888	5244
10889	10889	5245
10890	10890	5246
10891	10891	5247
10892	10892	5248
10893	10893	5249
10894	10894	5250
10895	10895	5251
10896	10896	5252
10897	10897	5253
10898	10898	5254
10899	10899	5255
10900	10900	5256
10901	10901	5257
10902	10902	5258
10903	10903	5259
10904	10904	5260
10905	10905	5261
10906	10906	5262
10907	10907	5263 SB224 INTRODUCED
10908	10908	Page 189
10909	10909	(b) The reciprocity agreement shall provide that the
10910	10910	board shall license anyone who is currently licensed,
10911	10911	certified, or registered in that state or by that agency or
10912	10912	other organization if that state, agency, or other
10913	10913	organization agrees to license, certify, or register any
10914	10914	practitioners who are currently licensed pursuant to this
10915	10915	chapter.
10916	10916	(c) The board executive director shall set by
10917	10917	regulation rule the fees appropriate in processing
10918	10918	reciprocity."
10919	10919	"§34-16-9
10920	10920	(a) The annual fee may be increased or decreased by the
10921	10921	board, provided, the board shall not set an annual fee at an
10922	10922	amount which would not provide sufficient revenues to pay all
10923	10923	the costs and expenses incurred by the board in enforcing this
10924	10924	chapter.
10925	10925	(b) The annual fee shall cover a license or permit for
10926	10926	the 12-month period beginning March 15 of each year.
10927	10927	(c) There is created in the State Treasury the Alabama
10928	10928	Licensure Board for Interpreters and Transliterators Fund. All
10929	10929	fees collected by the board shall be paid into the State
10930	10930	Treasury to the credit of the fund. Monies in the fund shall
10931	10931	be subject to withdrawal only upon warrant of the state
10932	10932	Comptroller to be issued upon certification of the secretary
10933	10933	or treasurer of the board Occupational and Professional
10934	10934	Licensing Fund.
10935	10935	(d) Any funds remaining in the State Treasury to the
10936	10936	credit of the board at the end of each year in excess of two
10937	10937	hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) shall be available
10938	10938	5264
10939	10939	5265
10940	10940	5266
10941	10941	5267
10942	10942	5268
10943	10943	5269
10944	10944	5270
10945	10945	5271
10946	10946	5272
10947	10947	5273
10948	10948	5274
10949	10949	5275
10950	10950	5276
10951	10951	5277
10952	10952	5278
10953	10953	5279
10954	10954	5280
10955	10955	5281
10956	10956	5282
10957	10957	5283
10958	10958	5284
10959	10959	5285
10960	10960	5286
10961	10961	5287
10962	10962	5288
10963	10963	5289
10964	10964	5290
10965	10965	5291 SB224 INTRODUCED
10966	10966	Page 190
10967	10967	hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) shall be available
10968	10968	to provide for the education and training of interpreters and
10969	10969	transliterators in postsecondary programs. At all times the
10970	10970	board may retain a sum not in excess of two hundred fifty
10971	10971	thousand dollars ($250,000) to meet any emergency which may
10972	10972	affect the efficient operation of the board. No funds shall be
10973	10973	withdrawn or expended except as budgeted and allocated
10974	10974	pursuant to Sections 41-4-80 to 41-4-96, inclusive, and
10975	10975	Sections 41-19-1 to 41-19-12, inclusive, and only in amounts
10976	10976	as stipulated in the general appropriations bill or other
10977	10977	appropriations bills. There shall be appropriated from the
10978	10978	fund to the board for the fiscal years 1997-1998 and 1998-1999
10979	10979	an amount deemed necessary by the board to fund the costs of
10980	10980	its operations."
10981	10981	"§34-16-10
10982	10982	(a) Any person may apply for a license or a permit
10983	10983	pursuant to this chapter by filing a written application on a
10984	10984	form prescribed by the board not less than 30 days prior to
10985	10985	the next meeting of the board executive director . The
10986	10986	application shall be accompanied by the payment of the annual
10987	10987	nonrefundable license fee or permit fee. The credentials of
10988	10988	the applicant shall be reviewed according to the rules of the
10989	10989	board.
10990	10990	(b) If the board finds the credentials in order, a
10991	10991	license or permit shall be issued to the applicant.
10992	10992	(c) If the board rejects the credentials, the applicant
10993	10993	will be notified in writing informing him or her of the
10994	10994	reasons for rejection."
10995	10995	Section 16. Relating to the Alabama Board of Examiners
10996	10996	5292
10997	10997	5293
10998	10998	5294
10999	10999	5295
11000	11000	5296
11001	11001	5297
11002	11002	5298
11003	11003	5299
11004	11004	5300
11005	11005	5301
11006	11006	5302
11007	11007	5303
11008	11008	5304
11009	11009	5305
11010	11010	5306
11011	11011	5307
11012	11012	5308
11013	11013	5309
11014	11014	5310
11015	11015	5311
11016	11016	5312
11017	11017	5313
11018	11018	5314
11019	11019	5315
11020	11020	5316
11021	11021	5317
11022	11022	5318
11023	11023	5319 SB224 INTRODUCED
11024	11024	Page 191
11025	11025	Section 16. Relating to the Alabama Board of Examiners
11026	11026	of Landscape Architects; to amend Sections 34-17-1, 34-17-2,
11027	11027	34-17-3, 34-17-4, 34-17-6, 34-17-7, 34-17-22, 34-17-24, and
11028	11028	34-17-26 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
11029	11029	"§34-17-1
11030	11030	For purposes of this chapter, the following words and
11031	11031	phrases shall have the respective meanings ascribed by this
11032	11032	section:
11033	11033	(1) BOARD. The Alabama State Board of Examiners of
11034	11034	Landscape Architects.
11035	11035	(2) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
11036	11036	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
11037	11037	in Section 25-2B-1.
11038	11038	(2)(3) LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT. A person who is engaged or
11039	11039	offers to engage in the practice of landscape architecture, as
11040	11040	hereinafter defined in this state.
11041	11041	(3)(4) LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE. The performance of
11042	11042	professional services such as consultation, investigation,
11043	11043	research, planning, design, preparation of drawings and
11044	11044	specifications and responsible supervision in connection with
11045	11045	the development of land areas where, and to the extent that
11046	11046	the dominant purpose of such services is the preservation,
11047	11047	enhancement, or determination of proper land uses, natural
11048	11048	land features, planting, naturalistic and aesthetic values,
11049	11049	the settings and approaches to structures or other
11050	11050	improvements, the setting of grades and determining drainage
11051	11051	and providing for standard drainage structures, and the
11052	11052	consideration and determination of environmental problems of
11053	11053	land including erosion, blight, and other hazards. This
11054	11054	5320
11055	11055	5321
11056	11056	5322
11057	11057	5323
11058	11058	5324
11059	11059	5325
11060	11060	5326
11061	11061	5327
11062	11062	5328
11063	11063	5329
11064	11064	5330
11065	11065	5331
11066	11066	5332
11067	11067	5333
11068	11068	5334
11069	11069	5335
11070	11070	5336
11071	11071	5337
11072	11072	5338
11073	11073	5339
11074	11074	5340
11075	11075	5341
11076	11076	5342
11077	11077	5343
11078	11078	5344
11079	11079	5345
11080	11080	5346
11081	11081	5347 SB224 INTRODUCED
11082	11082	Page 192
11083	11083	land including erosion, blight, and other hazards. This
11084	11084	practice shall include the design of such tangible objects and
11085	11085	features as are incidental and necessary to the purpose
11086	11086	outlined herein but shall not include the design of structures
11087	11087	or facilities with separate and self-contained purposes such
11088	11088	as are ordinarily included in the practice of engineering or
11089	11089	architecture, and shall not include the making of land surveys
11090	11090	of final plats for official approval or recordation. Nothing
11091	11091	contained herein shall preclude a duly licensed landscape
11092	11092	architect from performing any of the services described in the
11093	11093	first sentence of this subsection in connection with the
11094	11094	settings, approaches, or environment for buildings,
11095	11095	structures, or facilities. Nothing contained in this chapter
11096	11096	shall be construed as authorizing a landscape architect to
11097	11097	engage in the practice of architecture, engineering, or land
11098	11098	surveying as these terms are defined in Section 34-17-27."
11099	11099	"§34-17-2
11100	11100	(a)(1) There is created the Alabama Board of Examiners
11101	11101	of Landscape Architects which. Commencing on October 1, 2025,
11102	11102	the board shall be subject to the leadership, support, and
11103	11103	oversight of the Executive Director of the Office of
11104	11104	Occupational and Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B
11105	11105	of Title 25.
11106	11106	(2) The board shall consist of three members. The board
11107	11107	shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent
11108	11108	of the Senate. In appointing members to the board, the
11109	11109	Governor shall select those persons whose appointments, to the
11110	11110	extent possible, ensure that the membership of the board is
11111	11111	inclusive and reflects the racial, gender, urban/rural, and
11112	11112	5348
11113	11113	5349
11114	11114	5350
11115	11115	5351
11116	11116	5352
11117	11117	5353
11118	11118	5354
11119	11119	5355
11120	11120	5356
11121	11121	5357
11122	11122	5358
11123	11123	5359
11124	11124	5360
11125	11125	5361
11126	11126	5362
11127	11127	5363
11128	11128	5364
11129	11129	5365
11130	11130	5366
11131	11131	5367
11132	11132	5368
11133	11133	5369
11134	11134	5370
11135	11135	5371
11136	11136	5372
11137	11137	5373
11138	11138	5374
11139	11139	5375 SB224 INTRODUCED
11140	11140	Page 193
11141	11141	inclusive and reflects the racial, gender, urban/rural, and
11142	11142	economic diversity of the state. The members of the board,
11143	11143	after the appointment of the original board, shall be
11144	11144	registered landscape architects of recognized standing having
11145	11145	engaged in the practice of landscape architecture in the State
11146	11146	of Alabama for a period of two years or more at the time of
11147	11147	their appointments and shall be citizens of this state. The
11148	11148	terms of office of the members shall be three years, of which
11149	11149	one term expires each year. Any vacancy occurring at any time
11150	11150	in the membership of the board shall be filled by the Governor
11151	11151	appointing a successor for the unexpired term.
11152	11152	(b) The members of the board shall receive no salary or
11153	11153	other compensation for their services as members but shall be
11154	11154	reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in
11155	11155	carrying out their duties.
11156	11156	(c)(b) The board shall elect annually from its members
11157	11157	a chair and a secretary, and the board shall hold at least two
11158	11158	or more meetings each year.
11159	11159	(d)(c) Each member of the board shall take the oath of
11160	11160	office as prescribed by the Constitution of Alabama of 1901
11161	11161	2022."
11162	11162	"§34-17-3
11163	11163	(a) The board shall have the powers and duties listed
11164	11164	in this section.
11165	11165	(b) The board shall have such employees as may be
11166	11166	provided in the annual state budget.
11167	11167	(c)(b) The board may make, adopt, and amend such rules
11168	11168	and regulations as it deems necessary to carry out the
11169	11169	provisions of this chapter.
11170	11170	5376
11171	11171	5377
11172	11172	5378
11173	11173	5379
11174	11174	5380
11175	11175	5381
11176	11176	5382
11177	11177	5383
11178	11178	5384
11179	11179	5385
11180	11180	5386
11181	11181	5387
11182	11182	5388
11183	11183	5389
11184	11184	5390
11185	11185	5391
11186	11186	5392
11187	11187	5393
11188	11188	5394
11189	11189	5395
11190	11190	5396
11191	11191	5397
11192	11192	5398
11193	11193	5399
11194	11194	5400
11195	11195	5401
11196	11196	5402
11197	11197	5403 SB224 INTRODUCED
11198	11198	Page 194
11199	11199	provisions of this chapter.
11200	11200	(d)(c) The board shall hold at least one meeting per
11201	11201	year for the purpose of examining candidates for registration
11202	11202	as landscape architects. It may hold such other meetings and
11203	11203	hearings as required for the proper performance of its duties
11204	11204	under this chapter.
11205	11205	(e)(d) The board may adopt a seal for use in
11206	11206	transacting its official business.
11207	11207	(f)(e) The board shall keep a record of its proceedings
11208	11208	and shall make an annual report thereon to the Governor.
11209	11209	(g)(f) For the purpose of enforcing the provisions of
11210	11210	this chapter, the board:
11211	11211	(1) May conduct investigations and hold hearings
11212	11212	concerning any matter covered by this chapter at any time or
11213	11213	place within the State of Alabama.
11214	11214	(2) May administer oaths and affirmations, examine
11215	11215	witnesses, and receive evidence."
11216	11216	"§34-17-4
11217	11217	(a) The right to engage in the practice of landscape
11218	11218	architecture is a personal right, based upon the
11219	11219	qualifications of the individual evidenced by his or her
11220	11220	license and is not transferable. All final drawings,
11221	11221	specifications, plans, reports, or other papers or documents
11222	11222	involving the practice of landscape architecture, as defined
11223	11223	in Section 34-17-1, when issued or filed for public record,
11224	11224	shall be dated and bear the signature and seal of the
11225	11225	landscape architect or landscape architects who prepared or
11226	11226	approved them.
11227	11227	(b) A corporation, limited liability company, or
11228	11228	5404
11229	11229	5405
11230	11230	5406
11231	11231	5407
11232	11232	5408
11233	11233	5409
11234	11234	5410
11235	11235	5411
11236	11236	5412
11237	11237	5413
11238	11238	5414
11239	11239	5415
11240	11240	5416
11241	11241	5417
11242	11242	5418
11243	11243	5419
11244	11244	5420
11245	11245	5421
11246	11246	5422
11247	11247	5423
11248	11248	5424
11249	11249	5425
11250	11250	5426
11251	11251	5427
11252	11252	5428
11253	11253	5429
11254	11254	5430
11255	11255	5431 SB224 INTRODUCED
11256	11256	Page 195
11257	11257	(b) A corporation, limited liability company, or
11258	11258	partnership may be formed as a vehicle for the practice of
11259	11259	landscape architecture, and may use any form of the title
11260	11260	"landscape architect" in connection with the name of the
11261	11261	business entity if both of the following conditions are
11262	11262	satisfied:
11263	11263	(1) One or more of the corporate officers in the case
11264	11264	of a corporation, one or more of the managers or members in
11265	11265	the case of a limited liability company, or one or more of the
11266	11266	partners in the case of a partnership, is designated as being
11267	11267	responsible for the professional services described in Section
11268	11268	34-17-1 of the business entity and is a landscape architect
11269	11269	under this chapter.
11270	11270	(2) All personnel of the business entity, who act in
11271	11271	its behalf as landscape architects, are licensed under this
11272	11272	chapter.
11273	11273	(c) An individual desiring to use any form of the title
11274	11274	"landscape architect" in connection with the name of a
11275	11275	business entity shall file with the board, as part of his or
11276	11276	her application for licensure or any subsequent renewal, a
11277	11277	listing of relevant information, including the names and
11278	11278	addresses of all officers and members of the corporation,
11279	11279	managers and members of the limited liability company, or
11280	11280	officers and partners of the partnership, and shall indicate
11281	11281	those individuals duly licensed to practice landscape
11282	11282	architecture in this state who shall be in responsible charge
11283	11283	of the practice of landscape architecture in this state
11284	11284	through the business entity, and any other information
11285	11285	required by the board. A form, giving the same information,
11286	11286	5432
11287	11287	5433
11288	11288	5434
11289	11289	5435
11290	11290	5436
11291	11291	5437
11292	11292	5438
11293	11293	5439
11294	11294	5440
11295	11295	5441
11296	11296	5442
11297	11297	5443
11298	11298	5444
11299	11299	5445
11300	11300	5446
11301	11301	5447
11302	11302	5448
11303	11303	5449
11304	11304	5450
11305	11305	5451
11306	11306	5452
11307	11307	5453
11308	11308	5454
11309	11309	5455
11310	11310	5456
11311	11311	5457
11312	11312	5458
11313	11313	5459 SB224 INTRODUCED
11314	11314	Page 196
11315	11315	required by the board. A form, giving the same information,
11316	11316	shall accompany the annual renewal fee to be determined by the
11317	11317	board executive director . In the event there is a change in
11318	11318	any of these individuals during the year, the change shall be
11319	11319	designated on the same form and filed with the board within 30
11320	11320	days after the effective date of the change. If all of the
11321	11321	requirements of this section are satisfied, the business
11322	11322	entity may contract for and collect fees for landscape
11323	11323	architectural services.
11324	11324	(d) No business entity shall be relieved of
11325	11325	responsibility for conduct or acts of its agents, employees,
11326	11326	or officers by reason of its compliance with this section, nor
11327	11327	shall any individual practicing landscape architecture as
11328	11328	defined in Section 34-17-1 be relieved of responsibility for
11329	11329	landscape architectural services performed by reason of his or
11330	11330	her employment or relationship with the business entity.
11331	11331	(e) This chapter shall not be interpreted to prevent a
11332	11332	business entity and its employees from performing landscape
11333	11333	architectural services for the business entity, subsidiary, or
11334	11334	affiliated business entities."
11335	11335	"§34-17-6
11336	11336	The secretary of the board shall receive and account
11337	11337	for all moneys derived under the provisions of this chapter
11338	11338	and shall not later than the tenth day of each month pay all
11339	11339	such moneys collected during the previous month to the State
11340	11340	Treasurer, who shall keep such moneys in a separate fund to be
11341	11341	known as the "Landscape Architect's Fund." Such fund shall be
11342	11342	kept separate and apart from all other moneys in the Treasury
11343	11343	and shall be paid out for the expenses and compensation of the
11344	11344	5460
11345	11345	5461
11346	11346	5462
11347	11347	5463
11348	11348	5464
11349	11349	5465
11350	11350	5466
11351	11351	5467
11352	11352	5468
11353	11353	5469
11354	11354	5470
11355	11355	5471
11356	11356	5472
11357	11357	5473
11358	11358	5474
11359	11359	5475
11360	11360	5476
11361	11361	5477
11362	11362	5478
11363	11363	5479
11364	11364	5480
11365	11365	5481
11366	11366	5482
11367	11367	5483
11368	11368	5484
11369	11369	5485
11370	11370	5486
11371	11371	5487 SB224 INTRODUCED
11372	11372	Page 197
11373	11373	and shall be paid out for the expenses and compensation of the
11374	11374	board and for enforcing this chapter only by warrant of the
11375	11375	Comptroller upon the Treasurer, upon itemized vouchers,
11376	11376	approved by the president and attested by the secretary of the
11377	11377	board; provided, that no funds shall be withdrawn or expended
11378	11378	except as budgeted and allotted according to the provisions of
11379	11379	Article 4 of Chapter 4 of Title 41 of this Code. Under no
11380	11380	circumstances shall the total amount of warrants issued by the
11381	11381	Comptroller in payment of the expenses and compensation of the
11382	11382	board and of enforcing this chapter exceed the amount provided
11383	11383	therefor by the Legislature in the general appropriation
11384	11384	bill.All receipts of the board shall be deposited into the
11385	11385	Occupational and Professional Licensing Fund. "
11386	11386	"§34-17-7
11387	11387	(a) Any individual who, without possessing a valid,
11388	11388	unrevoked certificate as provided in this chapter, uses the
11389	11389	title or term "landscape architect" in any sign, card,
11390	11390	listing, advertisement, or in any other manner implies or
11391	11391	indicates that he or she is a landscape architect, as defined
11392	11392	in this chapter, shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and,
11393	11393	upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided by law.
11394	11394	All fines collected pursuant to this section shall be remitted
11395	11395	by the court or officer collecting them to the State Treasurer
11396	11396	and credited to the Landscape Architect's Fund Occupational
11397	11397	and Professional Licensing Fund in the State Treasury.
11398	11398	(b)(1) The board may institute proceedings in a court
11399	11399	of law to enjoin any individual or business entity from
11400	11400	violating this chapter. The proceedings shall be brought by
11401	11401	the board in the circuit court of the city or county in which
11402	11402	5488
11403	11403	5489
11404	11404	5490
11405	11405	5491
11406	11406	5492
11407	11407	5493
11408	11408	5494
11409	11409	5495
11410	11410	5496
11411	11411	5497
11412	11412	5498
11413	11413	5499
11414	11414	5500
11415	11415	5501
11416	11416	5502
11417	11417	5503
11418	11418	5504
11419	11419	5505
11420	11420	5506
11421	11421	5507
11422	11422	5508
11423	11423	5509
11424	11424	5510
11425	11425	5511
11426	11426	5512
11427	11427	5513
11428	11428	5514
11429	11429	5515 SB224 INTRODUCED
11430	11430	Page 198
11431	11431	the board in the circuit court of the city or county in which
11432	11432	the alleged violation occurred or in which the defendant
11433	11433	resides.
11434	11434	(2) Upon a showing by the board that the individual or
11435	11435	business entity has engaged in any activity, conduct,
11436	11436	practice, or performance of any work prohibited by this
11437	11437	chapter, the court shall grant injunctive relief enjoining the
11438	11438	individual or business entity from engaging in the unlawful
11439	11439	activity, conduct, practice, or performance of work.
11440	11440	(3) Upon the issuance of a permanent injunction, the
11441	11441	court may fine the offending party up to five thousand dollars
11442	11442	($5,000) plus costs, including investigative costs and
11443	11443	attorney fees for each offense. A judgment for a civil fine,
11444	11444	attorney fees, and costs may be rendered in the same order in
11445	11445	which the injunction is made absolute."
11446	11446	"§34-17-22
11447	11447	Examinations for the license shall be held by the board
11448	11448	at least once each year. The board shall adopt rules and
11449	11449	regulations covering the subjects and scope of the
11450	11450	examinations, shall publish appropriate announcements and
11451	11451	shall conduct the examinations at the times designated by the
11452	11452	executive director . Except as hereinafter provided in this
11453	11453	chapter to the contrary, every applicant for licensing as a
11454	11454	landscape architect shall be required, in addition to all
11455	11455	other requirements, to establish by a board approved
11456	11456	examination, which may be digital, his or her competence to
11457	11457	plan, design, specify, and supervise the installation of
11458	11458	landscape projects. Each board approved examination may be
11459	11459	supplemented by such oral examinations as the board shall
11460	11460	5516
11461	11461	5517
11462	11462	5518
11463	11463	5519
11464	11464	5520
11465	11465	5521
11466	11466	5522
11467	11467	5523
11468	11468	5524
11469	11469	5525
11470	11470	5526
11471	11471	5527
11472	11472	5528
11473	11473	5529
11474	11474	5530
11475	11475	5531
11476	11476	5532
11477	11477	5533
11478	11478	5534
11479	11479	5535
11480	11480	5536
11481	11481	5537
11482	11482	5538
11483	11483	5539
11484	11484	5540
11485	11485	5541
11486	11486	5542
11487	11487	5543 SB224 INTRODUCED
11488	11488	Page 199
11489	11489	supplemented by such oral examinations as the board shall
11490	11490	determine."
11491	11491	"§34-17-24
11492	11492	(a) Every landscape architect shall pay an annual a
11493	11493	license fee to the board . The fee shall be due and payable on
11494	11494	the first day of January of each year and shall become
11495	11495	delinquent after the thirty-first day of January in an amount
11496	11496	determined by the executive director .
11497	11497	(b) If the annual license fee is not paid before it
11498	11498	becomes delinquent, a delinquent penalty fee shall be added to
11499	11499	the amount thereof per year.
11500	11500	(c) If the annual license fee and penalty are not paid
11501	11501	before the fifteenth day of March in the year in which they
11502	11502	become due before the date determined by the executive
11503	11503	director, the landscape architect's license shall be deemed
11504	11504	expired. A landscape architect may reinstate an expired
11505	11505	license for up to five years after the date of the original
11506	11506	expiration by submitting to the board a complete renewal
11507	11507	application, proof of completion of any required continuing
11508	11508	education, payment of any accrued license fees and delinquent
11509	11509	penalty fees, and payment of a reinstatement fee. The holder
11510	11510	of a license that is expired for five or more years may only
11511	11511	reinstate a license by submitting a new license application
11512	11512	and fulfilling all then current license requirements.
11513	11513	(d) A landscape architect may place his or her license
11514	11514	on inactive status by annually submitting to the board ,
11515	11515	between January 1 and January 31, a request for inactive
11516	11516	status and an inactive status fee as determined by the
11517	11517	executive director . The holder of an inactive status license
11518	11518	5544
11519	11519	5545
11520	11520	5546
11521	11521	5547
11522	11522	5548
11523	11523	5549
11524	11524	5550
11525	11525	5551
11526	11526	5552
11527	11527	5553
11528	11528	5554
11529	11529	5555
11530	11530	5556
11531	11531	5557
11532	11532	5558
11533	11533	5559
11534	11534	5560
11535	11535	5561
11536	11536	5562
11537	11537	5563
11538	11538	5564
11539	11539	5565
11540	11540	5566
11541	11541	5567
11542	11542	5568
11543	11543	5569
11544	11544	5570
11545	11545	5571 SB224 INTRODUCED
11546	11546	Page 200
11547	11547	executive director . The holder of an inactive status license
11548	11548	may reactivate his or her license by submitting to the board a
11549	11549	renewal form, current license fee, and one year of continuing
11550	11550	education credits.
11551	11551	(e) The board shall issue a receipt to each landscape
11552	11552	architect promptly upon payment of the annual license fee."
11553	11553	"§34-17-26
11554	11554	The board, subject to the provisions of this chapter
11555	11555	and the rules and regulations of the board promulgated
11556	11556	thereunder prescribing the qualifications for a landscape
11557	11557	architect license, may permit the practice of landscape
11558	11558	architecture in this state under a landscape architect license
11559	11559	issued under the laws of any other state or country, upon
11560	11560	payment of the current fee established by the board executive
11561	11561	director, and upon submission of all of the following evidence
11562	11562	satisfactory to the board:
11563	11563	(1) That the other state or country maintained a system
11564	11564	and standard of qualifications and examinations for a
11565	11565	landscape architect license which were substantially
11566	11566	equivalent to those required in this state at the time the
11567	11567	license was issued by the other state or country.
11568	11568	(2) That the other state or country gives similar
11569	11569	recognition and endorsement to landscape architect licenses of
11570	11570	this state."
11571	11571	Section 17. Relating to the Alabama Board of Examiners
11572	11572	in Marriage and Family Therapy; to amend Sections 34-17A-3,
11573	11573	34-17A-6, 34-17A-7, 34-17A-8, 34-17A-11, 34-17A-12, 34-17A-13,
11574	11574	and 34-17A-25 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
11575	11575	"§34-17A-3
11576	11576	5572
11577	11577	5573
11578	11578	5574
11579	11579	5575
11580	11580	5576
11581	11581	5577
11582	11582	5578
11583	11583	5579
11584	11584	5580
11585	11585	5581
11586	11586	5582
11587	11587	5583
11588	11588	5584
11589	11589	5585
11590	11590	5586
11591	11591	5587
11592	11592	5588
11593	11593	5589
11594	11594	5590
11595	11595	5591
11596	11596	5592
11597	11597	5593
11598	11598	5594
11599	11599	5595
11600	11600	5596
11601	11601	5597
11602	11602	5598
11603	11603	5599 SB224 INTRODUCED
11604	11604	Page 201
11605	11605	"§34-17A-3
11606	11606	As used in this chapter, the following terms have the
11607	11607	following meanings, respectively, unless the context clearly
11608	11608	indicates otherwise:
11609	11609	(1) ADVERTISE. The issuing or causing to be distributed
11610	11610	any card, sign, or device to any person; or the causing,
11611	11611	permitting, or allowing any sign or marking on or in any
11612	11612	building, radio or television, transmission or broadcast, or
11613	11613	advertising by any media or other means designed to secure
11614	11614	public attention.
11615	11615	(2) BOARD. The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage
11616	11616	and Family Therapy.
11617	11617	(3) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
11618	11618	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
11619	11619	in Section 25-2B-1.
11620	11620	(3)(4) MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST. A person to whom
11621	11621	a valid, current license has been issued pursuant to this
11622	11622	chapter.
11623	11623	(4)(5) MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY ASSOCIATE. An
11624	11624	individual who has graduated from a program that meets the
11625	11625	board course requirements, has completed the required
11626	11626	internship, and is continuing training in marriage and family
11627	11627	therapy under a board approved supervisory arrangement to
11628	11628	complete a minimum two-year postgraduate supervision
11629	11629	requirement prior to applying for his or her marriage and
11630	11630	family therapist license.
11631	11631	(5)(6) MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY INTERN. An
11632	11632	individual who is training for designation as a marriage and
11633	11633	family therapy associate in accordance with board requirements
11634	11634	5600
11635	11635	5601
11636	11636	5602
11637	11637	5603
11638	11638	5604
11639	11639	5605
11640	11640	5606
11641	11641	5607
11642	11642	5608
11643	11643	5609
11644	11644	5610
11645	11645	5611
11646	11646	5612
11647	11647	5613
11648	11648	5614
11649	11649	5615
11650	11650	5616
11651	11651	5617
11652	11652	5618
11653	11653	5619
11654	11654	5620
11655	11655	5621
11656	11656	5622
11657	11657	5623
11658	11658	5624
11659	11659	5625
11660	11660	5626
11661	11661	5627 SB224 INTRODUCED
11662	11662	Page 202
11663	11663	family therapy associate in accordance with board requirements
11664	11664	and under a board approved supervisory arrangement.
11665	11665	(6)(7) PERSON. Any individual, firm, corporation,
11666	11666	partnership, organization, political body, or other entity.
11667	11667	(7)(8) PERSON IN TRAINING. An individual who is
11668	11668	preparing for the practice of marriage and family therapy
11669	11669	under qualified supervision in a training institution or
11670	11670	facility.
11671	11671	(8)(9) PRACTICE OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY. The
11672	11672	process of providing professional marriage and family therapy
11673	11673	to individuals, couples, and families, either alone or in a
11674	11674	group. The practice of marriage and family therapy utilizes
11675	11675	established principles that recognize the interrelated nature
11676	11676	of the individual problems and dysfunctions in family members
11677	11677	in order to diagnose, assess, and treat mental and emotional
11678	11678	disorders within a marriage and family therapy treatment
11679	11679	context. Marriage and family therapy includes, without being
11680	11680	limited to, individual, group, couple, sexual, family, and
11681	11681	divorce therapy and psychotherapy, whether the services are
11682	11682	offered directly to the general public or through
11683	11683	organizations, either public or private, for a fee or other
11684	11684	compensation. Marriage and family therapy is a specialized
11685	11685	mode of treatment for the purpose of resolving mental and
11686	11686	emotional disorders and modifying intrapersonal and
11687	11687	interpersonal dysfunctions. The terms "diagnose," "assess,"
11688	11688	and "treat," as used in this subdivision, when considered in
11689	11689	isolation or in conjunction with the rules of the board, shall
11690	11690	not be construed to permit the performance of any act which
11691	11691	marriage and family therapists are not educated and trained to
11692	11692	5628
11693	11693	5629
11694	11694	5630
11695	11695	5631
11696	11696	5632
11697	11697	5633
11698	11698	5634
11699	11699	5635
11700	11700	5636
11701	11701	5637
11702	11702	5638
11703	11703	5639
11704	11704	5640
11705	11705	5641
11706	11706	5642
11707	11707	5643
11708	11708	5644
11709	11709	5645
11710	11710	5646
11711	11711	5647
11712	11712	5648
11713	11713	5649
11714	11714	5650
11715	11715	5651
11716	11716	5652
11717	11717	5653
11718	11718	5654
11719	11719	5655 SB224 INTRODUCED
11720	11720	Page 203
11721	11721	marriage and family therapists are not educated and trained to
11722	11722	perform, including, but not limited to, administering and
11723	11723	interpreting psychological tests, intellectual,
11724	11724	neuropsychological, personality, and projective instruments,
11725	11725	admitting persons to hospitals for treatment for the foregoing
11726	11726	conditions, treating persons in hospitals without medical
11727	11727	supervision, prescribing medicinal drugs, authorizing clinical
11728	11728	laboratory procedures or radiological procedures, or use of
11729	11729	electroconvulsive therapy. In addition, this definition shall
11730	11730	not be construed to permit any person licensed pursuant to
11731	11731	this chapter to describe or label any test, report, or
11732	11732	procedure as "psychological," or as a "psychological
11733	11733	evaluation." A licensed marriage and family therapist may
11734	11734	diagnose and develop treatment plans, but shall not attempt to
11735	11735	diagnose, treat, or advise a client with reference to problems
11736	11736	or complaints falling outside the boundaries of marriage and
11737	11737	family therapy services. Nothing in this chapter shall be
11738	11738	construed to authorize persons licensed under this chapter to
11739	11739	practice medicine.
11740	11740	(9)(10) QUALIFIED SUPERVISION. The supervision of
11741	11741	clinical services in accordance with standards established by
11742	11742	the board. The supervisor shall be recognized by the board as
11743	11743	an approved supervisor or other designation indicating an
11744	11744	approved supervisory position.
11745	11745	(10)(11) RECOGNIZED EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION. Any
11746	11746	educational institution that grants a bachelor's, master's, or
11747	11747	doctoral degree and that is recognized by the board and by a
11748	11748	regional educational accrediting body or a postgraduate
11749	11749	training institute accredited by the Commission on
11750	11750	5656
11751	11751	5657
11752	11752	5658
11753	11753	5659
11754	11754	5660
11755	11755	5661
11756	11756	5662
11757	11757	5663
11758	11758	5664
11759	11759	5665
11760	11760	5666
11761	11761	5667
11762	11762	5668
11763	11763	5669
11764	11764	5670
11765	11765	5671
11766	11766	5672
11767	11767	5673
11768	11768	5674
11769	11769	5675
11770	11770	5676
11771	11771	5677
11772	11772	5678
11773	11773	5679
11774	11774	5680
11775	11775	5681
11776	11776	5682
11777	11777	5683 SB224 INTRODUCED
11778	11778	Page 204
11779	11779	training institute accredited by the Commission on
11780	11780	Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education.
11781	11781	(11)(12) USE A TITLE OR DESCRIPTION. To hold oneself
11782	11782	out to the public as having a particular status by means of
11783	11783	stating on signs, mailboxes, address plates, stationery
11784	11784	announcements, calling cards, or other instruments of
11785	11785	professional identification."
11786	11786	"§34-17A-6
11787	11787	(a) There is created the Alabama Board of Examiners in
11788	11788	Marriage and Family Therapy . Commencing on October 1, 2025,
11789	11789	the board shall be subject to the leadership, support, and
11790	11790	oversight of the Executive Director of the Office of
11791	11791	Occupational and Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B
11792	11792	of Title 25. The board shall consist of five members who are
11793	11793	citizens of this state and appointed by the Governor. In
11794	11794	appointing members to the board, the Governor shall select
11795	11795	those persons whose appointments would ensure that, to the
11796	11796	extent possible, the membership of the board reflects the
11797	11797	geographic, gender, and racial diversity of the state as a
11798	11798	whole. The board shall perform the duties and have the powers
11799	11799	as prescribed and conferred by this chapter. No member of the
11800	11800	board shall be civilly liable for any act performed in good
11801	11801	faith for the performance of his or her duties as a member of
11802	11802	the board.
11803	11803	(b) The professional membership of the board shall be
11804	11804	licensed pursuant to this chapter.
11805	11805	(c) Vacancies on the board shall be filled for the
11806	11806	remainder of the unexpired term. Members of the board shall
11807	11807	serve until their successors are appointed and have qualified.
11808	11808	5684
11809	11809	5685
11810	11810	5686
11811	11811	5687
11812	11812	5688
11813	11813	5689
11814	11814	5690
11815	11815	5691
11816	11816	5692
11817	11817	5693
11818	11818	5694
11819	11819	5695
11820	11820	5696
11821	11821	5697
11822	11822	5698
11823	11823	5699
11824	11824	5700
11825	11825	5701
11826	11826	5702
11827	11827	5703
11828	11828	5704
11829	11829	5705
11830	11830	5706
11831	11831	5707
11832	11832	5708
11833	11833	5709
11834	11834	5710
11835	11835	5711 SB224 INTRODUCED
11836	11836	Page 205
11837	11837	serve until their successors are appointed and have qualified.
11838	11838	Board members shall be ineligible for reappointment for a
11839	11839	period of three years following completion of their five-year
11840	11840	term.
11841	11841	(d) Appointments to the board shall be made by the
11842	11842	Governor as provided in this subsection. Not later than
11843	11843	October 1 of each year, the Board of Directors of the Alabama
11844	11844	Association for Marriage and Family Therapy shall submit to
11845	11845	the Governor the names of two qualified candidates for each
11846	11846	position on the board to be vacated by reason of expiration of
11847	11847	a term of office. From the two candidates, the Governor shall
11848	11848	appoint one member to serve on the board for a term of five
11849	11849	years. Other vacancies occurring on the board shall be filled
11850	11850	for the unexpired term by appointment of the Governor from two
11851	11851	candidates for each vacancy submitted by the Alabama
11852	11852	Association for Marriage and Family Therapy within 30 days
11853	11853	after the vacancy occurs. Composition of the board shall
11854	11854	consist of one public member, one marriage and family therapy
11855	11855	educator, and three practicing marriage and family therapists.
11856	11856	(e) The Governor may remove a member of the board only
11857	11857	for neglect of duty, malfeasance, or conviction of a felony or
11858	11858	crime of moral turpitude while in office. Notwithstanding the
11859	11859	foregoing, no member may be removed until after a public
11860	11860	hearing of the charges against him or her, and at least 30
11861	11861	days' prior written notice to the accused member of the
11862	11862	charges against him or her and of the date fixed for the
11863	11863	hearing. No board member shall participate in any matter
11864	11864	before the board in which he or she has a pecuniary interest,
11865	11865	personal bias, or other similar conflict of interest."
11866	11866	5712
11867	11867	5713
11868	11868	5714
11869	11869	5715
11870	11870	5716
11871	11871	5717
11872	11872	5718
11873	11873	5719
11874	11874	5720
11875	11875	5721
11876	11876	5722
11877	11877	5723
11878	11878	5724
11879	11879	5725
11880	11880	5726
11881	11881	5727
11882	11882	5728
11883	11883	5729
11884	11884	5730
11885	11885	5731
11886	11886	5732
11887	11887	5733
11888	11888	5734
11889	11889	5735
11890	11890	5736
11891	11891	5737
11892	11892	5738
11893	11893	5739 SB224 INTRODUCED
11894	11894	Page 206
11895	11895	personal bias, or other similar conflict of interest."
11896	11896	"§34-17A-7
11897	11897	(a) The board may employ a director, secretary,
11898	11898	attorneys, experts, and other employees as it may from time to
11899	11899	time find necessary for the proper performance of its duties,
11900	11900	and for whom the necessary funds are appropriated.
11901	11901	(b)(a) The board shall elect annually a chair and a
11902	11902	vice chair. Each member shall receive the same per diem and
11903	11903	travel allowance as state employees for each day of attendance
11904	11904	at an official meeting of the board. The board shall hold at
11905	11905	least one regular meeting each year. Additional meetings may
11906	11906	be held at the discretion of the chair or at the written
11907	11907	request of any two members of the board. A majority of the
11908	11908	current appointed members of the board shall constitute a
11909	11909	quorum.
11910	11910	(c)(b) The board shall examine and pass on the
11911	11911	qualifications of all applicants and shall issue a license to
11912	11912	each successful applicant attesting to his or her professional
11913	11913	qualifications as a marriage and family therapist. The board
11914	11914	shall adopt a seal which shall be affixed to all licenses
11915	11915	issued by the board. The board may authorize expenditures
11916	11916	deemed necessary to carry out this chapter from the fees which
11917	11917	it collects and other available appropriations, but in no
11918	11918	event shall expenditures exceed the revenues of the board
11919	11919	during any fiscal year. The board may accept grants from
11920	11920	foundations, individuals, and institutions to carry on its
11921	11921	function.
11922	11922	(d) By rule, the board shall assess and collect fees as
11923	11923	required for the enforcement of this chapter. "
11924	11924	5740
11925	11925	5741
11926	11926	5742
11927	11927	5743
11928	11928	5744
11929	11929	5745
11930	11930	5746
11931	11931	5747
11932	11932	5748
11933	11933	5749
11934	11934	5750
11935	11935	5751
11936	11936	5752
11937	11937	5753
11938	11938	5754
11939	11939	5755
11940	11940	5756
11941	11941	5757
11942	11942	5758
11943	11943	5759
11944	11944	5760
11945	11945	5761
11946	11946	5762
11947	11947	5763
11948	11948	5764
11949	11949	5765
11950	11950	5766
11951	11951	5767 SB224 INTRODUCED
11952	11952	Page 207
11953	11953	required for the enforcement of this chapter. "
11954	11954	"§34-17A-8
11955	11955	(a) Each applicant for licensure as a practicing
11956	11956	marriage and family therapist shall submit to the board a
11957	11957	completed application on forms prescribed by the board
11958	11958	executive director . The completed application shall contain
11959	11959	the following information:
11960	11960	(1) Satisfactory evidence that the applicant is of good
11961	11961	moral character and has not engaged or is not engaged in any
11962	11962	practice or conduct that would make the applicant ineligible
11963	11963	to receive a license pursuant to Section 34-17A-14.
11964	11964	(2) Satisfactory evidence that the applicant meets the
11965	11965	education and experience requirements for licensure pursuant
11966	11966	to Section 34-17A-10.
11967	11967	(3) Other information that the executive director or
11968	11968	board may require.
11969	11969	(b) Applicants also shall pass an examination which has
11970	11970	been approved by the board and shall be citizens of the United
11971	11971	States or, if not citizens of the United States, legally
11972	11972	present in the United States with appropriate documentation
11973	11973	from the federal government."
11974	11974	"§34-17A-11
11975	11975	The board shall approve applicants for an examination
11976	11976	at least once a year at a time and place designated by the
11977	11977	board executive director . Examinations shall include questions
11978	11978	in theoretical and applied fields as the board deems most
11979	11979	suitable to test the knowledge and competence of the applicant
11980	11980	to engage in the practice of marriage and family therapy."
11981	11981	"§34-17A-12
11982	11982	5768
11983	11983	5769
11984	11984	5770
11985	11985	5771
11986	11986	5772
11987	11987	5773
11988	11988	5774
11989	11989	5775
11990	11990	5776
11991	11991	5777
11992	11992	5778
11993	11993	5779
11994	11994	5780
11995	11995	5781
11996	11996	5782
11997	11997	5783
11998	11998	5784
11999	11999	5785
12000	12000	5786
12001	12001	5787
12002	12002	5788
12003	12003	5789
12004	12004	5790
12005	12005	5791
12006	12006	5792
12007	12007	5793
12008	12008	5794
12009	12009	5795 SB224 INTRODUCED
12010	12010	Page 208
12011	12011	"§34-17A-12
12012	12012	The board shall issue a license by examination of
12013	12013	credentials to any person licensed or certified as a marriage
12014	12014	and family therapist in another state which has requirements
12015	12015	for licensure that are equivalent to or exceed the
12016	12016	requirements of this state, provided the applicant submits an
12017	12017	application on forms prescribed by the board executive
12018	12018	director and pays the original licensure fee prescribed by
12019	12019	this chapter the executive director ."
12020	12020	"§34-17A-13
12021	12021	(a) A fee, in an amount to be determined by the board
12022	12022	executive director , shall be paid to the board for original
12023	12023	licensure.
12024	12024	(b) Licenses shall be valid for two years a time period
12025	12025	prescribed by the executive director and shall be renewed
12026	12026	biennially prior to the expiration date. The amount of the
12027	12027	renewal fee shall be determined by the board executive
12028	12028	director. Any applicant for renewal of a license that has
12029	12029	expired shall also be required to pay a late renewal fee
12030	12030	determined by the board executive director .
12031	12031	(c) On or before October 1 of the year preceding
12032	12032	expiration of a license, the secretary of the board shall
12033	12033	forward to the holder of the license a form of application for
12034	12034	renewal thereof. No license shall be renewed unless the
12035	12035	renewal request is accompanied by satisfactory evidence of the
12036	12036	completion during the previous 24 months of relevant
12037	12037	professional and continued educational experience. Upon the
12038	12038	receipt of the completed application form, evidence of
12039	12039	satisfactory professional and continued educational
12040	12040	5796
12041	12041	5797
12042	12042	5798
12043	12043	5799
12044	12044	5800
12045	12045	5801
12046	12046	5802
12047	12047	5803
12048	12048	5804
12049	12049	5805
12050	12050	5806
12051	12051	5807
12052	12052	5808
12053	12053	5809
12054	12054	5810
12055	12055	5811
12056	12056	5812
12057	12057	5813
12058	12058	5814
12059	12059	5815
12060	12060	5816
12061	12061	5817
12062	12062	5818
12063	12063	5819
12064	12064	5820
12065	12065	5821
12066	12066	5822
12067	12067	5823 SB224 INTRODUCED
12068	12068	Page 209
12069	12069	satisfactory professional and continued educational
12070	12070	experience, and the renewal fee, the secretary executive
12071	12071	director shall issue a new license for the renewal period.
12072	12072	(d) Necessary administrative fees may be charged by the
12073	12073	board, including, but not limited to, reasonable costs for
12074	12074	copying, labels, and lists executive director . Examination and
12075	12075	license fees may be adjusted as the board executive director
12076	12076	shall deem appropriate."
12077	12077	"§34-17A-25
12078	12078	There is established a separate revenue trust fund in
12079	12079	the State Treasury to be known as the "Alabama Board of
12080	12080	Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy Fund." All receipts
12081	12081	and disciplinary fines collected by the board under this
12082	12082	chapter shall be deposited in this fund and used only to
12083	12083	implement this chapter. Monies shall be disbursed only by
12084	12084	warrant of the state Comptroller upon the State Treasury, upon
12085	12085	itemized vouchers approved by the chair of the board or an
12086	12086	authorized designee. No funds shall be withdrawn or expended
12087	12087	except as budgeted and allotted according to Sections 41-4-80
12088	12088	to 41-4-96, inclusive, and 41-19-1 to 41-19-12, inclusive, and
12089	12089	only in amounts stipulated in general appropriations bills and
12090	12090	other appropriations bills."
12091	12091	Section 18. Relating to the Alabama Massage Therapy
12092	12092	Licensing Board; Chapter 43A is added to Title 34 of the Code
12093	12093	of Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
12094	12094	§34-43A-1
12095	12095	This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the
12096	12096	Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Act.
12097	12097	§34-43A-2
12098	12098	5824
12099	12099	5825
12100	12100	5826
12101	12101	5827
12102	12102	5828
12103	12103	5829
12104	12104	5830
12105	12105	5831
12106	12106	5832
12107	12107	5833
12108	12108	5834
12109	12109	5835
12110	12110	5836
12111	12111	5837
12112	12112	5838
12113	12113	5839
12114	12114	5840
12115	12115	5841
12116	12116	5842
12117	12117	5843
12118	12118	5844
12119	12119	5845
12120	12120	5846
12121	12121	5847
12122	12122	5848
12123	12123	5849
12124	12124	5850
12125	12125	5851 SB224 INTRODUCED
12126	12126	Page 210
12127	12127	§34-43A-2
12128	12128	For purposes of this chapter, the following terms have
12129	12129	the following meanings:
12130	12130	(1) ADVERTISE. To distribute a card, flier, sign, or
12131	12131	device to any individual or entity, or to allow any sign or
12132	12132	marking to be placed or broadcast on any building, radio,
12133	12133	television, the Internet, or through other electronic means or
12134	12134	to participate in the publication of any of these in a manner
12135	12135	designed to attract public attention.
12136	12136	(2) BOARD. The Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board
12137	12137	created by this chapter.
12138	12138	(3) EXAMINATION. The National Certification Board for
12139	12139	Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Examination or the Federation
12140	12140	of State Massage Therapy Board's Massage and Bodywork
12141	12141	Licensing Examination administered by an independent agency or
12142	12142	another nationally or internationally accredited examination
12143	12143	administered by an independent agency approved by the board,
12144	12144	or state examination administered by the board. The national
12145	12145	examination shall be accredited by the National Commission for
12146	12146	Certifying Agencies. The board may also administer a written,
12147	12147	oral, or practical examination.
12148	12148	(4) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
12149	12149	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
12150	12150	in Section 25-2B-1.
12151	12151	(5) LICENSE. The credential issued by the board which
12152	12152	allows the holder to engage in the safe and ethical practice
12153	12153	of massage therapy.
12154	12154	(6) MASSAGE THERAPIST. An individual licensed pursuant
12155	12155	to this chapter who practices or administers massage therapy
12156	12156	5852
12157	12157	5853
12158	12158	5854
12159	12159	5855
12160	12160	5856
12161	12161	5857
12162	12162	5858
12163	12163	5859
12164	12164	5860
12165	12165	5861
12166	12166	5862
12167	12167	5863
12168	12168	5864
12169	12169	5865
12170	12170	5866
12171	12171	5867
12172	12172	5868
12173	12173	5869
12174	12174	5870
12175	12175	5871
12176	12176	5872
12177	12177	5873
12178	12178	5874
12179	12179	5875
12180	12180	5876
12181	12181	5877
12182	12182	5878
12183	12183	5879 SB224 INTRODUCED
12184	12184	Page 211
12185	12185	to this chapter who practices or administers massage therapy
12186	12186	or related touch therapy modalities to a client for
12187	12187	compensation.
12188	12188	(7) MASSAGE THERAPY ESTABLISHMENT. A site, premises, or
12189	12189	business where massage therapy is practiced by a massage
12190	12190	therapist.
12191	12191	(8) MASSAGE THERAPY INSTRUCTOR. A massage therapist who
12192	12192	is approved by the board to teach the practice of massage
12193	12193	therapy.
12194	12194	(9) MASSAGE THERAPY or RELATED TOUCH THERAPY
12195	12195	MODALITIES. a. The mobilization of the soft tissue which may
12196	12196	include skin, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, for the
12197	12197	purpose of establishing and maintaining good physical
12198	12198	condition.
12199	12199	b. The term includes effleurage, petrissage,
12200	12200	tapotement, compression, vibration, stretching, heliotherapy,
12201	12201	superficial hot and cold applications, topical applications,
12202	12202	or other therapy that involves movement either by hand,
12203	12203	forearm, elbow, or foot, for the purpose of therapeutic
12204	12204	massage, and any massage, movement therapy, massage
12205	12205	technology, myotherapy, massotherapy, oriental massage
12206	12206	techniques, structural integration, acupressure, or polarity
12207	12207	therapy.
12208	12208	c. The term massage therapy may include the external
12209	12209	application and use of herbal or chemical preparations and
12210	12210	lubricants including, but not limited to, salts, powders,
12211	12211	liquids, nonprescription creams, mechanical devices such as
12212	12212	T-bars, cups, thumpers, body support systems, heat lamps, hot
12213	12213	and cold packs, salt glow, steam cabinet baths, or
12214	12214	5880
12215	12215	5881
12216	12216	5882
12217	12217	5883
12218	12218	5884
12219	12219	5885
12220	12220	5886
12221	12221	5887
12222	12222	5888
12223	12223	5889
12224	12224	5890
12225	12225	5891
12226	12226	5892
12227	12227	5893
12228	12228	5894
12229	12229	5895
12230	12230	5896
12231	12231	5897
12232	12232	5898
12233	12233	5899
12234	12234	5900
12235	12235	5901
12236	12236	5902
12237	12237	5903
12238	12238	5904
12239	12239	5905
12240	12240	5906
12241	12241	5907 SB224 INTRODUCED
12242	12242	Page 212
12243	12243	and cold packs, salt glow, steam cabinet baths, or
12244	12244	hydrotherapy.
12245	12245	d. The term does not include laser therapy, microwave,
12246	12246	injection therapy, manipulation of the joints, or any
12247	12247	diagnosis or treatment of an illness that normally involves
12248	12248	the practice of medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy,
12249	12249	podiatry, nursing, midwifery, occupational therapy,
12250	12250	veterinary, acupuncture, osteopathy, orthopedics, hypnosis, or
12251	12251	naturopathics.
12252	12252	(10) MASSAGE THERAPY SCHOOL. A school, approved by the
12253	12253	board, where massage therapy is taught and which is one of the
12254	12254	following:
12255	12255	a. If located in Alabama, approved by the board as
12256	12256	meeting the minimum established standards of training and
12257	12257	curriculum as determined by the board and otherwise provided
12258	12258	in this chapter.
12259	12259	b. If located outside of Alabama, recognized by the
12260	12260	board and by a regionally recognized professional accrediting
12261	12261	body.
12262	12262	c. A postgraduate training institute accredited by the
12263	12263	Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation.
12264	12264	(11) SEXUALLY-ORIENTED BUSINESS. A sex parlor, massage
12265	12265	parlor, nude studio, modeling studio, love parlor, adult
12266	12266	bookstore, adult movie theater, adult video arcade, adult
12267	12267	motel, or other commercial enterprise which has the offering
12268	12268	for sale, rent, or exhibit, or the exhibit of, items or
12269	12269	services intended to provide sexual stimulation or sexual
12270	12270	gratification to the client.
12271	12271	(12) STUDENT. Any individual who is enrolled in a
12272	12272	5908
12273	12273	5909
12274	12274	5910
12275	12275	5911
12276	12276	5912
12277	12277	5913
12278	12278	5914
12279	12279	5915
12280	12280	5916
12281	12281	5917
12282	12282	5918
12283	12283	5919
12284	12284	5920
12285	12285	5921
12286	12286	5922
12287	12287	5923
12288	12288	5924
12289	12289	5925
12290	12290	5926
12291	12291	5927
12292	12292	5928
12293	12293	5929
12294	12294	5930
12295	12295	5931
12296	12296	5932
12297	12297	5933
12298	12298	5934
12299	12299	5935 SB224 INTRODUCED
12300	12300	Page 213
12301	12301	(12) STUDENT. Any individual who is enrolled in a
12302	12302	massage therapy school.
12303	12303	§34-43A-3
12304	12304	Except as specifically provided by this chapter, no
12305	12305	individual may do any of the following unless licensed
12306	12306	pursuant to this chapter:
12307	12307	(1) Advertise that he or she performs massage therapy
12308	12308	or related touch therapy modalities.
12309	12309	(2) Hold himself or herself out to the public as a
12310	12310	massage therapist, using any name or description denoting
12311	12311	himself or herself as a massage therapist, or purporting to
12312	12312	have the skills necessary to perform massage therapy.
12313	12313	(3) Practice massage therapy.
12314	12314	§34-43A-4
12315	12315	(a) The following individuals, offices, and
12316	12316	establishments are exempt from this chapter:
12317	12317	(1) A student who is rendering massage therapy services
12318	12318	under the supervision of a massage therapy instructor, or any
12319	12319	other supervisory arrangement recognized and approved by the
12320	12320	board including, but not limited to, a temporary permit. A
12321	12321	student shall be designated by title clearly indicating his or
12322	12322	her training status.
12323	12323	(2) A qualified member of another profession who is
12324	12324	licensed and regulated under state law while in the course of
12325	12325	rendering services within the scope of his or her license,
12326	12326	provided that the individual does not represent himself or
12327	12327	herself as a massage therapist.
12328	12328	(3) An individual providing massages to his or her
12329	12329	immediate family.
12330	12330	5936
12331	12331	5937
12332	12332	5938
12333	12333	5939
12334	12334	5940
12335	12335	5941
12336	12336	5942
12337	12337	5943
12338	12338	5944
12339	12339	5945
12340	12340	5946
12341	12341	5947
12342	12342	5948
12343	12343	5949
12344	12344	5950
12345	12345	5951
12346	12346	5952
12347	12347	5953
12348	12348	5954
12349	12349	5955
12350	12350	5956
12351	12351	5957
12352	12352	5958
12353	12353	5959
12354	12354	5960
12355	12355	5961
12356	12356	5962
12357	12357	5963 SB224 INTRODUCED
12358	12358	Page 214
12359	12359	immediate family.
12360	12360	(4) An individual offering massage therapy instruction
12361	12361	who is visiting from another state, territory, or country,
12362	12362	provided that the individual is licensed or registered as
12363	12363	required in his or her place of residence and holds
12364	12364	certification from a nationally recognized professional
12365	12365	accrediting organization approved by the board. A visiting
12366	12366	instructor may teach continuing education courses in this
12367	12367	state for up to 100 hours per year without being licensed by
12368	12368	the board. A visiting instructor who teaches continuing
12369	12369	education courses in this state for 100 hours or more per year
12370	12370	is required to be licensed by the board.
12371	12371	(5) Members of the Massage Emergency Rescue Team, or
12372	12372	any other nationally or internationally recognized disaster
12373	12373	relief association, who practice massage therapy in this state
12374	12374	only during a time declared by the Governor or the Legislature
12375	12375	to be a city, county, or state emergency. These therapists may
12376	12376	work in this state for a period of time approved by the board.
12377	12377	(6) A Native American healer using traditional healing
12378	12378	practices. A Native American healer who applies to the board
12379	12379	for a massage therapist license shall comply with all
12380	12380	licensing requirements.
12381	12381	(7) An individual acting under the supervision of a
12382	12382	physician, physical therapist, or chiropractor within the
12383	12383	scope of his or her license, provided that the individual does
12384	12384	not represent himself or herself as a massage therapist or
12385	12385	receive compensation as a massage therapist.
12386	12386	(8) The office of a chiropractor, physician, or
12387	12387	physical therapist which employs or contracts with a massage
12388	12388	5964
12389	12389	5965
12390	12390	5966
12391	12391	5967
12392	12392	5968
12393	12393	5969
12394	12394	5970
12395	12395	5971
12396	12396	5972
12397	12397	5973
12398	12398	5974
12399	12399	5975
12400	12400	5976
12401	12401	5977
12402	12402	5978
12403	12403	5979
12404	12404	5980
12405	12405	5981
12406	12406	5982
12407	12407	5983
12408	12408	5984
12409	12409	5985
12410	12410	5986
12411	12411	5987
12412	12412	5988
12413	12413	5989
12414	12414	5990
12415	12415	5991 SB224 INTRODUCED
12416	12416	Page 215
12417	12417	physical therapist which employs or contracts with a massage
12418	12418	therapist.
12419	12419	(b) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to
12420	12420	authorize massage therapists to administer, dispense, or
12421	12421	prescribe drugs, or engage in the practice of medicine in any
12422	12422	manner including, but not limited to, providing nutrition
12423	12423	advice or diagnosing or prescribing drugs for mental,
12424	12424	emotional, or physical disease, illness, or injury.
12425	12425	§34-43A-5
12426	12426	(a)(1) There is created the Alabama Massage Therapy
12427	12427	Licensing Board. Commencing on October 1, 2025, the board
12428	12428	shall be subject to the leadership, support, and oversight of
12429	12429	the Executive Director of the Office of Occupational and
12430	12430	Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25.
12431	12431	(2) The purpose of the board is to protect the health,
12432	12432	safety, and welfare of the public by ensuring that massage
12433	12433	therapists, massage therapy establishment licensees, massage
12434	12434	therapy schools, and massage therapy instructors meet
12435	12435	prescribed standards of education, competency, and practice.
12436	12436	To accomplish the purposes of this mission, the board shall
12437	12437	establish standards to ensure completion of all board
12438	12438	functions in a timely and effective manner and to provide open
12439	12439	and immediate access to all relevant public information. The
12440	12440	board shall communicate its responsibilities and services to
12441	12441	the public as part of its consumer protection duties. The
12442	12442	board, upon the recommendation of the executive director,
12443	12443	shall develop and implement a long range plan to ensure
12444	12444	effective regulation and consumer protection.
12445	12445	(3) All rights, duties, records, property, real or
12446	12446	5992
12447	12447	5993
12448	12448	5994
12449	12449	5995
12450	12450	5996
12451	12451	5997
12452	12452	5998
12453	12453	5999
12454	12454	6000
12455	12455	6001
12456	12456	6002
12457	12457	6003
12458	12458	6004
12459	12459	6005
12460	12460	6006
12461	12461	6007
12462	12462	6008
12463	12463	6009
12464	12464	6010
12465	12465	6011
12466	12466	6012
12467	12467	6013
12468	12468	6014
12469	12469	6015
12470	12470	6016
12471	12471	6017
12472	12472	6018
12473	12473	6019 SB224 INTRODUCED
12474	12474	Page 216
12475	12475	(3) All rights, duties, records, property, real or
12476	12476	personal, and all other effects existing in the name of the
12477	12477	Alabama Board of Massage Therapy, formerly created and
12478	12478	functioning pursuant to Chapter 43, or in any other name by
12479	12479	which that board has been known, shall continue in the name of
12480	12480	the Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board under the
12481	12481	jurisdiction of the Office of Occupational and Professional
12482	12482	Licensing and the executive director. Any reference to the
12483	12483	former Alabama Board of Massage Therapy, or any other name by
12484	12484	which that board has been known, in any existing law,
12485	12485	contract, or other instrument shall constitute a reference to
12486	12486	the Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board as created in this
12487	12487	chapter. All actions of the former Alabama Board of Massage
12488	12488	Therapy or the executive director of the former board done
12489	12489	prior to June 1, 2024, are approved, ratified, and confirmed.
12490	12490	(4) The status of any individual or entity properly
12491	12491	licensed or registered by the former Alabama Board of Massage
12492	12492	Therapy on June 1, 2024, shall continue under the jurisdiction
12493	12493	of the Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board. Any license or
12494	12494	registration subject to renewal on or before October 1, 2024,
12495	12495	pursuant to this chapter shall be temporarily extended by
12496	12496	three months, and may be temporarily extended for two
12497	12497	additional months if determined necessary by the board.
12498	12498	(b)(1) The board shall consist of the following nine
12499	12499	members:
12500	12500	a. Three active licensees appointed by the Governor.
12501	12501	b. Two active licensees and one at-large member
12502	12502	appointed by the Lieutenant Governor.
12503	12503	c. Two active licensees and one at-large member
12504	12504	6020
12505	12505	6021
12506	12506	6022
12507	12507	6023
12508	12508	6024
12509	12509	6025
12510	12510	6026
12511	12511	6027
12512	12512	6028
12513	12513	6029
12514	12514	6030
12515	12515	6031
12516	12516	6032
12517	12517	6033
12518	12518	6034
12519	12519	6035
12520	12520	6036
12521	12521	6037
12522	12522	6038
12523	12523	6039
12524	12524	6040
12525	12525	6041
12526	12526	6042
12527	12527	6043
12528	12528	6044
12529	12529	6045
12530	12530	6046
12531	12531	6047 SB224 INTRODUCED
12532	12532	Page 217
12533	12533	c. Two active licensees and one at-large member
12534	12534	appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
12535	12535	(2) The seven active massage therapist licensee members
12536	12536	of the board shall be appointed so that not more than one
12537	12537	active licensee member from each United States Congressional
12538	12538	District in the state is appointed to serve at the same time.
12539	12539	The two members appointed from the state at large shall have
12540	12540	never been licensed as massage therapists nor have had any
12541	12541	direct financial interest in the massage therapy profession.
12542	12542	One of the at-large members shall have extensive knowledge of
12543	12543	sex trafficking and related law enforcement efforts to defeat
12544	12544	sex trafficking. The at-large member appointed by the
12545	12545	Lieutenant Governor and the at-large member appointed by the
12546	12546	Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be appointed
12547	12547	from a list of three names each provided by the Minority
12548	12548	Leader of the Senate and the Minority Leader of the House of
12549	12549	Representatives, respectively. The appointing authorities
12550	12550	shall coordinate their appointments to assure the board
12551	12551	membership is inclusive and reflects the racial, gender,
12552	12552	geographic, urban, rural, and economic diversity of the state.
12553	12553	(3) The members initially appointed to the board shall
12554	12554	be appointed effective July 1, 2024. Each board member shall
12555	12555	be selected upon personal merit and qualifications, not per
12556	12556	membership or affiliation with an association. Each board
12557	12557	member shall be a citizen of the United States and a resident
12558	12558	of this state for two years immediately preceding appointment.
12559	12559	No member of the board shall serve more than two full
12560	12560	consecutive terms.
12561	12561	(c) Of the initial nine appointees to the board, three
12562	12562	6048
12563	12563	6049
12564	12564	6050
12565	12565	6051
12566	12566	6052
12567	12567	6053
12568	12568	6054
12569	12569	6055
12570	12570	6056
12571	12571	6057
12572	12572	6058
12573	12573	6059
12574	12574	6060
12575	12575	6061
12576	12576	6062
12577	12577	6063
12578	12578	6064
12579	12579	6065
12580	12580	6066
12581	12581	6067
12582	12582	6068
12583	12583	6069
12584	12584	6070
12585	12585	6071
12586	12586	6072
12587	12587	6073
12588	12588	6074
12589	12589	6075 SB224 INTRODUCED
12590	12590	Page 218
12591	12591	(c) Of the initial nine appointees to the board, three
12592	12592	members shall be appointed for terms of two years, three
12593	12593	members shall be appointed for terms of three years, and three
12594	12594	members shall be appointed for terms of four years as
12595	12595	determined by lottery. Thereafter, successors shall be
12596	12596	appointed for terms of four years, each term expiring on June
12597	12597	30.
12598	12598	(d) Vacancies on the board occurring prior to the
12599	12599	expiration of a term shall be filled by the original
12600	12600	appointing authority within 30 days after the vacancy, to
12601	12601	serve for the remainder of the unexpired term. Each member of
12602	12602	the board shall serve until his or her successor has been duly
12603	12603	appointed and qualified.
12604	12604	(e) The board shall hold its first meeting on or before
12605	12605	August 1, 2024. At the initial meeting, and annually
12606	12606	thereafter in the month of October, the board shall elect a
12607	12607	chair and a vice-chair from its membership. The board shall
12608	12608	hold quarterly meetings for the purpose of reviewing license
12609	12609	applications. The board may hold additional meetings at the
12610	12610	discretion of the chair and four members of the board. A
12611	12611	quorum of the board shall be a majority of the then serving
12612	12612	appointed board members. All meetings of the board shall be
12613	12613	recorded electronically and a copy of the recording shall be
12614	12614	made available, upon request, for 30 calendar days following
12615	12615	the date of the recording.
12616	12616	(f) An affirmative vote of a majority of the members of
12617	12617	the board shall be required to grant, suspend, or revoke a
12618	12618	license to practice massage therapy or a license to operate a
12619	12619	massage therapy establishment.
12620	12620	6076
12621	12621	6077
12622	12622	6078
12623	12623	6079
12624	12624	6080
12625	12625	6081
12626	12626	6082
12627	12627	6083
12628	12628	6084
12629	12629	6085
12630	12630	6086
12631	12631	6087
12632	12632	6088
12633	12633	6089
12634	12634	6090
12635	12635	6091
12636	12636	6092
12637	12637	6093
12638	12638	6094
12639	12639	6095
12640	12640	6096
12641	12641	6097
12642	12642	6098
12643	12643	6099
12644	12644	6100
12645	12645	6101
12646	12646	6102
12647	12647	6103 SB224 INTRODUCED
12648	12648	Page 219
12649	12649	massage therapy establishment.
12650	12650	(g) The executive director, at the request of the
12651	12651	board, may remove a member of the board for misfeasance,
12652	12652	malfeasance, neglect of duty, commission of a felony,
12653	12653	incompetence, permanent inability to perform official duties,
12654	12654	or failing to attend two consecutive properly noticed meetings
12655	12655	within a one-year period.
12656	12656	(h) Members of the board are immune from liability for
12657	12657	all good faith acts performed in the execution of their duties
12658	12658	as members of the board.
12659	12659	(i) Within the first six months after appointment, each
12660	12660	new board member shall complete board member training provided
12661	12661	by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts and Alabama
12662	12662	Ethics training provided by the Alabama Ethics Commission.
12663	12663	(j) All appointees to the board shall take the
12664	12664	constitutional oath of office and shall file the oath in the
12665	12665	office of the Governor before undertaking any duties as a
12666	12666	board member. Upon receiving the oath, the Governor shall
12667	12667	issue a certificate of appointment to each appointee.
12668	12668	§34-43A-6
12669	12669	(a) The board shall do all of the following:
12670	12670	(1) Qualify applicants to take the licensing
12671	12671	examination and issue licenses to successful applicants.
12672	12672	(2) Adopt a seal and affix the seal to all licenses
12673	12673	issued by the board.
12674	12674	(3) Collect fees established by the executive director
12675	12675	and authorized by this chapter.
12676	12676	(4) Maintain a complete record of all massage
12677	12677	therapists and annually prepare a roster of the names and
12678	12678	6104
12679	12679	6105
12680	12680	6106
12681	12681	6107
12682	12682	6108
12683	12683	6109
12684	12684	6110
12685	12685	6111
12686	12686	6112
12687	12687	6113
12688	12688	6114
12689	12689	6115
12690	12690	6116
12691	12691	6117
12692	12692	6118
12693	12693	6119
12694	12694	6120
12695	12695	6121
12696	12696	6122
12697	12697	6123
12698	12698	6124
12699	12699	6125
12700	12700	6126
12701	12701	6127
12702	12702	6128
12703	12703	6129
12704	12704	6130
12705	12705	6131 SB224 INTRODUCED
12706	12706	Page 220
12707	12707	therapists and annually prepare a roster of the names and
12708	12708	addresses of those licensees. An electronic copy of the roster
12709	12709	shall be provided to any individual, upon request and the
12710	12710	payment of a fee established by the board in an amount
12711	12711	sufficient to cover the costs of production and distribution.
12712	12712	(5) Provide for the investigation of any individual who
12713	12713	is suspected of violating this chapter or rule of the board.
12714	12714	(6) Adopt and revise rules as necessary to implement
12715	12715	this chapter pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act. All
12716	12716	administrative rules of the former Alabama Board of Massage
12717	12717	Therapy existing on June 1, 2024, which reference Chapter 43,
12718	12718	shall remain in effect as rules of the Alabama Massage Therapy
12719	12719	Licensing Board until amended or repealed by that board.
12720	12720	(7) Provide an electronic copy of this chapter, and any
12721	12721	amendment made to this chapter, to licensees and applicants
12722	12722	for licensing, upon request.
12723	12723	(8) By rule, require massage therapists, massage
12724	12724	therapy establishments, and massage therapy schools to carry
12725	12725	professional and general liability insurance with an "A" rated
12726	12726	or better insurance carrier in the amount of at least one
12727	12727	million dollars ($1,000,000). Proof of coverage shall be
12728	12728	provided to the board upon request.
12729	12729	(9) Perform other functions necessary and proper for
12730	12730	the performance of official duties.
12731	12731	(b) The board may do any of the following:
12732	12732	(1) Accept or deny the application of any individual
12733	12733	applying for a license as a massage therapist or massage
12734	12734	therapy establishment license upon an affirmative vote of a
12735	12735	majority of the board.
12736	12736	6132
12737	12737	6133
12738	12738	6134
12739	12739	6135
12740	12740	6136
12741	12741	6137
12742	12742	6138
12743	12743	6139
12744	12744	6140
12745	12745	6141
12746	12746	6142
12747	12747	6143
12748	12748	6144
12749	12749	6145
12750	12750	6146
12751	12751	6147
12752	12752	6148
12753	12753	6149
12754	12754	6150
12755	12755	6151
12756	12756	6152
12757	12757	6153
12758	12758	6154
12759	12759	6155
12760	12760	6156
12761	12761	6157
12762	12762	6158
12763	12763	6159 SB224 INTRODUCED
12764	12764	Page 221
12765	12765	majority of the board.
12766	12766	(2) By rule, establish criteria for certifying massage
12767	12767	therapy instructors.
12768	12768	(3) Adopt a code of ethics.
12769	12769	(4) Provide for the inspection of the business premises
12770	12770	of any licensee during normal business hours.
12771	12771	(5) Establish a list of approved massage therapy
12772	12772	schools.
12773	12773	§34-43A-7
12774	12774	(a) No individual may perform the duties of a massage
12775	12775	therapist unless he or she holds a valid license issued by the
12776	12776	board.
12777	12777	(b) A massage therapist may not perform massage therapy
12778	12778	for a sexually-oriented business, and shall be subject to all
12779	12779	sections of Article 3 of Chapter 12 of Title 13A.
12780	12780	(c) A massage therapist may not advertise or offer to
12781	12781	perform services outside of the scope of his or her expertise,
12782	12782	experience, and education for any client who is ill or has a
12783	12783	physical dysfunction, unless the services are performed in
12784	12784	conjunction with a licensed physician, physical therapist, or
12785	12785	chiropractor.
12786	12786	(d) A massage therapist or massage therapy
12787	12787	establishment licensee may not participate in the publication
12788	12788	of or advertise or offer to perform services on any sexually
12789	12789	explicit website or online platform that promotes
12790	12790	prostitution, sexually explicit services, or human
12791	12791	trafficking. The board shall report any alleged violation of
12792	12792	this subsection to local law enforcement for further
12793	12793	investigation and potential prosecution.
12794	12794	6160
12795	12795	6161
12796	12796	6162
12797	12797	6163
12798	12798	6164
12799	12799	6165
12800	12800	6166
12801	12801	6167
12802	12802	6168
12803	12803	6169
12804	12804	6170
12805	12805	6171
12806	12806	6172
12807	12807	6173
12808	12808	6174
12809	12809	6175
12810	12810	6176
12811	12811	6177
12812	12812	6178
12813	12813	6179
12814	12814	6180
12815	12815	6181
12816	12816	6182
12817	12817	6183
12818	12818	6184
12819	12819	6185
12820	12820	6186
12821	12821	6187 SB224 INTRODUCED
12822	12822	Page 222
12823	12823	investigation and potential prosecution.
12824	12824	§34-43A-8
12825	12825	(a) An applicant for licensing as a massage therapist
12826	12826	shall apply to the board on forms provided by the executive
12827	12827	director. Unless licensed pursuant to subsection (b), an
12828	12828	applicant for a license shall submit evidence satisfactory to
12829	12829	the board that he or she has met all of the following
12830	12830	requirements:
12831	12831	(1)a. Completed a minimum of 650 hours of instruction
12832	12832	at a massage therapy school consisting of all of the
12833	12833	following:
12834	12834	1. One hundred hours of anatomy and physiology,
12835	12835	including 35 hours of myology, 15 hours of osteology, 10 hours
12836	12836	of circulatory system, and 10 hours of nervous system, with
12837	12837	the remaining 30 hours addressing other body systems, as
12838	12838	determined by the massage therapy school.
12839	12839	2. Two hundred fifty hours of basic massage therapy,
12840	12840	the contradistinctions of massage therapy, and related touch
12841	12841	therapy modalities, including a minimum of 50 hours of
12842	12842	supervised massage.
12843	12843	3. Fifty hours of business, hydrotherapy, first aid,
12844	12844	cardiopulmonary resuscitation, professional ethics, and state
12845	12845	massage therapy law.
12846	12846	4. Two hundred fifty hours of electives as determined
12847	12847	by the massage therapy school.
12848	12848	b. The board, by rule, may increase the minimum number
12849	12849	of hours of instruction required for a license, not to exceed
12850	12850	the number of hours recommended by the National Certification
12851	12851	Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, or a successor
12852	12852	6188
12853	12853	6189
12854	12854	6190
12855	12855	6191
12856	12856	6192
12857	12857	6193
12858	12858	6194
12859	12859	6195
12860	12860	6196
12861	12861	6197
12862	12862	6198
12863	12863	6199
12864	12864	6200
12865	12865	6201
12866	12866	6202
12867	12867	6203
12868	12868	6204
12869	12869	6205
12870	12870	6206
12871	12871	6207
12872	12872	6208
12873	12873	6209
12874	12874	6210
12875	12875	6211
12876	12876	6212
12877	12877	6213
12878	12878	6214
12879	12879	6215 SB224 INTRODUCED
12880	12880	Page 223
12881	12881	Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, or a successor
12882	12882	organization approved by the board.
12883	12883	c. In addition to paragraphs a. and b., to perform
12884	12884	therapeutic massage on an animal, a massage therapist shall
12885	12885	have also graduated from a nationally approved program and
12886	12886	completed at least 100 hours of postgraduate training and
12887	12887	education in animal anatomy, pathology, and physiology for the
12888	12888	specific type of animal upon which he or she will perform
12889	12889	therapeutic massage.
12890	12890	(2) Successfully passed a state board examination or a
12891	12891	national standardized examination approved by the board. The
12892	12892	board may approve other state's exams on a case-by-case basis.
12893	12893	(3) Completed a criminal history background check as
12894	12894	required by the board.
12895	12895	(4) Paid all applicable fees.
12896	12896	(b) Notwithstanding the requirements listed in
12897	12897	subdivisions (1) and (2) of subsection (a), the board may
12898	12898	license an applicant who is licensed or registered to practice
12899	12899	massage therapy in another state if the standards of practice
12900	12900	or licensing of that state, at the time the applicant was
12901	12901	originally licensed or registered, were equal to or stricter
12902	12902	than the requirements imposed by this chapter. Before the
12903	12903	issuance of an initial license or renewal pursuant to this
12904	12904	subsection, an applicant may be subject to a hearing before
12905	12905	the board to obtain additional information from the applicant
12906	12906	that is relevant to the decision of the board in granting or
12907	12907	denying the license or renewal. All hearings under this
12908	12908	subsection shall be conducted pursuant to the Administrative
12909	12909	Procedure Act and failure of the applicant to appear at the
12910	12910	6216
12911	12911	6217
12912	12912	6218
12913	12913	6219
12914	12914	6220
12915	12915	6221
12916	12916	6222
12917	12917	6223
12918	12918	6224
12919	12919	6225
12920	12920	6226
12921	12921	6227
12922	12922	6228
12923	12923	6229
12924	12924	6230
12925	12925	6231
12926	12926	6232
12927	12927	6233
12928	12928	6234
12929	12929	6235
12930	12930	6236
12931	12931	6237
12932	12932	6238
12933	12933	6239
12934	12934	6240
12935	12935	6241
12936	12936	6242
12937	12937	6243 SB224 INTRODUCED
12938	12938	Page 224
12939	12939	Procedure Act and failure of the applicant to appear at the
12940	12940	hearing may result in the denial of his or her application or
12941	12941	renewal.
12942	12942	(c) Upon receipt of an application, the board shall
12943	12943	notify the applicant that his or her application is pending.
12944	12944	If the board requires additional information from the
12945	12945	applicant, the board shall notify the applicant and the
12946	12946	applicant shall provide the requested information to the board
12947	12947	within 10 business days. The board shall also notify the
12948	12948	applicant of the approval or denial of his or her application.
12949	12949	If an application is denied, the board shall notify the
12950	12950	applicant in writing of the reasons for the denial.
12951	12951	§34-43A-9
12952	12952	(a) No massage therapy establishment shall operate in
12953	12953	this state without a license issued by the board.
12954	12954	(b) A sexually-oriented business may not operate as a
12955	12955	massage therapy establishment or be licensed by the board
12956	12956	pursuant to this chapter.
12957	12957	(c) A massage therapy establishment shall contract with
12958	12958	or employ only licensed massage therapists to perform massage
12959	12959	therapy. Every massage therapist associated with or working at
12960	12960	a massage therapy establishment shall be registered with the
12961	12961	board and one of the licensed massage therapists shall be
12962	12962	designated as the licensee who ensures that the massage
12963	12963	therapy establishment complies with state law and all
12964	12964	applicable administrative rules.
12965	12965	(d) A massage therapy establishment license is not
12966	12966	assignable or transferable.
12967	12967	(e) If the holder of a massage therapy establishment
12968	12968	6244
12969	12969	6245
12970	12970	6246
12971	12971	6247
12972	12972	6248
12973	12973	6249
12974	12974	6250
12975	12975	6251
12976	12976	6252
12977	12977	6253
12978	12978	6254
12979	12979	6255
12980	12980	6256
12981	12981	6257
12982	12982	6258
12983	12983	6259
12984	12984	6260
12985	12985	6261
12986	12986	6262
12987	12987	6263
12988	12988	6264
12989	12989	6265
12990	12990	6266
12991	12991	6267
12992	12992	6268
12993	12993	6269
12994	12994	6270
12995	12995	6271 SB224 INTRODUCED
12996	12996	Page 225
12997	12997	(e) If the holder of a massage therapy establishment
12998	12998	license moves the location of the massage therapy
12999	12999	establishment without changing either the name or ownership of
13000	13000	that massage therapy establishment, the board shall waive the
13001	13001	new establishment license fee upon the receipt of appropriate
13002	13002	documentation from the licensee. The documentation required by
13003	13003	the board for the waiver shall be established by rule of the
13004	13004	board. This subsection shall not change the expiration date of
13005	13005	a massage therapy establishment license.
13006	13006	(f)(1) Except as provided in subdivision (2), each
13007	13007	applicant for a massage therapy establishment license shall
13008	13008	complete a criminal history background check pursuant to rules
13009	13009	adopted by the board.
13010	13010	(2) An applicant for a massage therapy establishment
13011	13011	license, who is a massage therapist and has completed a
13012	13012	criminal history background check as required by the board
13013	13013	within the preceding two years, is exempt from completing the
13014	13014	criminal history background check required in subdivision (1).
13015	13015	(g) The physical location of a proposed massage therapy
13016	13016	establishment shall be subject to an initial inspection by the
13017	13017	board before a massage therapy establishment license is
13018	13018	granted to the applicant.
13019	13019	(h) If the physical location of a massage therapy
13020	13020	establishment is shut down by the board or by local, state, or
13021	13021	federal law enforcement, that physical location, for one year
13022	13022	following the closure, may not be licensed or operate as a
13023	13023	massage therapy establishment. After the one year prohibition
13024	13024	expires, an applicant for a massage therapy establishment
13025	13025	license for that physical location must appear before the
13026	13026	6272
13027	13027	6273
13028	13028	6274
13029	13029	6275
13030	13030	6276
13031	13031	6277
13032	13032	6278
13033	13033	6279
13034	13034	6280
13035	13035	6281
13036	13036	6282
13037	13037	6283
13038	13038	6284
13039	13039	6285
13040	13040	6286
13041	13041	6287
13042	13042	6288
13043	13043	6289
13044	13044	6290
13045	13045	6291
13046	13046	6292
13047	13047	6293
13048	13048	6294
13049	13049	6295
13050	13050	6296
13051	13051	6297
13052	13052	6298
13053	13053	6299 SB224 INTRODUCED
13054	13054	Page 226
13055	13055	license for that physical location must appear before the
13056	13056	board before his or her application may be approved or denied.
13057	13057	§34-43A-10
13058	13058	(a) An application for initial licensing or renewal of
13059	13059	a license shall be submitted on forms provided by the
13060	13060	executive director and accompanied by the applicable fee, as
13061	13061	provided in Section 34-43A-12, and a recent two-by-two inch
13062	13062	photograph showing a frontal view of the head and shoulders of
13063	13063	the applicant, taken no more than six months before
13064	13064	application. All documents shall be submitted in English.
13065	13065	(b) The board may deny the application of any applicant
13066	13066	who refuses to complete a criminal history background check as
13067	13067	required by the board pursuant to Section 34-43A-8(a)(3) or
13068	13068	Section 34-43A-9(f).
13069	13069	(c) Each license issued by the board to a qualified
13070	13070	massage therapist applicant or a massage therapy establishment
13071	13071	applicant shall be on a preprinted sequentially numbered form.
13072	13072	A license shall grant all professional rights, honors, and
13073	13073	privileges relating to the practice of massage therapy.
13074	13074	(d) Each massage therapist shall display his or her
13075	13075	license and photograph, as provided in subsection (a), in a
13076	13076	conspicuous manner as specified by rule of the board. Each
13077	13077	massage therapy establishment shall prominently post its
13078	13078	license, and the license and photograph of each massage
13079	13079	therapist, as provided in subsection (a), who practices at the
13080	13080	massage therapy establishment, in plain sight within the
13081	13081	massage therapy establishment.
13082	13082	(e) A license is the property of the board and shall be
13083	13083	surrendered upon demand of the board.
13084	13084	6300
13085	13085	6301
13086	13086	6302
13087	13087	6303
13088	13088	6304
13089	13089	6305
13090	13090	6306
13091	13091	6307
13092	13092	6308
13093	13093	6309
13094	13094	6310
13095	13095	6311
13096	13096	6312
13097	13097	6313
13098	13098	6314
13099	13099	6315
13100	13100	6316
13101	13101	6317
13102	13102	6318
13103	13103	6319
13104	13104	6320
13105	13105	6321
13106	13106	6322
13107	13107	6323
13108	13108	6324
13109	13109	6325
13110	13110	6326
13111	13111	6327 SB224 INTRODUCED
13112	13112	Page 227
13113	13113	surrendered upon demand of the board.
13114	13114	§34-43A-11
13115	13115	(a) Each licensee, upon application for renewal of a
13116	13116	license, shall do both of the following:
13117	13117	(1) Submit evidence of satisfactory completion of the
13118	13118	continuing education requirements pursuant to Section
13119	13119	34-43A-19.
13120	13120	(2) Complete a new criminal history background check
13121	13121	pursuant to rules adopted by the board. The board may deny the
13122	13122	application for renewal of any licensee who refuses to
13123	13123	complete a criminal history background check as required by
13124	13124	the board.
13125	13125	(b) An individual whose license has expired and who has
13126	13126	ceased to practice massage therapy for a period of not longer
13127	13127	than five years may have his or her license reinstated upon
13128	13128	payment of a renewal fee, payment of a reactivation fee,
13129	13129	payment of a late fee, and the submission of a renewal
13130	13130	application and evidence satisfactory to the board that the
13131	13131	applicant has fulfilled continuing education requirements,
13132	13132	completed a criminal history background check, and paid any
13133	13133	criminal history background check fees required by this
13134	13134	chapter.
13135	13135	§34-43A-12
13136	13136	(a) The executive director, by rule, shall assess and
13137	13137	collect all of the following fees:
13138	13138	(1) For an initial massage therapist license.
13139	13139	(2) For a biennial license renewal.
13140	13140	(3) For an initial, and for any renewal of, a massage
13141	13141	therapy establishment license.
13142	13142	6328
13143	13143	6329
13144	13144	6330
13145	13145	6331
13146	13146	6332
13147	13147	6333
13148	13148	6334
13149	13149	6335
13150	13150	6336
13151	13151	6337
13152	13152	6338
13153	13153	6339
13154	13154	6340
13155	13155	6341
13156	13156	6342
13157	13157	6343
13158	13158	6344
13159	13159	6345
13160	13160	6346
13161	13161	6347
13162	13162	6348
13163	13163	6349
13164	13164	6350
13165	13165	6351
13166	13166	6352
13167	13167	6353
13168	13168	6354
13169	13169	6355 SB224 INTRODUCED
13170	13170	Page 228
13171	13171	therapy establishment license.
13172	13172	(4) For an initial registration, and any renewal
13173	13173	registration, as a massage therapy school in this state.
13174	13174	(5) To register and renew registration as a massage
13175	13175	therapy instructor in this state.
13176	13176	(6) To reactivate an expired license.
13177	13177	(7) For a duplicate license certificate or a name
13178	13178	change on a license certificate. The board may issue a
13179	13179	duplicate certificate for each massage therapy establishment
13180	13180	on file with the board where the massage therapist practices
13181	13181	massage therapy. The board may issue additional duplicate
13182	13182	certificates only after receiving a sworn letter from the
13183	13183	massage therapist that an original certificate was lost,
13184	13184	stolen, or destroyed. The board shall maintain a record of
13185	13185	each duplicate certificate issued on a preprinted sequentially
13186	13186	numbered form, and the preprinted sequential number of the
13187	13187	original certificate shall be noted on the duplicate
13188	13188	certificate.
13189	13189	(b) Necessary administrative fees may be set by the
13190	13190	executive director including, but not limited to, reasonable
13191	13191	costs for copying, labels, and lists, and the actual costs for
13192	13192	completing a criminal history background check.
13193	13193	(c) All receipts collected by the board under this
13194	13194	chapter shall be deposited into the Occupational and
13195	13195	Professional Licensing Fund.
13196	13196	§34-43A-13
13197	13197	(a) Any individual may file with the board a written
13198	13198	complaint regarding an allegation of impropriety by a massage
13199	13199	therapist, massage therapy establishment, or other individual.
13200	13200	6356
13201	13201	6357
13202	13202	6358
13203	13203	6359
13204	13204	6360
13205	13205	6361
13206	13206	6362
13207	13207	6363
13208	13208	6364
13209	13209	6365
13210	13210	6366
13211	13211	6367
13212	13212	6368
13213	13213	6369
13214	13214	6370
13215	13215	6371
13216	13216	6372
13217	13217	6373
13218	13218	6374
13219	13219	6375
13220	13220	6376
13221	13221	6377
13222	13222	6378
13223	13223	6379
13224	13224	6380
13225	13225	6381
13226	13226	6382
13227	13227	6383 SB224 INTRODUCED
13228	13228	Page 229
13229	13229	therapist, massage therapy establishment, or other individual.
13230	13230	Complaints may be anonymous and shall be made in the manner
13231	13231	prescribed by the board. Complaints received by the board
13232	13232	shall be referred to a standing investigative committee
13233	13233	consisting of a board member, the executive director, the
13234	13234	board attorney, and the board investigator. If no probable
13235	13235	cause is found, the investigative committee may dismiss the
13236	13236	charges and provide a statement, in writing, to the massage
13237	13237	therapist, massage therapy establishment, or other individual
13238	13238	of the reasons for that decision. The statement may also
13239	13239	include the name of the complainant, upon request of the
13240	13240	massage therapist, massage therapy establishment, or other
13241	13241	individual to whom the written statement is provided.
13242	13242	(b) If probable cause is found, the board shall
13243	13243	initiate an administrative proceeding. Upon a finding that the
13244	13244	licensee has committed any of the following misconduct, the
13245	13245	board shall suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew a
13246	13246	license or impose a civil penalty after notice and opportunity
13247	13247	for a hearing pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act:
13248	13248	(1) The license was obtained by means of fraud,
13249	13249	misrepresentation, fraudulent transcripts, transcripts from a
13250	13250	non-approved school, invalidated examination scores, or
13251	13251	concealment of material facts, including making a false
13252	13252	statement on an application or any other document required by
13253	13253	the board for licensing.
13254	13254	(2) The licensee sold or bartered or offered to sell or
13255	13255	barter a license for a massage therapist or a massage therapy
13256	13256	establishment.
13257	13257	(3) The licensee has engaged in unprofessional conduct
13258	13258	6384
13259	13259	6385
13260	13260	6386
13261	13261	6387
13262	13262	6388
13263	13263	6389
13264	13264	6390
13265	13265	6391
13266	13266	6392
13267	13267	6393
13268	13268	6394
13269	13269	6395
13270	13270	6396
13271	13271	6397
13272	13272	6398
13273	13273	6399
13274	13274	6400
13275	13275	6401
13276	13276	6402
13277	13277	6403
13278	13278	6404
13279	13279	6405
13280	13280	6406
13281	13281	6407
13282	13282	6408
13283	13283	6409
13284	13284	6410
13285	13285	6411 SB224 INTRODUCED
13286	13286	Page 230
13287	13287	(3) The licensee has engaged in unprofessional conduct
13288	13288	that has endangered or is likely to endanger the health,
13289	13289	safety, and welfare of the public, as defined by the rules of
13290	13290	the board.
13291	13291	(4) The licensee has been convicted of a felony or of
13292	13292	any crime arising out of or connected with the practice of
13293	13293	massage therapy.
13294	13294	(5) The licensee has violated or aided and abetted in
13295	13295	the violation of this chapter.
13296	13296	(6) The licensee is adjudicated as mentally incompetent
13297	13297	by a court of law.
13298	13298	(7) The licensee uses controlled substances or
13299	13299	habitually and excessively uses alcohol.
13300	13300	(8) The licensee engaged in false, deceptive, sexually
13301	13301	explicit, or misleading advertising.
13302	13302	(9) The licensee engaged in or attempted to or offered
13303	13303	or solicited to engage a client in sexual activity including,
13304	13304	but not limited to, genital contact, within the client-massage
13305	13305	therapist relationship.
13306	13306	(10) The licensee has knowingly allowed the massage
13307	13307	therapy establishment to be used as an overnight sleeping
13308	13308	accommodation.
13309	13309	(11) The licensee had a license revoked, suspended, or
13310	13310	denied in any other territory or jurisdiction of the United
13311	13311	States for any act described in this section.
13312	13312	(12) The applicant or licensee was convicted of
13313	13313	impersonating a massage therapist in another jurisdiction.
13314	13314	(c) Subsequent to an official complaint, the board may
13315	13315	request a criminal history background check of the licensee
13316	13316	6412
13317	13317	6413
13318	13318	6414
13319	13319	6415
13320	13320	6416
13321	13321	6417
13322	13322	6418
13323	13323	6419
13324	13324	6420
13325	13325	6421
13326	13326	6422
13327	13327	6423
13328	13328	6424
13329	13329	6425
13330	13330	6426
13331	13331	6427
13332	13332	6428
13333	13333	6429
13334	13334	6430
13335	13335	6431
13336	13336	6432
13337	13337	6433
13338	13338	6434
13339	13339	6435
13340	13340	6436
13341	13341	6437
13342	13342	6438
13343	13343	6439 SB224 INTRODUCED
13344	13344	Page 231
13345	13345	request a criminal history background check of the licensee
13346	13346	through the district attorney of the circuit in which the
13347	13347	licensee is located.
13348	13348	(d) An individual governed by this chapter, who has a
13349	13349	reasonable belief that another massage therapist has violated
13350	13350	this chapter, shall inform the board in writing within 30
13351	13351	calendar days after the date the individual discovers this
13352	13352	activity. Upon finding that an individual has violated this
13353	13353	subsection, the board shall alert local law enforcement and
13354	13354	may do any of the following:
13355	13355	(1) Impose an administrative fine of not more than ten
13356	13356	thousand dollars ($10,000) according to a disciplinary
13357	13357	infraction fine schedule adopted by rule of the board.
13358	13358	(2) Suspend or revoke the individual's license to
13359	13359	practice massage therapy.
13360	13360	(e) In addition to an administrative fine of not more
13361	13361	than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), according to a
13362	13362	disciplinary infraction fine schedule adopted by rule of the
13363	13363	board, the license of any individual who has been convicted
13364	13364	of, or has entered a plea of nolo contendere to, a crime or
13365	13365	offense involving prostitution or any other type of sexual
13366	13366	offense shall be permanently revoked by the board following a
13367	13367	hearing conducted pursuant to the Administrative Procedure
13368	13368	Act.
13369	13369	(f) The massage therapy establishment license of any
13370	13370	massage therapy establishment wherein an individual has been
13371	13371	convicted of, or entered a plea of nolo contendere to, an
13372	13372	offense involving prostitution or any other type of sexual
13373	13373	offense against a client, or which the board determines is a
13374	13374	6440
13375	13375	6441
13376	13376	6442
13377	13377	6443
13378	13378	6444
13379	13379	6445
13380	13380	6446
13381	13381	6447
13382	13382	6448
13383	13383	6449
13384	13384	6450
13385	13385	6451
13386	13386	6452
13387	13387	6453
13388	13388	6454
13389	13389	6455
13390	13390	6456
13391	13391	6457
13392	13392	6458
13393	13393	6459
13394	13394	6460
13395	13395	6461
13396	13396	6462
13397	13397	6463
13398	13398	6464
13399	13399	6465
13400	13400	6466
13401	13401	6467 SB224 INTRODUCED
13402	13402	Page 232
13403	13403	offense against a client, or which the board determines is a
13404	13404	sexually-oriented business, shall be permanently revoked by
13405	13405	the board following a hearing conducted pursuant to the
13406	13406	Administrative Procedure Act.
13407	13407	(g)(1) Upon a finding that an individual, who is
13408	13408	governed by this chapter, has performed massage therapy
13409	13409	without having obtained a license, the board may do any of the
13410	13410	following:
13411	13411	a. Impose an administrative fine of not more than ten
13412	13412	thousand dollars ($10,000).
13413	13413	b. Issue a cease and desist order.
13414	13414	c. Petition the circuit court of the county where the
13415	13415	act occurred to enforce the cease and desist order and collect
13416	13416	the assessed fine.
13417	13417	(2) Any individual aggrieved by any adverse action of
13418	13418	the board may appeal the action to the Circuit Court of
13419	13419	Montgomery County.
13420	13420	(h) The board shall present any incident of misconduct
13421	13421	to the local district attorney for review and appropriate
13422	13422	action.
13423	13423	(i) The board may adopt rules to implement and
13424	13424	administer this section upon the recommendation of the
13425	13425	executive director.
13426	13426	§34-43A-14
13427	13427	An individual who does not hold a license as a massage
13428	13428	therapist, physical therapist, chiropractor, or athletic
13429	13429	trainer, or a license for a massage therapy establishment,
13430	13430	shall not use the words massage or bodywork on any sign or
13431	13431	other form of advertising describing services performed by the
13432	13432	6468
13433	13433	6469
13434	13434	6470
13435	13435	6471
13436	13436	6472
13437	13437	6473
13438	13438	6474
13439	13439	6475
13440	13440	6476
13441	13441	6477
13442	13442	6478
13443	13443	6479
13444	13444	6480
13445	13445	6481
13446	13446	6482
13447	13447	6483
13448	13448	6484
13449	13449	6485
13450	13450	6486
13451	13451	6487
13452	13452	6488
13453	13453	6489
13454	13454	6490
13455	13455	6491
13456	13456	6492
13457	13457	6493
13458	13458	6494
13459	13459	6495 SB224 INTRODUCED
13460	13460	Page 233
13461	13461	other form of advertising describing services performed by the
13462	13462	individual or within the establishment. Any advertisement by a
13463	13463	massage therapist or massage therapy establishment shall
13464	13464	contain the license number of the massage therapist or massage
13465	13465	therapy establishment.
13466	13466	§34-43A-15
13467	13467	Any individual who violates this chapter shall be
13468	13468	guilty of a Class C misdemeanor.
13469	13469	§34-43A-16
13470	13470	(a) In addition to any criminal penalty prescribed by
13471	13471	this chapter, the board may seek an injunction against any
13472	13472	individual or establishment found in violation of this
13473	13473	chapter.
13474	13474	(b) In an action for an injunction, the board may
13475	13475	demand and recover a civil penalty of fifty dollars ($50) per
13476	13476	day for each violation, reasonable attorney fees, and court
13477	13477	costs.
13478	13478	§34-43A-17
13479	13479	(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b),
13480	13480	this chapter shall supersede any regulation adopted by a
13481	13481	political subdivision of the state related to the licensing or
13482	13482	regulation of massage therapists and massage therapy
13483	13483	establishments.
13484	13484	(b) This section shall not affect:
13485	13485	(1) Local regulations relating to zoning requirements
13486	13486	or occupational license taxes pertaining to massage therapists
13487	13487	and massage therapy establishments.
13488	13488	(2) Local regulations that do not relate to the
13489	13489	practice of massage therapy by qualified individuals.
13490	13490	6496
13491	13491	6497
13492	13492	6498
13493	13493	6499
13494	13494	6500
13495	13495	6501
13496	13496	6502
13497	13497	6503
13498	13498	6504
13499	13499	6505
13500	13500	6506
13501	13501	6507
13502	13502	6508
13503	13503	6509
13504	13504	6510
13505	13505	6511
13506	13506	6512
13507	13507	6513
13508	13508	6514
13509	13509	6515
13510	13510	6516
13511	13511	6517
13512	13512	6518
13513	13513	6519
13514	13514	6520
13515	13515	6521
13516	13516	6522
13517	13517	6523 SB224 INTRODUCED
13518	13518	Page 234
13519	13519	practice of massage therapy by qualified individuals.
13520	13520	(c) A county, or a municipality within its
13521	13521	jurisdiction, may regulate individuals licensed pursuant to
13522	13522	this chapter. Regulation shall be consistent with this chapter
13523	13523	and shall not supersede this chapter. This section shall not
13524	13524	be construed to prohibit a county or municipality from
13525	13525	regulating individuals not licensed pursuant to this chapter.
13526	13526	§34-43A-18
13527	13527	(a) To be approved by the board, a massage therapy
13528	13528	school shall meet all of the following requirements:
13529	13529	(1) Submit to the board a completed application
13530	13530	prescribed by the executive director and the registration fee
13531	13531	specified in Section 34-43A-12.
13532	13532	(2) Provide documentation of a curriculum which
13533	13533	includes a minimum number of required hours of instruction in
13534	13534	the subjects required by Section 34-43A-8.
13535	13535	(3) Register with the board by submitting a renewal
13536	13536	form, the renewal fee specified in Section 34-43A-12, and a
13537	13537	then current curriculum and list of active massage therapy
13538	13538	instructors teaching at the school.
13539	13539	(4) On or before July 1, 2025, be certified by the
13540	13540	National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and
13541	13541	Bodywork as an assigned school.
13542	13542	(b) Every massage therapy instructor teaching a course
13543	13543	in massage therapy at a massage therapy school located in this
13544	13544	state shall be licensed by the board as a massage therapist
13545	13545	and registered as a massage therapy instructor. Instructors
13546	13546	who are not teaching massage therapy do not need to be
13547	13547	registered. An adjunct massage therapy instructor shall be
13548	13548	6524
13549	13549	6525
13550	13550	6526
13551	13551	6527
13552	13552	6528
13553	13553	6529
13554	13554	6530
13555	13555	6531
13556	13556	6532
13557	13557	6533
13558	13558	6534
13559	13559	6535
13560	13560	6536
13561	13561	6537
13562	13562	6538
13563	13563	6539
13564	13564	6540
13565	13565	6541
13566	13566	6542
13567	13567	6543
13568	13568	6544
13569	13569	6545
13570	13570	6546
13571	13571	6547
13572	13572	6548
13573	13573	6549
13574	13574	6550
13575	13575	6551 SB224 INTRODUCED
13576	13576	Page 235
13577	13577	registered. An adjunct massage therapy instructor shall be
13578	13578	dually licensed in the state where he or she resides or be
13579	13579	nationally certified, or both.
13580	13580	(c) An applicant for registration as a massage therapy
13581	13581	instructor shall satisfy all of the following requirements:
13582	13582	(1) Be currently licensed as a massage therapist in
13583	13583	this state.
13584	13584	(2) Submit to the board a completed application as
13585	13585	prescribed by the executive director and the application fee
13586	13586	specified in Section 34-43A-12.
13587	13587	(3) Submit documentation of three years of experience
13588	13588	in the practice of massage therapy. The documentation may be
13589	13589	considered by the board on a case-by-case basis.
13590	13590	§34-43A-19
13591	13591	(a) The board is subject to the Alabama Sunset Law of
13592	13592	1981, and is classified as an enumerated agency pursuant to
13593	13593	Section 41-20-3. The board shall automatically terminate on
13594	13594	October 1, 2026, and every four years thereafter, unless
13595	13595	continued pursuant to the Alabama Sunset Law.
13596	13596	(b) The board shall adopt a program of continuing
13597	13597	education for licensees which shall be a requisite for the
13598	13598	renewal of licenses issued pursuant to this chapter and shall
13599	13599	not exceed the requirements of a board-approved nationally
13600	13600	recognized board certification organization such as the
13601	13601	National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and
13602	13602	Bodywork.
13603	13603	Section 19. Relating to the State Board of Midwifery;
13604	13604	to amend Sections 34-19-11, 34-19-12, 34-19-13, 34-19-14, and
13605	13605	34-19-15 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
13606	13606	6552
13607	13607	6553
13608	13608	6554
13609	13609	6555
13610	13610	6556
13611	13611	6557
13612	13612	6558
13613	13613	6559
13614	13614	6560
13615	13615	6561
13616	13616	6562
13617	13617	6563
13618	13618	6564
13619	13619	6565
13620	13620	6566
13621	13621	6567
13622	13622	6568
13623	13623	6569
13624	13624	6570
13625	13625	6571
13626	13626	6572
13627	13627	6573
13628	13628	6574
13629	13629	6575
13630	13630	6576
13631	13631	6577
13632	13632	6578
13633	13633	6579 SB224 INTRODUCED
13634	13634	Page 236
13635	13635	34-19-15 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
13636	13636	"§34-19-11
13637	13637	The following words and phrases shall have the
13638	13638	following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates
13639	13639	otherwise:
13640	13640	(1) BOARD. The State Board of Midwifery.
13641	13641	(2) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
13642	13642	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
13643	13643	in Section 25-2B-1.
13644	13644	(2)(3) LICENSED MIDWIFE. A practitioner who holds a
13645	13645	certified professional midwife credential and is licensed by
13646	13646	the board to practice midwifery.
13647	13647	(3)(4) MIDWIFERY. The provision of primary maternity
13648	13648	care during the antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum
13649	13649	periods."
13650	13650	"§34-19-12
13651	13651	(a) There is created and established a State Board of
13652	13652	Midwifery to implement and administer this chapter. Commencing
13653	13653	on October 1, 2025, the board shall be subject to the
13654	13654	leadership, support, and oversight of the Executive Director
13655	13655	of the Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing
13656	13656	pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25.
13657	13657	(b) The board shall pay all of its expenses from its
13658	13658	own funds and no expenses shall be borne by the State of
13659	13659	Alabama from the State General Fund.
13660	13660	(c)(b) The board shall consist of seven members
13661	13661	appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation by the
13662	13662	Senate, from a list of qualified individuals nominated by the
13663	13663	designated organization. Each list shall contain the names of
13664	13664	6580
13665	13665	6581
13666	13666	6582
13667	13667	6583
13668	13668	6584
13669	13669	6585
13670	13670	6586
13671	13671	6587
13672	13672	6588
13673	13673	6589
13674	13674	6590
13675	13675	6591
13676	13676	6592
13677	13677	6593
13678	13678	6594
13679	13679	6595
13680	13680	6596
13681	13681	6597
13682	13682	6598
13683	13683	6599
13684	13684	6600
13685	13685	6601
13686	13686	6602
13687	13687	6603
13688	13688	6604
13689	13689	6605
13690	13690	6606
13691	13691	6607 SB224 INTRODUCED
13692	13692	Page 237
13693	13693	designated organization. Each list shall contain the names of
13694	13694	at least two individuals for each position to be filled.
13695	13695	(d)(c) The members of the board shall be appointed for
13696	13696	staggered initial terms and subsequent terms shall be for a
13697	13697	minimum of four years or until his or her successor has been
13698	13698	appointed and qualified.
13699	13699	(e)(d) The board shall meet at least twice each year,
13700	13700	conducting its business in person or by electronic methods.
13701	13701	(f)(e) The board shall elect one of its members to
13702	13702	serve as chair for a two-year term. The chair may not serve
13703	13703	consecutive terms.
13704	13704	(g)(f) The composition of the board shall be as
13705	13705	follows:
13706	13706	(1) Four members shall hold a valid certified
13707	13707	professional midwife credential from the North American
13708	13708	Registry of Midwives. These members shall be appointed from a
13709	13709	list of names submitted by the Alabama Birth Coalition or its
13710	13710	successor organization. One of these members shall be
13711	13711	appointed to an initial term of four years, one to a term of
13712	13712	three years, and two to a term of two years.
13713	13713	(2) One member shall be a nurse practitioner. This
13714	13714	member shall be appointed to an initial term of four years.
13715	13715	(3) One member shall be a licensed certified nurse
13716	13716	midwife or registered nurse licensed under Article 5 of
13717	13717	Chapter 21. This member shall be appointed from a list
13718	13718	submitted by the Alabama Board of Nursing. This member shall
13719	13719	be appointed to an initial term of three years.
13720	13720	(4) One member shall have used midwifery services in
13721	13721	the state. This member shall be appointed from a list of names
13722	13722	6608
13723	13723	6609
13724	13724	6610
13725	13725	6611
13726	13726	6612
13727	13727	6613
13728	13728	6614
13729	13729	6615
13730	13730	6616
13731	13731	6617
13732	13732	6618
13733	13733	6619
13734	13734	6620
13735	13735	6621
13736	13736	6622
13737	13737	6623
13738	13738	6624
13739	13739	6625
13740	13740	6626
13741	13741	6627
13742	13742	6628
13743	13743	6629
13744	13744	6630
13745	13745	6631
13746	13746	6632
13747	13747	6633
13748	13748	6634
13749	13749	6635 SB224 INTRODUCED
13750	13750	Page 238
13751	13751	the state. This member shall be appointed from a list of names
13752	13752	submitted by the Alabama Birth Coalition. This member shall be
13753	13753	appointed to an initial term of three years.
13754	13754	(h)(g) When choosing individuals to be considered by
13755	13755	the Governor for appointment to the board, the nominating
13756	13756	authorities shall strive to assure membership is inclusive and
13757	13757	reflects the racial, gender, geographic, urban, rural, and
13758	13758	economic diversity of the state.
13759	13759	(i)(h) All members of the board shall be immune from
13760	13760	individual civil liability while acting within the scope of
13761	13761	their duties as board members, unless conduct is unreasonable.
13762	13762	(j)(i) Vacancies shall be filled by the Governor and
13763	13763	confirmed by the Senate in the same manner as other
13764	13764	appointments are made. In the case of a vacancy, the new
13765	13765	appointee shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.
13766	13766	(k) Members of the board shall serve without
13767	13767	compensation but shall be allowed travel and per diem expenses
13768	13768	at the same rate paid to state employees, to be paid from the
13769	13769	funds collected for the administration of this chapter, as
13770	13770	funds are available.
13771	13771	(l) The board may employ, subject to the State Merit
13772	13772	System, investigators, inspectors, attorneys, and any other
13773	13773	agents, employees, and assistants as may from time to time be
13774	13774	necessary, and may use any other means necessary to enforce
13775	13775	the provisions of this chapter.
13776	13776	(m)(j)(1) A licensed midwife shall file annually with
13777	13777	the board the following information on a form prepared by the
13778	13778	board and accessible on its website:
13779	13779	a. The total number of births attended by the licensed
13780	13780	6636
13781	13781	6637
13782	13782	6638
13783	13783	6639
13784	13784	6640
13785	13785	6641
13786	13786	6642
13787	13787	6643
13788	13788	6644
13789	13789	6645
13790	13790	6646
13791	13791	6647
13792	13792	6648
13793	13793	6649
13794	13794	6650
13795	13795	6651
13796	13796	6652
13797	13797	6653
13798	13798	6654
13799	13799	6655
13800	13800	6656
13801	13801	6657
13802	13802	6658
13803	13803	6659
13804	13804	6660
13805	13805	6661
13806	13806	6662
13807	13807	6663 SB224 INTRODUCED
13808	13808	Page 239
13809	13809	a. The total number of births attended by the licensed
13810	13810	midwife in the previous year, including births where the
13811	13811	licensed midwife was assisting another licensed midwife.
13812	13812	b. The number of maternal transfers to a health care
13813	13813	facility from births attended by the licensed midwife,
13814	13814	including instances where the licensed midwife was assisting
13815	13815	another licensed midwife.
13816	13816	c. The number of infant transfers to a health care
13817	13817	facility from births attended by the licensed midwife,
13818	13818	including instances where the licensed midwife was assisting
13819	13819	another licensed midwife.
13820	13820	d. The total number of maternal deaths from births
13821	13821	attended by the licensed midwife, including instances where
13822	13822	the licensed midwife was assisting another licensed midwife.
13823	13823	e. The total number of infant deaths from births
13824	13824	attended by the licensed midwife, including instances where
13825	13825	the licensed midwife was assisting another licensed midwife.
13826	13826	(2) The board shall make the information collected
13827	13827	under this subsection available to the public in accordance
13828	13828	with federal law.
13829	13829	(n)(k) The board shall be subject to the Alabama Sunset
13830	13830	Law, Chapter 20, Title 41, as an enumerated agency as provided
13831	13831	in Section 41-20-3, and shall have a termination date of
13832	13832	October 1, 2021, and every four years thereafter, unless
13833	13833	continued pursuant to the Alabama Sunset Law."
13834	13834	"§34-19-13
13835	13835	All funds received by the board under this chapter
13836	13836	shall be deposited in the State Treasury to the credit of the
13837	13837	board and all such funds are to be appropriated to the board
13838	13838	6664
13839	13839	6665
13840	13840	6666
13841	13841	6667
13842	13842	6668
13843	13843	6669
13844	13844	6670
13845	13845	6671
13846	13846	6672
13847	13847	6673
13848	13848	6674
13849	13849	6675
13850	13850	6676
13851	13851	6677
13852	13852	6678
13853	13853	6679
13854	13854	6680
13855	13855	6681
13856	13856	6682
13857	13857	6683
13858	13858	6684
13859	13859	6685
13860	13860	6686
13861	13861	6687
13862	13862	6688
13863	13863	6689
13864	13864	6690
13865	13865	6691 SB224 INTRODUCED
13866	13866	Page 240
13867	13867	board and all such funds are to be appropriated to the board
13868	13868	to defray the expenses incurred in carrying out this chapter.
13869	13869	The expenses shall include printing, stamps, stationery,
13870	13870	clerical help, travel, and other necessary expenditures
13871	13871	Occupational and Professional Licensing Fund . In all cases,
13872	13872	any fee that is received by the board shall not be refunded,
13873	13873	and no applicant shall have the right to recover any part of a
13874	13874	fee accompanying his or her application for licensure or
13875	13875	otherwise paid to the board except on the death, disability,
13876	13876	or retirement from practice of any applicant or licensee
13877	13877	between payment of any fee and the expiration of his or her
13878	13878	current renewal or the issuance of the initial license. The
13879	13879	books and records of the board shall be subject to audit in
13880	13880	the same manner and to the same extent as any other state
13881	13881	agency. The board executive director shall keep a true and
13882	13882	accurate account of all funds received by the board and all
13883	13883	expenditures made by the board."
13884	13884	"§34-19-14
13885	13885	(a) The board shall do all of the following consistent
13886	13886	with this chapter:
13887	13887	(1) Approve, renew, suspend, or revoke licenses for the
13888	13888	practice of midwifery.
13889	13889	(2) Investigate and conduct hearings regarding
13890	13890	complaints against a licensed midwife in order to determine if
13891	13891	disciplinary action is warranted.
13892	13892	(3) Establish reasonable licensure fees, including, but
13893	13893	not limited to, initial application, renewal, and
13894	13894	reinstatement fees.
13895	13895	(4)(3) Develop standardized forms including, but not
13896	13896	6692
13897	13897	6693
13898	13898	6694
13899	13899	6695
13900	13900	6696
13901	13901	6697
13902	13902	6698
13903	13903	6699
13904	13904	6700
13905	13905	6701
13906	13906	6702
13907	13907	6703
13908	13908	6704
13909	13909	6705
13910	13910	6706
13911	13911	6707
13912	13912	6708
13913	13913	6709
13914	13914	6710
13915	13915	6711
13916	13916	6712
13917	13917	6713
13918	13918	6714
13919	13919	6715
13920	13920	6716
13921	13921	6717
13922	13922	6718
13923	13923	6719 SB224 INTRODUCED
13924	13924	Page 241
13925	13925	(4)(3) Develop standardized forms including, but not
13926	13926	limited to, a midwife disclosure form, informed consent form,
13927	13927	emergency care form, and applications for licensure and
13928	13928	renewal.
13929	13929	(5)(4) Impose administrative fines, not to exceed one
13930	13930	thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation, for violating this
13931	13931	chapter, a board rule, or a condition of a license.
13932	13932	(6)(5) Establish levels of professional liability
13933	13933	insurance that must be maintained by a licensed midwife at a
13934	13934	limit of no less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000)
13935	13935	per occurrence and three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000)
13936	13936	aggregate.
13937	13937	(b)(1) The board shall adopt rules pursuant to the
13938	13938	Administrative Procedure Act to implement this chapter in a
13939	13939	manner consistent with the most current North American
13940	13940	Registry of Midwives Job Analysis and with essential documents
13941	13941	developed and published by the Midwives Alliance of North
13942	13942	America. The rules shall include, but not be limited to,
13943	13943	provision for all of the following:
13944	13944	a. Licensing procedures and requirements.
13945	13945	b. Minimum initial and continuing education
13946	13946	requirements for licensure.
13947	13947	c. Standards by which a licensed midwife shall conduct
13948	13948	risk assessment.
13949	13949	d. Standards for professional conduct.
13950	13950	e. A standard procedure for investigating complaints.
13951	13951	f. Requirements for clinical internships for
13952	13952	individuals seeking midwifery training.
13953	13953	(2) The rules shall ensure independent practice.
13954	13954	6720
13955	13955	6721
13956	13956	6722
13957	13957	6723
13958	13958	6724
13959	13959	6725
13960	13960	6726
13961	13961	6727
13962	13962	6728
13963	13963	6729
13964	13964	6730
13965	13965	6731
13966	13966	6732
13967	13967	6733
13968	13968	6734
13969	13969	6735
13970	13970	6736
13971	13971	6737
13972	13972	6738
13973	13973	6739
13974	13974	6740
13975	13975	6741
13976	13976	6742
13977	13977	6743
13978	13978	6744
13979	13979	6745
13980	13980	6746
13981	13981	6747 SB224 INTRODUCED
13982	13982	Page 242
13983	13983	(2) The rules shall ensure independent practice.
13984	13984	(c) A licensed midwife may not administer or perform
13985	13985	any of the following obstetric procedures which are outside of
13986	13986	the scope of the licensed practice of midwifery:
13987	13987	(1) An epidural, spinal, or caudal anesthetic.
13988	13988	(2) Any type of narcotic analgesia.
13989	13989	(3) Forceps or a vacuum extractor-assisted delivery.
13990	13990	(4) Abortion.
13991	13991	(5) Cesarean section or any surgery or surgical deliver
13992	13992	except minimal episiotomies.
13993	13993	(6) Pharmacological induction or augmentation of labor
13994	13994	or artificial rupture of membranes prior to the onset of
13995	13995	labor.
13996	13996	(7) Except for the administration of local anesthetic,
13997	13997	administration of an anesthetic.
13998	13998	(8) Administration of any prescription medication in a
13999	13999	manner that violates the Alabama Uniform Controlled Substance
14000	14000	Act.
14001	14001	(9) Vaginal birth after a cesarean.
14002	14002	(d) A licensed midwife may not perform either of the
14003	14003	following:
14004	14004	(1) Delivery of a diagnosed multiple pregnancy.
14005	14005	(2) Delivery of a baby whose position is diagnosed as
14006	14006	non-cephalic at the onset of labor."
14007	14007	"§34-19-15
14008	14008	(a) An individual desiring to be licensed as a midwife
14009	14009	shall apply to the board on forms provided by the board
14010	14010	executive director . Applicants for licensure shall submit
14011	14011	evidence satisfactory to the board that he or she has met all
14012	14012	6748
14013	14013	6749
14014	14014	6750
14015	14015	6751
14016	14016	6752
14017	14017	6753
14018	14018	6754
14019	14019	6755
14020	14020	6756
14021	14021	6757
14022	14022	6758
14023	14023	6759
14024	14024	6760
14025	14025	6761
14026	14026	6762
14027	14027	6763
14028	14028	6764
14029	14029	6765
14030	14030	6766
14031	14031	6767
14032	14032	6768
14033	14033	6769
14034	14034	6770
14035	14035	6771
14036	14036	6772
14037	14037	6773
14038	14038	6774
14039	14039	6775 SB224 INTRODUCED
14040	14040	Page 243
14041	14041	evidence satisfactory to the board that he or she has met all
14042	14042	of the following requirements:
14043	14043	(1) Is at least 21 years of age.
14044	14044	(2) Is a citizen of the United States or, if not a
14045	14045	citizen of the United States, is legally present in the United
14046	14046	States with appropriate documentation from the federal
14047	14047	government.
14048	14048	(3) Has obtained a certified professional midwife
14049	14049	credential through an education program or pathway accredited
14050	14050	by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council or by another
14051	14051	accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department
14052	14052	of Education.
14053	14053	(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (3) of subsection (a),
14054	14054	the board may license the following:
14055	14055	(1) An applicant who has obtained a certified
14056	14056	professional midwife credential prior to January 1, 2020,
14057	14057	through a nonaccredited pathway, provided the applicant
14058	14058	obtains the Midwifery Bridge Certificate or completes an
14059	14059	educational program or pathway accredited by the Midwifery
14060	14060	Education Accreditation Council or by another accrediting
14061	14061	agency recognized by the United States Department of
14062	14062	Education.
14063	14063	(2) An applicant who has maintained licensure in a
14064	14064	state that does not require an accredited education, provided
14065	14065	the applicant obtains the Midwifery Bridge Certificate or
14066	14066	completes an educational program or pathway accredited by the
14067	14067	Midwifery Education Accreditation Council or by another
14068	14068	accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department
14069	14069	of Education.
14070	14070	6776
14071	14071	6777
14072	14072	6778
14073	14073	6779
14074	14074	6780
14075	14075	6781
14076	14076	6782
14077	14077	6783
14078	14078	6784
14079	14079	6785
14080	14080	6786
14081	14081	6787
14082	14082	6788
14083	14083	6789
14084	14084	6790
14085	14085	6791
14086	14086	6792
14087	14087	6793
14088	14088	6794
14089	14089	6795
14090	14090	6796
14091	14091	6797
14092	14092	6798
14093	14093	6799
14094	14094	6800
14095	14095	6801
14096	14096	6802
14097	14097	6803 SB224 INTRODUCED
14098	14098	Page 244
14099	14099	of Education.
14100	14100	(c) Licenses shall be valid for a period of 24 months.
14101	14101	(d)(c) Following the contested case provisions of the
14102	14102	Administrative Procedure Act, the board may suspend or revoke
14103	14103	a license, or it may refuse to grant a license to an applicant
14104	14104	for licensure, if the licensee or applicant:
14105	14105	(1) Has obtained a license by means of fraud,
14106	14106	misrepresentation, or concealment of material facts, including
14107	14107	making a false statement on an application or any other
14108	14108	document required by the board for licensure.
14109	14109	(2) Has engaged in unprofessional conduct pursuant to
14110	14110	rules adopted by the board.
14111	14111	(3) Has been convicted of any felony.
14112	14112	(4) Has performed an act that exceeds the scope of
14113	14113	practice granted by the board to the licensed midwife.
14114	14114	(5) Has had his or her license revoked, suspended, or
14115	14115	denied in any other territory or jurisdiction of the United
14116	14116	States for any act described in this subsection.
14117	14117	(e)(d) The board shall maintain an up-to-date list of
14118	14118	every individual licensed to practice midwifery pursuant to
14119	14119	this chapter and individuals whose licenses have been
14120	14120	suspended, revoked, or denied. The information on the list
14121	14121	shall be available for public inspection during reasonable
14122	14122	business hours and the information may be shared with others
14123	14123	as deemed necessary and acceptable by the board. The list
14124	14124	shall include the name of the individual, the date and the
14125	14125	cause of action, the penalty incurred, and the length of the
14126	14126	penalty."
14127	14127	Section 20. Relating to the Board of Optometry; to
14128	14128	6804
14129	14129	6805
14130	14130	6806
14131	14131	6807
14132	14132	6808
14133	14133	6809
14134	14134	6810
14135	14135	6811
14136	14136	6812
14137	14137	6813
14138	14138	6814
14139	14139	6815
14140	14140	6816
14141	14141	6817
14142	14142	6818
14143	14143	6819
14144	14144	6820
14145	14145	6821
14146	14146	6822
14147	14147	6823
14148	14148	6824
14149	14149	6825
14150	14150	6826
14151	14151	6827
14152	14152	6828
14153	14153	6829
14154	14154	6830
14155	14155	6831 SB224 INTRODUCED
14156	14156	Page 245
14157	14157	Section 20. Relating to the Board of Optometry; to
14158	14158	amend Sections 34-22-1, 34-22-5, 34-22-6, 34-22-20, 34-22-22,
14159	14159	34-22-24, 34-22-40, 34-22-41, 34-22-42, and 34-22-43 of the
14160	14160	Code of Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
14161	14161	"§34-22-1
14162	14162	For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms
14163	14163	shall have the respective meanings ascribed by this section:
14164	14164	(1) BOARD. The Alabama Board of Optometry.
14165	14165	(2) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
14166	14166	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
14167	14167	in Section 25-2B-1.
14168	14168	(2)(3) HUMAN EYE AND ITS ADJACENT STRUCTURES. The eye
14169	14169	and all structures situated within the orbit, including the
14170	14170	conjunctiva, lids, lashes, and lachrymal system.
14171	14171	(3)(4) PHARMACEUTICAL AGENTS. Any diagnostic and
14172	14172	therapeutic drug or combination of drugs that has the property
14173	14173	of assisting in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, or
14174	14174	mitigation of abnormal conditions or symptoms of the human eye
14175	14175	and its adjacent structures.
14176	14176	(4)(5) PRACTICE OF OPTOMETRY. The practice of optometry
14177	14177	is a learned profession involving the examination, measurement
14178	14178	by objective and subjective means, diagnosis, treatment, and
14179	14179	prevention of any departure from the normal of the human eyes,
14180	14180	their adjacent structures, and visual system. The practice of
14181	14181	optometry includes but is not limited to: Thethe adapting and
14182	14182	fitting of all types of lenses or devices, including , contact
14183	14183	lenses; the determination of refractive error and shape of the
14184	14184	eye and visual, muscular, or anatomical anomalies of the eye
14185	14185	through the use of any means including the use of any self
14186	14186	6832
14187	14187	6833
14188	14188	6834
14189	14189	6835
14190	14190	6836
14191	14191	6837
14192	14192	6838
14193	14193	6839
14194	14194	6840
14195	14195	6841
14196	14196	6842
14197	14197	6843
14198	14198	6844
14199	14199	6845
14200	14200	6846
14201	14201	6847
14202	14202	6848
14203	14203	6849
14204	14204	6850
14205	14205	6851
14206	14206	6852
14207	14207	6853
14208	14208	6854
14209	14209	6855
14210	14210	6856
14211	14211	6857
14212	14212	6858
14213	14213	6859 SB224 INTRODUCED
14214	14214	Page 246
14215	14215	through the use of any means including the use of any self
14216	14216	testing devices and the use of any computerized or automatic
14217	14217	refracting device; the determination and prescribing of
14218	14218	spectacle or contact lens parameters; the administering and
14219	14219	prescription of pharmaceutical agents rational to the
14220	14220	diagnosis and treatment of disease of the human eye and its
14221	14221	adjacent structures; the removal of superficial foreign bodies
14222	14222	from the human eye and its adjacent structures; the providing
14223	14223	of developmental and perceptual therapy for the vision system;
14224	14224	the utilization of any method or means to diagnose and treat
14225	14225	diseases of the human eye and its adjacent structures as
14226	14226	determined and approved by the board, subject to the
14227	14227	limitations of this chapter; the performance of primary eye
14228	14228	care procedures or ordering of laboratory tests rational to
14229	14229	the diagnosis and treatment of conditions or disease of the
14230	14230	human eye and its adjacent structures as determined and
14231	14231	approved by the board, subject to the limitations of this
14232	14232	chapter. The practice of optometry shall include the
14233	14233	prescribing and administering of narcotic analgesics pursuant
14234	14234	to the Alabama Uniform Controlled Substances Act, except for
14235	14235	narcotic analgesics classified under Schedule I and II, and
14236	14236	any Schedule III pharmaceutical agents that contain
14237	14237	Dihydrocodeinone, ("Hydrocodone"). The prescribing or
14238	14238	administering of any other Schedule III pharmaceutical agent
14239	14239	shall be limited to a prescription, the duration of which does
14240	14240	not exceed 96 hours. Notwithstanding any provision of this
14241	14241	chapter to the contrary, the practice of optometry shall
14242	14242	include the prescribing and administering of pharmaceutical
14243	14243	agents which are commonly known as steroids. Optometrists are
14244	14244	6860
14245	14245	6861
14246	14246	6862
14247	14247	6863
14248	14248	6864
14249	14249	6865
14250	14250	6866
14251	14251	6867
14252	14252	6868
14253	14253	6869
14254	14254	6870
14255	14255	6871
14256	14256	6872
14257	14257	6873
14258	14258	6874
14259	14259	6875
14260	14260	6876
14261	14261	6877
14262	14262	6878
14263	14263	6879
14264	14264	6880
14265	14265	6881
14266	14266	6882
14267	14267	6883
14268	14268	6884
14269	14269	6885
14270	14270	6886
14271	14271	6887 SB224 INTRODUCED
14272	14272	Page 247
14273	14273	agents which are commonly known as steroids. Optometrists are
14274	14274	prohibited from performing injections into the eyeball,
14275	14275	cataract surgery, muscle surgery, retinal surgery, radial
14276	14276	keratotomy, laser surgery, cryosurgery, or any other invasive
14277	14277	surgery. The Alabama Board of Optometry shall be a certifying
14278	14278	board as defined in Section 20-2-2, except as limited by this
14279	14279	chapter. The practice of optometry shall include the authority
14280	14280	to administer benedryl, epinephrine, or other medication to
14281	14281	counteract anaphylaxis or anaphylactic reaction. The use and
14282	14282	prescribing of pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of the
14283	14283	human eye and its adjacent structures shall be limited to
14284	14284	those optometrists approved by the board."
14285	14285	"§34-22-5
14286	14286	The board may, under rules and regulations to be
14287	14287	promulgated by the board, issue limited licenses, in the case
14288	14288	of teachers, to persons who hold an optometric degree where
14289	14289	such persons are not licensed and registered to practice
14290	14290	optometry in this state. The dean of any school of optometry
14291	14291	within the State of Alabama which has been approved by the
14292	14292	board shall be required to annually certify to the board the
14293	14293	names and addresses of the members of the faculty of the
14294	14294	school who are not licensed and registered to practice
14295	14295	optometry in the state and shall be required to promptly
14296	14296	notify the board of any change in personnel on the faculty.
14297	14297	The board may issue limited licenses to applicants upon the
14298	14298	certification of the dean of any school of optometry setting
14299	14299	forth that the applicant is a bona fide member of the faculty
14300	14300	of the school. The limited license shall be valid so long as
14301	14301	the holder thereof remains a member of the faculty of the
14302	14302	6888
14303	14303	6889
14304	14304	6890
14305	14305	6891
14306	14306	6892
14307	14307	6893
14308	14308	6894
14309	14309	6895
14310	14310	6896
14311	14311	6897
14312	14312	6898
14313	14313	6899
14314	14314	6900
14315	14315	6901
14316	14316	6902
14317	14317	6903
14318	14318	6904
14319	14319	6905
14320	14320	6906
14321	14321	6907
14322	14322	6908
14323	14323	6909
14324	14324	6910
14325	14325	6911
14326	14326	6912
14327	14327	6913
14328	14328	6914
14329	14329	6915 SB224 INTRODUCED
14330	14330	Page 248
14331	14331	the holder thereof remains a member of the faculty of the
14332	14332	school and abides by the rules and regulations under which the
14333	14333	same is issued. The holder of a limited license shall be
14334	14334	subject to all provisions of this chapter regulating the
14335	14335	practice of optometry in this state and shall be entitled to
14336	14336	perform all services which a person licensed to practice
14337	14337	optometry in this state would be entitled to perform, but only
14338	14338	as a part of the program of the school and as an adjunct to
14339	14339	his or her teaching functions in the school. A fee of one
14340	14340	hundred dollars ($100) established by the executive director
14341	14341	shall be paid by the applicant to the board for the issuance
14342	14342	of a limited license. Limited license holders who are not
14343	14343	members of a residency program at a school of optometry shall
14344	14344	be subject to the same annual license renewal fees and other
14345	14345	requirements as required of holders of regular licenses."
14346	14346	"§34-22-6
14347	14347	(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to perform any
14348	14348	of the following:
14349	14349	(1) Practice optometry in this state without having a
14350	14350	valid, unrevoked, and unexpired license certificate and annual
14351	14351	renewal registration certificate as an optometrist.
14352	14352	(2) Use or attempt to use as his or her own a diploma
14353	14353	of an optometric school or college or a license of another
14354	14354	person, or a forged diploma or license, or any forged or false
14355	14355	identification.
14356	14356	(3) Sell or offer to sell a diploma conferring an
14357	14357	optometric degree or a license granted pursuant to this
14358	14358	chapter or prior optometric practice laws, or to procure each
14359	14359	diploma or license with intent that it shall be used as
14360	14360	6916
14361	14361	6917
14362	14362	6918
14363	14363	6919
14364	14364	6920
14365	14365	6921
14366	14366	6922
14367	14367	6923
14368	14368	6924
14369	14369	6925
14370	14370	6926
14371	14371	6927
14372	14372	6928
14373	14373	6929
14374	14374	6930
14375	14375	6931
14376	14376	6932
14377	14377	6933
14378	14378	6934
14379	14379	6935
14380	14380	6936
14381	14381	6937
14382	14382	6938
14383	14383	6939
14384	14384	6940
14385	14385	6941
14386	14386	6942
14387	14387	6943 SB224 INTRODUCED
14388	14388	Page 249
14389	14389	diploma or license with intent that it shall be used as
14390	14390	evidence of the right to practice optometry by a person other
14391	14391	than the one upon whom it was conferred or to whom the license
14392	14392	was granted, or with fraudulent intent to alter the diploma or
14393	14393	license or to use or attempt to use it when it is so altered.
14394	14394	(4) Willfully make any false statements in an
14395	14395	application for examination for a certificate to practice
14396	14396	optometry or for annual renewal registration.
14397	14397	(5) Use or attempt to use pharmaceutical agents for the
14398	14398	treatment of the human eye and its adjacent structures without
14399	14399	having approval of the board at the time the treatment is
14400	14400	rendered.
14401	14401	(b)(1) Any person violating any of the provisions of
14402	14402	this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon
14403	14403	conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not more than one
14404	14404	thousand dollars ($1,000) and, in addition, may be imprisoned
14405	14405	in the county jail for a period not to exceed 12 months and
14406	14406	shall be subject to having his or her license revoked or
14407	14407	suspended as provided in this chapter.
14408	14408	(2) The board and its members and officers shall assist
14409	14409	prosecuting officers in the enforcement of this chapter, and
14410	14410	it shall be the duty of the board , and its members, and
14411	14411	officers, to furnish the proper prosecuting officers with the
14412	14412	evidence as they may ascertain necessary to assist them in the
14413	14413	prosecution of any violation of this chapter. The board, may
14414	14414	for these purposes, make such reasonable expenditures from the
14415	14415	funds of the board as it may deem necessary to ascertain and
14416	14416	furnish the evidence.
14417	14417	(3) In addition to criminal penalties, any person
14418	14418	6944
14419	14419	6945
14420	14420	6946
14421	14421	6947
14422	14422	6948
14423	14423	6949
14424	14424	6950
14425	14425	6951
14426	14426	6952
14427	14427	6953
14428	14428	6954
14429	14429	6955
14430	14430	6956
14431	14431	6957
14432	14432	6958
14433	14433	6959
14434	14434	6960
14435	14435	6961
14436	14436	6962
14437	14437	6963
14438	14438	6964
14439	14439	6965
14440	14440	6966
14441	14441	6967
14442	14442	6968
14443	14443	6969
14444	14444	6970
14445	14445	6971 SB224 INTRODUCED
14446	14446	Page 250
14447	14447	(3) In addition to criminal penalties, any person
14448	14448	violating this section may be fined up to one thousand dollars
14449	14449	($1000) by the board for each violation. The board may sue, if
14450	14450	necessary, to collect the fine.
14451	14451	(4) The board is entitled to costs and reasonable
14452	14452	attorney fees in any civil action in which it prevails.
14453	14453	(5) Venue for any action brought by the board pursuant
14454	14454	to this chapter is the Circuit Court of Montgomery County."
14455	14455	"§34-22-20
14456	14456	(a) Every person desiring to practice optometry in this
14457	14457	state shall be 19 years of age, or over, a citizen of the
14458	14458	United States or, if not a citizen of the United States, a
14459	14459	person who is legally present in the United States with
14460	14460	appropriate documentation from the federal government, and of
14461	14461	good moral character. The person shall have a minimum of three
14462	14462	years of preoptometry, or the equivalent, at an accredited
14463	14463	college or university, have completed a course of study in an
14464	14464	accredited school or college of optometry which is approved by
14465	14465	the board and that requires at least four years of
14466	14466	professional study, and have passed all examinations
14467	14467	prescribed by the board, which may include the standard
14468	14468	examination after completion of the educational requirements.
14469	14469	The board may accept a passing grade on a recognized national
14470	14470	examination or a passing grade on a board examination, or
14471	14471	both, and may require a passing grade on additional state law
14472	14472	examinations. The standard examination may consist of tests in
14473	14473	practical, theoretical, and physiological optics, in
14474	14474	theoretical and practical optometry, orthoptics, ocular
14475	14475	anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, diagnosis, and
14476	14476	6972
14477	14477	6973
14478	14478	6974
14479	14479	6975
14480	14480	6976
14481	14481	6977
14482	14482	6978
14483	14483	6979
14484	14484	6980
14485	14485	6981
14486	14486	6982
14487	14487	6983
14488	14488	6984
14489	14489	6985
14490	14490	6986
14491	14491	6987
14492	14492	6988
14493	14493	6989
14494	14494	6990
14495	14495	6991
14496	14496	6992
14497	14497	6993
14498	14498	6994
14499	14499	6995
14500	14500	6996
14501	14501	6997
14502	14502	6998
14503	14503	6999 SB224 INTRODUCED
14504	14504	Page 251
14505	14505	anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, diagnosis, and
14506	14506	treatment of disease of the human eye and its adjacent
14507	14507	structures, general anatomy, hygiene, and any other knowledge
14508	14508	the board deems essential to the practice of optometry. The
14509	14509	standard examination shall be consistent with the established
14510	14510	teaching and recognized textbooks of accredited schools or
14511	14511	colleges of optometry.
14512	14512	(b) The application to take the standard examination
14513	14513	shall be upon the form prescribed and furnished by the board
14514	14514	executive director and verified by the oath of the applicant,
14515	14515	accompanied by a fee to be determined by the board. The fee
14516	14516	shall not be more than five hundred dollars ($500) executive
14517	14517	director.
14518	14518	(c) If required, the standard examination shall be held
14519	14519	at least once in each year for candidates for examination who
14520	14520	have applied to the board at least 30 days before the date
14521	14521	prescribed for the holding of the examination a time and place
14522	14522	determined by the executive director .
14523	14523	(d) When an application and accompanying proof are
14524	14524	found satisfactory, the board shall notify the applicant to
14525	14525	appear for examination at a time and place fixed by the board
14526	14526	executive director . An applicant shall submit to the board
14527	14527	proof that he or she has passed all examinations required by
14528	14528	the board. The applicant shall also submit any protocols for
14529	14529	the use of pharmaceutical agents that the board may require.
14530	14530	When these requirements have been met by the applicant and
14531	14531	approved by the board, the board shall grant to qualified
14532	14532	applicants a license and a license certificate, both of which
14533	14533	shall bear a serial number, the full name of the licensee, the
14534	14534	7000
14535	14535	7001
14536	14536	7002
14537	14537	7003
14538	14538	7004
14539	14539	7005
14540	14540	7006
14541	14541	7007
14542	14542	7008
14543	14543	7009
14544	14544	7010
14545	14545	7011
14546	14546	7012
14547	14547	7013
14548	14548	7014
14549	14549	7015
14550	14550	7016
14551	14551	7017
14552	14552	7018
14553	14553	7019
14554	14554	7020
14555	14555	7021
14556	14556	7022
14557	14557	7023
14558	14558	7024
14559	14559	7025
14560	14560	7026
14561	14561	7027 SB224 INTRODUCED
14562	14562	Page 252
14563	14563	shall bear a serial number, the full name of the licensee, the
14564	14564	date of issuance, the seal of the board, and the signature of
14565	14565	the president and secretary of the board. A seal of approval
14566	14566	by the board of the use of pharmaceutical agents for the
14567	14567	treatment of the human eye and any of its adjacent structures
14568	14568	shall be affixed to the license certificate. The board
14569	14569	executive director may grant a temporary license under the
14570	14570	circumstances and conditions , and in the form, as may be
14571	14571	prescribed by rules and regulations of the board.
14572	14572	(e) Every license issued, whether permanent or
14573	14573	temporary, and every annual registration certificate shall be
14574	14574	in the possession of the optometrist to whom it was issued and
14575	14575	posted in the office where he or she practices.
14576	14576	(f) Those persons who hold valid licenses to practice
14577	14577	optometry in the State of Alabama on October 1, 1994, shall
14578	14578	continue to be so licensed after October 1, 1994, subject to
14579	14579	this chapter, regardless of whether they are otherwise
14580	14580	qualified to secure a license under this chapter. Optometrists
14581	14581	licensed under this section may apply to the board, in a
14582	14582	manner prescribed by the board, for approval to use
14583	14583	pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of disease of the
14584	14584	human eye and its adjacent structures. The board shall
14585	14585	prescribe requirements to be met by applicants prior to
14586	14586	approval by the board including, but not limited to, the
14587	14587	requirement that the applicant has successfully completed at
14588	14588	least 72 clock hours in the diagnosis and management of
14589	14589	disease of the human eye and its adjacent structures within a
14590	14590	three-year period preceding application for a license."
14591	14591	"§34-22-22
14592	14592	7028
14593	14593	7029
14594	14594	7030
14595	14595	7031
14596	14596	7032
14597	14597	7033
14598	14598	7034
14599	14599	7035
14600	14600	7036
14601	14601	7037
14602	14602	7038
14603	14603	7039
14604	14604	7040
14605	14605	7041
14606	14606	7042
14607	14607	7043
14608	14608	7044
14609	14609	7045
14610	14610	7046
14611	14611	7047
14612	14612	7048
14613	14613	7049
14614	14614	7050
14615	14615	7051
14616	14616	7052
14617	14617	7053
14618	14618	7054
14619	14619	7055 SB224 INTRODUCED
14620	14620	Page 253
14621	14621	"§34-22-22
14622	14622	(a) All registered optometrists licensed in the State
14623	14623	of Alabama are required to take annual courses of study in
14624	14624	subjects relating to the practice of optometry. The length of
14625	14625	study shall be prescribed by the board but shall not exceed 25
14626	14626	clock hours in any calendar year. Licensees approved by the
14627	14627	board to use pharmaceutical agents shall be required to take
14628	14628	not less than 20 nor more than 25 hours of continuing
14629	14629	education, half of which shall be in subjects relating to the
14630	14630	diagnosis, treatment, and management of disease of the human
14631	14631	eye and its adjacent structures. Attendance shall be at a
14632	14632	course or courses approved by the board.
14633	14633	(b) Continuing education requirements shall be
14634	14634	completed between October 1 and September 30 of each fiscal
14635	14635	year prior to the time for license renewal for the next fiscal
14636	14636	year as prescribed by the board . Upon the failure of any
14637	14637	licensee to certify compliance with continuing education
14638	14638	requirements for the fiscal year on or before the first day of
14639	14639	November, the board shall notify the licensee by registered
14640	14640	mail addressed to his or her last address of record that
14641	14641	certification has not been received and unless certification
14642	14642	is received on or before the first day of January , his or her
14643	14643	license and license certificate shall be automatically
14644	14644	suspended. If the certification demonstrating compliance with
14645	14645	continuing education requirements is not received by the board
14646	14646	on or before January 1, the license and license certificate of
14647	14647	the licensee which was previously granted shall automatically
14648	14648	be suspended. Notwithstanding the foregoing, between October 1
14649	14649	and December 31 of each year, the licensee shall be permitted
14650	14650	7056
14651	14651	7057
14652	14652	7058
14653	14653	7059
14654	14654	7060
14655	14655	7061
14656	14656	7062
14657	14657	7063
14658	14658	7064
14659	14659	7065
14660	14660	7066
14661	14661	7067
14662	14662	7068
14663	14663	7069
14664	14664	7070
14665	14665	7071
14666	14666	7072
14667	14667	7073
14668	14668	7074
14669	14669	7075
14670	14670	7076
14671	14671	7077
14672	14672	7078
14673	14673	7079
14674	14674	7080
14675	14675	7081
14676	14676	7082
14677	14677	7083 SB224 INTRODUCED
14678	14678	Page 254
14679	14679	and December 31 of each year, the licensee shall be permitted
14680	14680	to complete continuing education requirements which he or she
14681	14681	has failed to complete prior to the end of the fiscal year on
14682	14682	September 30 as determined by the board .
14683	14683	(c) The license and license certificate shall be
14684	14684	reinstated only upon the provision of satisfactory evidence to
14685	14685	the board, in a form acceptable to the board, that the
14686	14686	continuing education requirements for the one fiscal year next
14687	14687	preceding the proposed reinstatement have been satisfied and
14688	14688	upon the payment of all fees required to be paid under this
14689	14689	chapter.
14690	14690	(d) Every licensed optometrist who desires to continue
14691	14691	the practice of optometry in the state shall annually, on or
14692	14692	before the first day of October , at a time established by the
14693	14693	executive director, shall pay to the secretary of the board a
14694	14694	renewal fee of one hundred sixty dollars ($160), prescribed by
14695	14695	the executive director, for which the licensee shall receive a
14696	14696	renewal of the registration. Every licensed optometrist
14697	14697	approved by the board to use pharmaceutical agents shall pay
14698	14698	an additional fee of one hundred dollars ($100) as prescribed
14699	14699	by the executive director . The licensee shall sign and verify,
14700	14700	either physically or electronically, the accuracy of the
14701	14701	registration and certify his or her compliance with the
14702	14702	continuing education requirements of the board for renewal on
14703	14703	a form provided by the board executive director . Upon
14704	14704	submission of the completed form prescribed by the board
14705	14705	executive director , together with the aforementioned fee, the
14706	14706	licensee shall receive the current annual registration
14707	14707	certificate authorizing him or her to continue the practice of
14708	14708	7084
14709	14709	7085
14710	14710	7086
14711	14711	7087
14712	14712	7088
14713	14713	7089
14714	14714	7090
14715	14715	7091
14716	14716	7092
14717	14717	7093
14718	14718	7094
14719	14719	7095
14720	14720	7096
14721	14721	7097
14722	14722	7098
14723	14723	7099
14724	14724	7100
14725	14725	7101
14726	14726	7102
14727	14727	7103
14728	14728	7104
14729	14729	7105
14730	14730	7106
14731	14731	7107
14732	14732	7108
14733	14733	7109
14734	14734	7110
14735	14735	7111 SB224 INTRODUCED
14736	14736	Page 255
14737	14737	certificate authorizing him or her to continue the practice of
14738	14738	optometry in this state for a period of one year.
14739	14739	(e) Any license and license certificate previously
14740	14740	granted shall automatically be suspended if the holder fails
14741	14741	to secure the annual registration certificate by January 1
14742	14742	each year as required by the executive director . Any
14743	14743	optometrist whose license is automatically suspended by reason
14744	14744	of failure, neglect, or refusal to secure the annual
14745	14745	registration certificate shall be reinstated by the board upon
14746	14746	payment of a penalty fee of two hundred dollars ($200)
14747	14747	established by the executive director plus all accrued annual
14748	14748	registration fees accompanied with the prescribed form for
14749	14749	annual registration of the license.
14750	14750	(f) Upon failure of any licensee to file application
14751	14751	for the annual registration certificate and pay the annual
14752	14752	registration fee on or before the first day of November each
14753	14753	year deadline established by the executive director , the board
14754	14754	shall notify the licensee by certified or registered mail
14755	14755	addressed to his or her last address of record that the
14756	14756	application and fee have not been received and that, unless
14757	14757	the application and fee are received on or before the first
14758	14758	day of January of the following year by the time established
14759	14759	by the executive director , the license and license certificate
14760	14760	shall be automatically suspended.
14761	14761	(g) The board may waive annual registration and the
14762	14762	payment of fees while any licensee is prevented from
14763	14763	practicing optometry by reason of physical disability,
14764	14764	temporary active duty with any of the Armed Forces of the
14765	14765	United States, or while any licensee is completely retired
14766	14766	7112
14767	14767	7113
14768	14768	7114
14769	14769	7115
14770	14770	7116
14771	14771	7117
14772	14772	7118
14773	14773	7119
14774	14774	7120
14775	14775	7121
14776	14776	7122
14777	14777	7123
14778	14778	7124
14779	14779	7125
14780	14780	7126
14781	14781	7127
14782	14782	7128
14783	14783	7129
14784	14784	7130
14785	14785	7131
14786	14786	7132
14787	14787	7133
14788	14788	7134
14789	14789	7135
14790	14790	7136
14791	14791	7137
14792	14792	7138
14793	14793	7139 SB224 INTRODUCED
14794	14794	Page 256
14795	14795	United States, or while any licensee is completely retired
14796	14796	from the practice of optometry. The waiver of fees shall be
14797	14797	effective so long as the disability, temporary active duty, or
14798	14798	complete retirement continues.
14799	14799	(h) The board shall promulgate rules for the
14800	14800	administration of this section."
14801	14801	"§34-22-24
14802	14802	All fees received by the board for examinations, annual
14803	14803	renewal registrations, or from any other source shall be
14804	14804	utilized in regulating the practice of optometry and paying
14805	14805	the expenses of the board, including necessary clerk hire,
14806	14806	legal expenses, and per diem and expenses of the members of
14807	14807	the board as herein provided. Should the funds in the hands of
14808	14808	the board at the end of any fiscal year (October 1) be more
14809	14809	than two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000), the excess of
14810	14810	this amount shall be paid into the State Treasury to the
14811	14811	credit of a special trust fund which shall be spent solely for
14812	14812	the purpose of constructing, operating, and maintaining a
14813	14813	college of optometry at the University of Alabama, in
14814	14814	Birmingham, equipping of facilities, student scholarships and
14815	14815	loans, faculty salaries and endowments, continuing education,
14816	14816	and research grants deposited into the Occupational and
14817	14817	Professional Licensing Fund ."
14818	14818	"§34-22-40
14819	14819	(a)(1) In order to accomplish the purposes and to
14820	14820	provide for the enforcement of this chapter, there is created
14821	14821	the Alabama Board of Optometry. Commencing on October 1, 2025,
14822	14822	the board shall be subject to the leadership, support, and
14823	14823	oversight of the Executive Director of the Office of
14824	14824	7140
14825	14825	7141
14826	14826	7142
14827	14827	7143
14828	14828	7144
14829	14829	7145
14830	14830	7146
14831	14831	7147
14832	14832	7148
14833	14833	7149
14834	14834	7150
14835	14835	7151
14836	14836	7152
14837	14837	7153
14838	14838	7154
14839	14839	7155
14840	14840	7156
14841	14841	7157
14842	14842	7158
14843	14843	7159
14844	14844	7160
14845	14845	7161
14846	14846	7162
14847	14847	7163
14848	14848	7164
14849	14849	7165
14850	14850	7166
14851	14851	7167 SB224 INTRODUCED
14852	14852	Page 257
14853	14853	oversight of the Executive Director of the Office of
14854	14854	Occupational and Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B
14855	14855	of Title 25.
14856	14856	(2) The board may implement and enforce this chapter.
14857	14857	On October 10, 1975, the State Board of Optometry as then
14858	14858	constituted shall be abolished, but the members thereof shall
14859	14859	serve as members of the Alabama Board of Optometry created by
14860	14860	this section and shall continue to serve until their present
14861	14861	terms of appointment expire, as set out below. The membership
14862	14862	of the board shall be inclusive and reflect the racial,
14863	14863	gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the
14864	14864	state. Until October 1, 1992, the Alabama Board of Optometry
14865	14865	shall consist of five persons, no two of whom shall reside in
14866	14866	the same U.S. Congressional District. On October 1, 1993, two
14867	14867	additional members shall be appointed to the board. The board
14868	14868	shall than be composed of seven members, one from each United
14869	14869	States Congressional District as follows:
14870	14870	(3) The members shall be persons licensed to practice
14871	14871	optometry in this state, each of whom shall be a citizen and
14872	14872	resident of this state, who shall have been actively engaged
14873	14873	in the practice of optometry for at least five years next
14874	14874	preceding the date of their appointment. The term of one
14875	14875	member of the board shall expire October 1, 1975, and every
14876	14876	fifth year thereafter; the term of one member shall expire
14877	14877	October 1, 1976, and every fifth year thereafter; the term of
14878	14878	one member shall expire October 1, 1977, and every fifth year
14879	14879	thereafter; the term of one member shall expire October 1,
14880	14880	1978, and every fifth year thereafter; the term of one member
14881	14881	shall expire October 1, 1979, and every fifth year thereafter;
14882	14882	7168
14883	14883	7169
14884	14884	7170
14885	14885	7171
14886	14886	7172
14887	14887	7173
14888	14888	7174
14889	14889	7175
14890	14890	7176
14891	14891	7177
14892	14892	7178
14893	14893	7179
14894	14894	7180
14895	14895	7181
14896	14896	7182
14897	14897	7183
14898	14898	7184
14899	14899	7185
14900	14900	7186
14901	14901	7187
14902	14902	7188
14903	14903	7189
14904	14904	7190
14905	14905	7191
14906	14906	7192
14907	14907	7193
14908	14908	7194
14909	14909	7195 SB224 INTRODUCED
14910	14910	Page 258
14911	14911	shall expire October 1, 1979, and every fifth year thereafter;
14912	14912	the term of two additional members shall begin on October 1,
14913	14913	1993, and expire October 1, 1998, and every fifth year
14914	14914	thereafter. Each member of the board shall be appointed by the
14915	14915	Governor from a list of five names of qualified persons
14916	14916	certified to him or her by the board.
14917	14917	(b) When the term of any member of the board expires,
14918	14918	that person shall continue to serve until his or her successor
14919	14919	is appointed and qualified.
14920	14920	(c) For the purpose of preparing the list of five
14921	14921	names, the board shall conduct an annual meeting at least 30
14922	14922	days prior to October 1 of each year, at which all
14923	14923	optometrists licensed to practice and holding a current annual
14924	14924	registration certificate pursuant to this chapter may attend,
14925	14925	nominate, and vote. The board may regulate and prescribe the
14926	14926	place and hour of the meeting, the method of nomination, and
14927	14927	the manner of voting. Each optometrist in attendance may vote
14928	14928	for those persons duly nominated, and no cumulative or proxy
14929	14929	voting shall be permitted. Each optometrist voting shall vote
14930	14930	for five nominees in order for his or her ballot to be valid,
14931	14931	and any ballot indicating votes for more or less than five
14932	14932	nominees shall be null and void. The five persons receiving
14933	14933	the greatest number of votes of those in attendance at the
14934	14934	meeting shall be the five persons whose names shall be
14935	14935	certified to the Governor for appointment to the board,
14936	14936	without substitution. In order for a person to withdraw from
14937	14937	the list, the person must do so in writing and present it to
14938	14938	the secretary of the board prior to the submission of the list
14939	14939	to the Governor, after eliminating the person withdrawing from
14940	14940	7196
14941	14941	7197
14942	14942	7198
14943	14943	7199
14944	14944	7200
14945	14945	7201
14946	14946	7202
14947	14947	7203
14948	14948	7204
14949	14949	7205
14950	14950	7206
14951	14951	7207
14952	14952	7208
14953	14953	7209
14954	14954	7210
14955	14955	7211
14956	14956	7212
14957	14957	7213
14958	14958	7214
14959	14959	7215
14960	14960	7216
14961	14961	7217
14962	14962	7218
14963	14963	7219
14964	14964	7220
14965	14965	7221
14966	14966	7222
14967	14967	7223 SB224 INTRODUCED
14968	14968	Page 259
14969	14969	to the Governor, after eliminating the person withdrawing from
14970	14970	the list, and the list shall be composed solely of those names
14971	14971	remaining. At least 30 days prior to the meeting the board
14972	14972	shall mail notices to each optometrist licensed to practice
14973	14973	and holding a current annual registration certificate pursuant
14974	14974	to this chapter at the address shown on his or her current
14975	14975	registration notifying each optometrist of the exact date,
14976	14976	place, and hour of the meeting, the purpose of the meeting,
14977	14977	and of the right to attend and vote. In the event of a vacancy
14978	14978	prior to the next annual meeting, the Governor shall fill the
14979	14979	vacancy from the remaining names on the list. The Governor may
14980	14980	remove any member for neglect of duty, incompetency, improper
14981	14981	or unprofessional conduct, or having his or her license
14982	14982	revoked or suspended.
14983	14983	(d) Effective October 1, 1984, no person may serve more
14984	14984	than two consecutive terms on the board. Time served on the
14985	14985	board prior to October 1, 1984, shall not count toward this
14986	14986	limitation."
14987	14987	"§34-22-41
14988	14988	(a) The board shall choose annually one of its members
14989	14989	as president, one as vice-president, and one as
14990	14990	secretary-treasurer, who each may administer oaths and take
14991	14991	affidavits, certifying thereto under their hand and the common
14992	14992	seal of the board.
14993	14993	(b) The board shall meet at least once in each year in
14994	14994	the City of Montgomery or in a place designated by the
14995	14995	president and, in addition thereto, whenever and wherever the
14996	14996	president thereof calls a meeting. A majority of the board
14997	14997	shall at all times constitute a quorum. The secretary of the
14998	14998	7224
14999	14999	7225
15000	15000	7226
15001	15001	7227
15002	15002	7228
15003	15003	7229
15004	15004	7230
15005	15005	7231
15006	15006	7232
15007	15007	7233
15008	15008	7234
15009	15009	7235
15010	15010	7236
15011	15011	7237
15012	15012	7238
15013	15013	7239
15014	15014	7240
15015	15015	7241
15016	15016	7242
15017	15017	7243
15018	15018	7244
15019	15019	7245
15020	15020	7246
15021	15021	7247
15022	15022	7248
15023	15023	7249
15024	15024	7250
15025	15025	7251 SB224 INTRODUCED
15026	15026	Page 260
15027	15027	shall at all times constitute a quorum. The secretary of the
15028	15028	board shall keep a full record of the proceedings of the
15029	15029	board, which shall at all reasonable times be open to public
15030	15030	inspection.
15031	15031	(c) Each member of the board shall be reimbursed at the
15032	15032	same per diem and travel allowance amounts paid by law to
15033	15033	state employees for each day of attendance upon the business
15034	15034	of the board and, in addition thereto, the sum of two hundred
15035	15035	fifty dollars ($250) per diem for each day actually spent by
15036	15036	each member upon the business of the board. All expenses and
15037	15037	per diem shall be paid out of the receipts of the board under
15038	15038	this chapter. The secretary shall receive compensation as
15039	15039	fixed by the board and shall be the custodian of all records
15040	15040	and the official seal of the board.
15041	15041	(d)(c) All money received by the board shall be
15042	15042	deposited to the credit of the board in a bank selected by its
15043	15043	members for the use of the board, and the execution and
15044	15044	enforcement of this chapter and the payments of salaries,
15045	15045	expenses, and other authorized costs shall be paid by checks
15046	15046	drawn by the treasurer and countersigned by the president or
15047	15047	executive director of the board into the Occupational and
15048	15048	Professional Licensing Fund .
15049	15049	(e)(d) The president, executive director, and treasurer
15050	15050	shall give such bonds as the board from time to time directs.
15051	15051	(f)(e) The board shall make an annual report of its
15052	15052	proceedings to the Governor on the first Monday of January of
15053	15053	each year."
15054	15054	"§34-22-42
15055	15055	The board shall exercise and perform, subject to this
15056	15056	7252
15057	15057	7253
15058	15058	7254
15059	15059	7255
15060	15060	7256
15061	15061	7257
15062	15062	7258
15063	15063	7259
15064	15064	7260
15065	15065	7261
15066	15066	7262
15067	15067	7263
15068	15068	7264
15069	15069	7265
15070	15070	7266
15071	15071	7267
15072	15072	7268
15073	15073	7269
15074	15074	7270
15075	15075	7271
15076	15076	7272
15077	15077	7273
15078	15078	7274
15079	15079	7275
15080	15080	7276
15081	15081	7277
15082	15082	7278
15083	15083	7279 SB224 INTRODUCED
15084	15084	Page 261
15085	15085	The board shall exercise and perform, subject to this
15086	15086	chapter, each of the following powers and duties:
15087	15087	(1) Conduct examinations at least once each year to
15088	15088	ascertain the qualifications and fitness of applicants for
15089	15089	licenses to practice optometry.
15090	15090	(2) Prescribe rules and regulations for conducting and
15091	15091	administering an examination of applicants for licensing as
15092	15092	optometrists and to effectuate this chapter.
15093	15093	(3) Institute, upon a complaint or petition, hearings
15094	15094	of charges against licensed optometrists or other persons as
15095	15095	provided in this chapter.
15096	15096	(4) Institute legal proceedings for violations of this
15097	15097	chapter.
15098	15098	(5) Grant and deny licenses in conformity with this
15099	15099	chapter, including applications for approval to use
15100	15100	pharmaceutical agents.
15101	15101	(6) Formulate rules and regulations by which the board
15102	15102	shall determine which optometry schools and colleges in or out
15103	15103	of the State of Alabama have been duly accredited by a
15104	15104	recognized and properly authorized accrediting agency and
15105	15105	which accredited schools or colleges shall be approved by the
15106	15106	board.
15107	15107	(7) Establish standards of continuing education which
15108	15108	shall be deemed a requisite to the renewal of licenses of
15109	15109	applicants who are otherwise qualified to practice optometry
15110	15110	in the State of Alabama.
15111	15111	(8) Keep a register of optometrists containing the
15112	15112	names and addresses of all persons to whom license
15113	15113	certificates, temporary licenses, approvals for use of
15114	15114	7280
15115	15115	7281
15116	15116	7282
15117	15117	7283
15118	15118	7284
15119	15119	7285
15120	15120	7286
15121	15121	7287
15122	15122	7288
15123	15123	7289
15124	15124	7290
15125	15125	7291
15126	15126	7292
15127	15127	7293
15128	15128	7294
15129	15129	7295
15130	15130	7296
15131	15131	7297
15132	15132	7298
15133	15133	7299
15134	15134	7300
15135	15135	7301
15136	15136	7302
15137	15137	7303
15138	15138	7304
15139	15139	7305
15140	15140	7306
15141	15141	7307 SB224 INTRODUCED
15142	15142	Page 262
15143	15143	certificates, temporary licenses, approvals for use of
15144	15144	pharmaceutical agents, and limited licenses have been issued
15145	15145	in the State of Alabama, the date of the issuance, the place
15146	15146	or places of business in which each optometrist is engaged,
15147	15147	and all renewals, revocations, and suspensions of licenses and
15148	15148	certification.
15149	15149	(9) Administer oaths and affirmations of witnesses,
15150	15150	issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the
15151	15151	production of all necessary papers, books, records,
15152	15152	documentary evidence, and materials in any hearing,
15153	15153	investigation, or other proceeding before the board.
15154	15154	(10) Employ or appoint an executive director, clerical
15155	15155	personnel, and legal advisors or counsel to assist in
15156	15156	implementing this chapter when there is a need for those
15157	15157	services and when funds are available for those purposes. The
15158	15158	executive director may be a licensed optometrist in this
15159	15159	state, but may not, while serving as the executive director,
15160	15160	also serve as a member of the Board of Optometry. The
15161	15161	executive director shall not be subject to the state Merit
15162	15162	System.
15163	15163	(11)(10) Prescribe rules and regulations establishing a
15164	15164	program of internship as a requisite to application for
15165	15165	license, if the board deems such a program advisable.
15166	15166	(12)(11) Prescribe rules and regulations establishing
15167	15167	circumstances and conditions upon which temporary licenses may
15168	15168	be issued by the board and the terms and conditions of the
15169	15169	temporary licenses.
15170	15170	(13)(12) Prescribe rules and regulations subject to the
15171	15171	limitations of this chapter for the utilization of methods or
15172	15172	7308
15173	15173	7309
15174	15174	7310
15175	15175	7311
15176	15176	7312
15177	15177	7313
15178	15178	7314
15179	15179	7315
15180	15180	7316
15181	15181	7317
15182	15182	7318
15183	15183	7319
15184	15184	7320
15185	15185	7321
15186	15186	7322
15187	15187	7323
15188	15188	7324
15189	15189	7325
15190	15190	7326
15191	15191	7327
15192	15192	7328
15193	15193	7329
15194	15194	7330
15195	15195	7331
15196	15196	7332
15197	15197	7333
15198	15198	7334
15199	15199	7335 SB224 INTRODUCED
15200	15200	Page 263
15201	15201	limitations of this chapter for the utilization of methods or
15202	15202	means of treatment recognized as being within the scope of the
15203	15203	practice of optometry.
15204	15204	(14)(13) Prescribe rules and regulations subject to the
15205	15205	limitations of this chapter necessary for the performance of
15206	15206	eye care procedures reasonably necessary to the treatment of
15207	15207	conditions or diseases of the human eye and its adjacent
15208	15208	structures."
15209	15209	"§34-22-43
15210	15210	(a) The secretary of the board shall keep a registry in
15211	15211	which shall be entered the names of all persons to whom
15212	15212	temporary licenses, limited licenses, license certificates,
15213	15213	approvals for the use of pharmaceutical agents, and annual
15214	15214	registration certificates have been granted under this
15215	15215	chapter, the numbers of the license certificates and annual
15216	15216	registration certificates, the dates of granting the same, and
15217	15217	other matters of record and shall keep a true and correct copy
15218	15218	of the minutes of all board meetings, and the book so provided
15219	15219	and kept shall be the official book of records.
15220	15220	(b) A photostatic copy of the records, or a copy of the
15221	15221	records certified by the secretary and under the seal of the
15222	15222	board, shall be admitted in any of the courts of this state as
15223	15223	prima facie evidence of the facts contained in the records and
15224	15224	in lieu of the original records.
15225	15225	(c) A certificate under the hand of the secretary and
15226	15226	the seal of the board that there is not entered in the record
15227	15227	books the name, number of, and date of granting the license
15228	15228	certificate or renewal license certificate to a person charged
15229	15229	with a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter
15230	15230	7336
15231	15231	7337
15232	15232	7338
15233	15233	7339
15234	15234	7340
15235	15235	7341
15236	15236	7342
15237	15237	7343
15238	15238	7344
15239	15239	7345
15240	15240	7346
15241	15241	7347
15242	15242	7348
15243	15243	7349
15244	15244	7350
15245	15245	7351
15246	15246	7352
15247	15247	7353
15248	15248	7354
15249	15249	7355
15250	15250	7356
15251	15251	7357
15252	15252	7358
15253	15253	7359
15254	15254	7360
15255	15255	7361
15256	15256	7362
15257	15257	7363 SB224 INTRODUCED
15258	15258	Page 264
15259	15259	with a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter
15260	15260	shall be prima facie evidence of the facts contained therein.
15261	15261	The certificates shall be admitted in any of the courts of
15262	15262	this state in lieu of the records of the board.
15263	15263	(d) The original books, records, and papers of the
15264	15264	board shall be kept at the office of the secretary of the
15265	15265	board, which office shall be at a place designated by the
15266	15266	board executive director .
15267	15267	(e) Upon the payment of a reasonable fee established
15268	15268	from time to time by the board executive director , the
15269	15269	secretary of the board shall mail a copy of the most recent
15270	15270	registry to any person requesting it."
15271	15271	Section 21. Relating to the State Board of Podiatry; to
15272	15272	amend Sections 34-24-230, 34-24-250, 34-24-251, 34-24-252,
15273	15273	34-24-255, 34-24-258, 34-24-272, and 34-24-275 of the Code of
15274	15274	Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
15275	15275	"§34-24-230
15276	15276	For purposes of this title, the following terms have
15277	15277	the respective meanings ascribed by this section:
15278	15278	(1) ANKLE. Consists of the ankle joint that consists of
15279	15279	the distal third of the tibia and fibula and their
15280	15280	articulations with the talus and the soft tissue structures
15281	15281	surrounding the foot and ankle.
15282	15282	(2) DIAGNOSIS. The process of ascertaining a disease or
15283	15283	ailment by its general symptoms.
15284	15284	(3) ELECTRICAL TREATMENT. Any treatment by means and
15285	15285	methods supplied by electric current.
15286	15286	(4) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
15287	15287	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
15288	15288	7364
15289	15289	7365
15290	15290	7366
15291	15291	7367
15292	15292	7368
15293	15293	7369
15294	15294	7370
15295	15295	7371
15296	15296	7372
15297	15297	7373
15298	15298	7374
15299	15299	7375
15300	15300	7376
15301	15301	7377
15302	15302	7378
15303	15303	7379
15304	15304	7380
15305	15305	7381
15306	15306	7382
15307	15307	7383
15308	15308	7384
15309	15309	7385
15310	15310	7386
15311	15311	7387
15312	15312	7388
15313	15313	7389
15314	15314	7390
15315	15315	7391 SB224 INTRODUCED
15316	15316	Page 265
15317	15317	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
15318	15318	in Section 25-2B-1.
15319	15319	(4)(5) FOOT. The terminal appendage of the lower
15320	15320	extremity and contains 28 bones and is divided into three
15321	15321	parts - the forefoot, the midfoot, and the hindfoot. The
15322	15322	forefoot consists of 14 phalanges, five metatarsals, and the
15323	15323	tibial and fibular sesamoid bones. The midfoot consists of
15324	15324	five tarsal bones and their articulations. The hindfoot
15325	15325	consists of two tarsal bones, the calcaneus, and the talus.
15326	15326	The foot is defined as including all 28 complete bony
15327	15327	structures below the ankle joint.
15328	15328	(5)(6) MANIPULATIVE TREATMENT. The use of the hand or
15329	15329	machinery in the operation or working upon the foot or ankle.
15330	15330	(6)(7) MECHANICAL TREATMENT. The application of any
15331	15331	mechanical appliance made of steel, leather, felt, or any
15332	15332	material to the foot or ankle or in the shoe for the purpose
15333	15333	of treating any disease, deformity, or ailment.
15334	15334	(7)(8) MEDICAL TREATMENT. The application to or
15335	15335	prescription for the foot or ankle of pads, fiberglass,
15336	15336	adhesives, felt, plaster, or any medicinal agency for both
15337	15337	external and internal use in connection with treatment of
15338	15338	local ailments of the foot or ankle. The term does not include
15339	15339	the medical treatment of any systemic disease, but includes
15340	15340	treatment for the local manifestations of those systemic
15341	15341	diseases in the foot or ankle.
15342	15342	(8)(9) PODIATRY. The diagnosis and treatment of
15343	15343	disorders of the human foot and ankle, as described herein.
15344	15344	(9)(10) PRACTICE OF PODIATRY. The diagnosis and medical
15345	15345	or surgical or mechanical or manipulative or electrical
15346	15346	7392
15347	15347	7393
15348	15348	7394
15349	15349	7395
15350	15350	7396
15351	15351	7397
15352	15352	7398
15353	15353	7399
15354	15354	7400
15355	15355	7401
15356	15356	7402
15357	15357	7403
15358	15358	7404
15359	15359	7405
15360	15360	7406
15361	15361	7407
15362	15362	7408
15363	15363	7409
15364	15364	7410
15365	15365	7411
15366	15366	7412
15367	15367	7413
15368	15368	7414
15369	15369	7415
15370	15370	7416
15371	15371	7417
15372	15372	7418
15373	15373	7419 SB224 INTRODUCED
15374	15374	Page 266
15375	15375	or surgical or mechanical or manipulative or electrical
15376	15376	treatment of any ailment of the human foot or ankle and the
15377	15377	surgical treatment of ailments of the human foot or ankle
15378	15378	limited anatomically to the foot or ankle. The practice of
15379	15379	podiatry shall include the amputation of the toes and other
15380	15380	parts of the foot and ankle, but shall not include any
15381	15381	amputation above the Chopart joint, total ankle arthroplasty,
15382	15382	or the administration of any anesthetic other than local. A
15383	15383	podiatrist may prescribe drugs that relate specifically to the
15384	15384	scope of practice authorized herein.
15385	15385	(10)(11) SURGICAL TREATMENT. The use of any cutting
15386	15386	instrument to treat a disease, ailment, or condition of the
15387	15387	foot or ankle.
15388	15388	"§34-24-250
15389	15389	(a)(1) The State Board of Podiatry is created.
15390	15390	Commencing on October 1, 2025, the board shall be subject to
15391	15391	the leadership, support, and oversight of the Executive
15392	15392	Director of the Office of Occupational and Professional
15393	15393	Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25.
15394	15394	(2) The Governor of Alabama shall appoint a State Board
15395	15395	of Podiatry consisting of to the board seven persons, each of
15396	15396	whom shall be a citizen of the United States and of Alabama,
15397	15397	over the age of 25, and shall have been engaged in the actual
15398	15398	continuous practice of podiatry in the State of Alabama for at
15399	15399	least five years next preceding his or her appointment. One
15400	15400	member of the board shall be appointed each year, with the
15401	15401	exception of three members being appointed every fifth year
15402	15402	starting in 1979, for terms of five years and until their
15403	15403	successors are appointed and qualified. No member of the board
15404	15404	7420
15405	15405	7421
15406	15406	7422
15407	15407	7423
15408	15408	7424
15409	15409	7425
15410	15410	7426
15411	15411	7427
15412	15412	7428
15413	15413	7429
15414	15414	7430
15415	15415	7431
15416	15416	7432
15417	15417	7433
15418	15418	7434
15419	15419	7435
15420	15420	7436
15421	15421	7437
15422	15422	7438
15423	15423	7439
15424	15424	7440
15425	15425	7441
15426	15426	7442
15427	15427	7443
15428	15428	7444
15429	15429	7445
15430	15430	7446
15431	15431	7447 SB224 INTRODUCED
15432	15432	Page 267
15433	15433	successors are appointed and qualified. No member of the board
15434	15434	shall be reappointed for a successive term. Previous board
15435	15435	members are eligible for nonsuccessive appointments. The
15436	15436	Governor may remove from office at any time any member of the
15437	15437	board for neglect of duty, incompetency, improper or
15438	15438	unprofessional conduct, or when the license or certificate of
15439	15439	any member has been suspended or revoked. Vacancies on the
15440	15440	board shall be filled by appointment by the Governor in the
15441	15441	manner provided in this section. The Governor shall furnish
15442	15442	each member of the board at the time of appointment a
15443	15443	certificate of appointment, and the appointee shall qualify by
15444	15444	taking the usual oath of office before the judge of probate of
15445	15445	his or her home county within 15 days from the date of
15446	15446	appointment.
15447	15447	(b) After April 6, 1993, each Each vacant office
15448	15448	occurring shall be first offered to each available black
15449	15449	licensee until a black member is appointed to the board. When
15450	15450	a black member is appointed to the board, thereafter
15451	15451	appointments shall be made in such a manner as to ensure at
15452	15452	least one black member on the board at all times, and the
15453	15453	membership of the board shall be inclusive and reflect the
15454	15454	racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic
15455	15455	diversity of the state."
15456	15456	"§34-24-251
15457	15457	The State Board of Podiatry shall hold meetings at such
15458	15458	times and places as the board may designate for the discharge
15459	15459	of all business as may legally come before the board, and may
15460	15460	hold additional meetings, on call of the president of the
15461	15461	board, and the president shall call such meetings on petition
15462	15462	7448
15463	15463	7449
15464	15464	7450
15465	15465	7451
15466	15466	7452
15467	15467	7453
15468	15468	7454
15469	15469	7455
15470	15470	7456
15471	15471	7457
15472	15472	7458
15473	15473	7459
15474	15474	7460
15475	15475	7461
15476	15476	7462
15477	15477	7463
15478	15478	7464
15479	15479	7465
15480	15480	7466
15481	15481	7467
15482	15482	7468
15483	15483	7469
15484	15484	7470
15485	15485	7471
15486	15486	7472
15487	15487	7473
15488	15488	7474
15489	15489	7475 SB224 INTRODUCED
15490	15490	Page 268
15491	15491	board, and the president shall call such meetings on petition
15492	15492	of a majority of the members of the board for carrying into
15493	15493	effect the provisions of this article. The board may transact
15494	15494	any and all business that may legally come before the board at
15495	15495	these meetings including, but not limited to, designating
15496	15496	times and places for the examination of applicants for
15497	15497	licenses or certificates . The secretary-treasurer executive
15498	15498	director shall transact all ad interim business for the board
15499	15499	unless otherwise specified in this article . A majority of the
15500	15500	members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the
15501	15501	transaction of business. Should a quorum not be present on the
15502	15502	day appointed for any meeting, those present may adjourn from
15503	15503	day to day until a quorum is present."
15504	15504	"§34-24-252
15505	15505	The State Board of Podiatry shall be the certifying
15506	15506	board for podiatrists and shall have the exclusive power and
15507	15507	authority to certify and to issue, suspend, revoke, limit, and
15508	15508	reinstate all licenses or certificates authorizing the
15509	15509	licensee to practice podiatry in the State of Alabama, and
15510	15510	shall have the following authorities and shall perform the
15511	15511	following duties:
15512	15512	(1) To promulgate any rules and regulations for its
15513	15513	government as it may deem necessary and proper; and for
15514	15514	purposes of disciplining its licensees, in addition to any
15515	15515	other powers of the board, the board may adopt and collect
15516	15516	administrative fines, not to exceed two thousand dollars
15517	15517	($2,000) per violation, and may institute any legal
15518	15518	proceedings necessary to effect compliance with this article.
15519	15519	(2) To provide a standard of efficiency as to the
15520	15520	7476
15521	15521	7477
15522	15522	7478
15523	15523	7479
15524	15524	7480
15525	15525	7481
15526	15526	7482
15527	15527	7483
15528	15528	7484
15529	15529	7485
15530	15530	7486
15531	15531	7487
15532	15532	7488
15533	15533	7489
15534	15534	7490
15535	15535	7491
15536	15536	7492
15537	15537	7493
15538	15538	7494
15539	15539	7495
15540	15540	7496
15541	15541	7497
15542	15542	7498
15543	15543	7499
15544	15544	7500
15545	15545	7501
15546	15546	7502
15547	15547	7503 SB224 INTRODUCED
15548	15548	Page 269
15549	15549	(2) To provide a standard of efficiency as to the
15550	15550	moral, educational, and experience qualifications and fitness
15551	15551	for all persons who desire to practice podiatry in this state.
15552	15552	(3) To elect annually one of its members as president,
15553	15553	one as vice-president, and one as secretary-treasurer, who
15554	15554	shall hold their respective offices for one year and until
15555	15555	their successors are elected and qualified. If a vacancy
15556	15556	occurs in any of the three offices, a special meeting of the
15557	15557	board shall be called for the purpose of filling the vacancy
15558	15558	for the unexpired term.
15559	15559	(4) To administer any oaths and take any affidavits as
15560	15560	are required by this article, certifying thereto under its
15561	15561	hand and the seal of the board.
15562	15562	(5) To assist in the prosecution of violations of this
15563	15563	article.
15564	15564	(6) To appoint or employ a legal adviser or counsel,
15565	15565	when deemed necessary, whose compensation shall be fixed by
15566	15566	the board and paid in the same manner as the per diem and
15567	15567	expenses of the board are paid.
15568	15568	(7)(6) To adopt a common seal to be affixed to its
15569	15569	official documents.
15570	15570	(8)(7) To keep a record of its proceedings, a register
15571	15571	of persons licensed as podiatrists, and a register of licenses
15572	15572	and certificates revoked by the board.
15573	15573	(9)(8) To annually, on or before January 1, make a
15574	15574	report to the Governor of Alabama of all its official acts
15575	15575	during the preceding year, of its receipts and disbursements,
15576	15576	a full and complete report of the condition of podiatry and
15577	15577	the practice in this state, and to file duplicate copies of
15578	15578	7504
15579	15579	7505
15580	15580	7506
15581	15581	7507
15582	15582	7508
15583	15583	7509
15584	15584	7510
15585	15585	7511
15586	15586	7512
15587	15587	7513
15588	15588	7514
15589	15589	7515
15590	15590	7516
15591	15591	7517
15592	15592	7518
15593	15593	7519
15594	15594	7520
15595	15595	7521
15596	15596	7522
15597	15597	7523
15598	15598	7524
15599	15599	7525
15600	15600	7526
15601	15601	7527
15602	15602	7528
15603	15603	7529
15604	15604	7530
15605	15605	7531 SB224 INTRODUCED
15606	15606	Page 270
15607	15607	the practice in this state, and to file duplicate copies of
15608	15608	the report with the Secretary of State, the State Auditor, and
15609	15609	the Alabama Department of Archives and History.
15610	15610	(10) To employ, when deemed necessary and without
15611	15611	regard to the state Merit System, and set the salary of, an
15612	15612	executive director who shall serve at the pleasure of the
15613	15613	board and shall administer board policy. "
15614	15614	"§34-24-255
15615	15615	(a) Every person desiring to commence the practice of
15616	15616	podiatry shall apply to the board and shall pay an application
15617	15617	fee as established by the board executive director . The
15618	15618	applicant shall thereafter take and pass the standard
15619	15619	examination provided in this article and fulfill the other
15620	15620	requirements as herein provided. The applicant shall be 19
15621	15621	years of age or over, or the age as the board may by rule
15622	15622	determine, shall be a citizen of the United States or, if not
15623	15623	a citizen of the United States, a person who is legally
15624	15624	present in the United States with appropriate documentation
15625	15625	from the federal government, of good moral character, shall be
15626	15626	a graduate of a college of podiatry recognized by the American
15627	15627	Podiatric Medical Association, shall have completed a
15628	15628	podiatric residency approved by the American Podiatric Medical
15629	15629	Association or by the State Board of Podiatry under its rules
15630	15630	and regulations, shall have successfully passed all parts of
15631	15631	the examination given by the National Board of Podiatric
15632	15632	Examiners and shall be able to pass the standard examination
15633	15633	prescribed by the State Board of Podiatry. The standard
15634	15634	examination shall consist of tests in practical, theoretical,
15635	15635	and physiological podiatry, in the anatomy and physiology of
15636	15636	7532
15637	15637	7533
15638	15638	7534
15639	15639	7535
15640	15640	7536
15641	15641	7537
15642	15642	7538
15643	15643	7539
15644	15644	7540
15645	15645	7541
15646	15646	7542
15647	15647	7543
15648	15648	7544
15649	15649	7545
15650	15650	7546
15651	15651	7547
15652	15652	7548
15653	15653	7549
15654	15654	7550
15655	15655	7551
15656	15656	7552
15657	15657	7553
15658	15658	7554
15659	15659	7555
15660	15660	7556
15661	15661	7557
15662	15662	7558
15663	15663	7559 SB224 INTRODUCED
15664	15664	Page 271
15665	15665	and physiological podiatry, in the anatomy and physiology of
15666	15666	the human foot, and in pathology as applied to podiatry. In
15667	15667	addition, the standard examination shall test the knowledge of
15668	15668	the applicant of the Podiatry Practice Act and the rules and
15669	15669	regulations of the board. The standard examination shall not
15670	15670	be out of keeping with established teachings and adopted
15671	15671	textbooks of recognized schools of podiatry. If the applicant
15672	15672	satisfactorily passes the examination provided for he or she
15673	15673	shall be issued a license to practice podiatry.
15674	15674	(b) The board executive director may establish and
15675	15675	collect an application fee and an examination fee from
15676	15676	applicants for licensure, and a nonrefundable reexamination
15677	15677	fee for a second or subsequent examination."
15678	15678	"§34-24-258
15679	15679	All funds received by the board shall be deposited to
15680	15680	the credit of the board in a federally insured bank selected
15681	15681	by the board, and the execution and enforcement of this
15682	15682	article and the payments of salaries, expenses, and other
15683	15683	authorized costs shall be paid by checks drawn by the
15684	15684	secretary-treasurer and countersigned by a designated member
15685	15685	of the board into the Occupational and Professional Licensing
15686	15686	Fund."
15687	15687	"§34-24-272
15688	15688	Any person who is a legal, ethical, and competent
15689	15689	practitioner of podiatry in this state, who has been duly
15690	15690	examined and licensed by the State Board of Podiatry, and of
15691	15691	good moral character and known to the board as such, who shall
15692	15692	desire to change his or her residence to another state or
15693	15693	territory, or foreign country, shall, upon application to the
15694	15694	7560
15695	15695	7561
15696	15696	7562
15697	15697	7563
15698	15698	7564
15699	15699	7565
15700	15700	7566
15701	15701	7567
15702	15702	7568
15703	15703	7569
15704	15704	7570
15705	15705	7571
15706	15706	7572
15707	15707	7573
15708	15708	7574
15709	15709	7575
15710	15710	7576
15711	15711	7577
15712	15712	7578
15713	15713	7579
15714	15714	7580
15715	15715	7581
15716	15716	7582
15717	15717	7583
15718	15718	7584
15719	15719	7585
15720	15720	7586
15721	15721	7587 SB224 INTRODUCED
15722	15722	Page 272
15723	15723	territory, or foreign country, shall, upon application to the
15724	15724	board and the payment of a fee of fifty dollars ($50)
15725	15725	prescribed by the executive director , receive a special
15726	15726	certificate over the signature of the president and
15727	15727	secretary-treasurer of the board and bearing its seal which
15728	15728	shall give the date upon which he or she was registered and
15729	15729	licensed."
15730	15730	"§34-24-275
15731	15731	Every licensed podiatrist who desires to continue the
15732	15732	practice of podiatry , at a time determined by the executive
15733	15733	director, shall annually, on or before the first of October,
15734	15734	pay to the secretary-treasurer of the state board a renewal
15735	15735	registration fee in a reasonable amount set by the board
15736	15736	executive director and comply with such other conditions as
15737	15737	may be prescribed by the State Board of Podiatry; provided,
15738	15738	however, that the license shall be renewed within 30 days
15739	15739	after October first, or the licensee shall pay the renewal
15740	15740	registration fee and a penalty of $300 board. Among the
15741	15741	conditions to be prescribed by the State Board of Podiatry is
15742	15742	the requirement that evidence be furnished by the applicant
15743	15743	for renewal of completion of a continuing education program.
15744	15744	Such program shall consist of no less than 12 hours, which
15745	15745	shall be obtained at the annual state meeting of the Alabama
15746	15746	Podiatry Association or any other continuing education program
15747	15747	approved by the State Board of Podiatry. Any licensed
15748	15748	podiatrist who is inactive in the practice of podiatry for a
15749	15749	period of two years may have his or her license renewed to
15750	15750	practice his profession on such conditions as may be
15751	15751	prescribed by the State Board of Podiatry."
15752	15752	7588
15753	15753	7589
15754	15754	7590
15755	15755	7591
15756	15756	7592
15757	15757	7593
15758	15758	7594
15759	15759	7595
15760	15760	7596
15761	15761	7597
15762	15762	7598
15763	15763	7599
15764	15764	7600
15765	15765	7601
15766	15766	7602
15767	15767	7603
15768	15768	7604
15769	15769	7605
15770	15770	7606
15771	15771	7607
15772	15772	7608
15773	15773	7609
15774	15774	7610
15775	15775	7611
15776	15776	7612
15777	15777	7613
15778	15778	7614
15779	15779	7615 SB224 INTRODUCED
15780	15780	Page 273
15781	15781	prescribed by the State Board of Podiatry."
15782	15782	Section 22. Relating to the Alabama Private
15783	15783	Investigation Board; to amend Sections 34-25B-2, 34-25B-4,
15784	15784	34-25B-5, 34-25B-7, 34-25B-8, 34-25B-11, 34-25B-13, 34-25B-17,
15785	15785	34-25B-25, 34-25B-26, 34-25B-27, 34-25B-51, and 34-25B-53 of
15786	15786	the Code of Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
15787	15787	"§34-25B-2
15788	15788	As used in this chapter, the following terms have the
15789	15789	following meanings:
15790	15790	(1) BOARD. The Alabama Private Investigation Board.
15791	15791	(2) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
15792	15792	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
15793	15793	in Section 25-2B-1.
15794	15794	(2)(3) FELONY. A criminal offense that is defined and
15795	15795	punishable under the laws of this state, or an offense
15796	15796	committed outside the State of Alabama, which if committed in
15797	15797	this state, would constitute a felony under Alabama law; a
15798	15798	crime in any other state or a crime against the United States
15799	15799	which is designated as a felony; or an offense in any other
15800	15800	state, territory, or country punishable by imprisonment for a
15801	15801	term exceeding one year.
15802	15802	(3)(4) PRIVATE INVESTIGATION. The compensated act of
15803	15803	any individual or company engaging in the business of
15804	15804	obtaining or furnishing information with reference to any of
15805	15805	the following:
15806	15806	a. A crime committed or threatened against the United
15807	15807	States or any state or territory of the United States.
15808	15808	b. The identity, habits, conduct, business, occupation,
15809	15809	honesty, integrity, credibility, including, but not limited
15810	15810	7616
15811	15811	7617
15812	15812	7618
15813	15813	7619
15814	15814	7620
15815	15815	7621
15816	15816	7622
15817	15817	7623
15818	15818	7624
15819	15819	7625
15820	15820	7626
15821	15821	7627
15822	15822	7628
15823	15823	7629
15824	15824	7630
15825	15825	7631
15826	15826	7632
15827	15827	7633
15828	15828	7634
15829	15829	7635
15830	15830	7636
15831	15831	7637
15832	15832	7638
15833	15833	7639
15834	15834	7640
15835	15835	7641
15836	15836	7642
15837	15837	7643 SB224 INTRODUCED
15838	15838	Page 274
15839	15839	honesty, integrity, credibility, including, but not limited
15840	15840	to, the credibility of an individual giving testimony in a
15841	15841	criminal or civil proceeding, knowledge, trustworthiness,
15842	15842	efficiency, loyalty, activity, movement, whereabouts,
15843	15843	affiliations, associations, transactions, acts, reputations,
15844	15844	or character of any individual.
15845	15845	c. The location, disposition, or recovery of lost or
15846	15846	stolen property.
15847	15847	d. The cause or responsibility for fires, losses,
15848	15848	accidents, damages, or injuries to individuals or to property.
15849	15849	(4)(5) PRIVATE INVESTIGATION AGENCY. A corporation,
15850	15850	firm, partnership, or other business entity that, for
15851	15851	compensation, practices private investigation in this state
15852	15852	and employs licensed private investigators. The term includes
15853	15853	a business entity that practices private investigation through
15854	15854	licensed private investigators who are solely independent
15855	15855	contractors rather than employees.
15856	15856	(5)(6) PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR. a. An individual who, for
15857	15857	compensation, performs one or more of the private
15858	15858	investigation services defined and regulated by this article.
15859	15859	b. An individual who, for consideration, advertises as
15860	15860	providing or performing private investigation. The term does
15861	15861	not include an informant who, on a one time or limited basis,
15862	15862	as a result of a unique expertise, ability, or vocation, and
15863	15863	who provides information or services while under the direction
15864	15864	and control of a licensee of the board, that would otherwise
15865	15865	be included in the definition of private investigation.
15866	15866	c. An individual who is engaged in private
15867	15867	investigation and who is licensed in accordance with this
15868	15868	7644
15869	15869	7645
15870	15870	7646
15871	15871	7647
15872	15872	7648
15873	15873	7649
15874	15874	7650
15875	15875	7651
15876	15876	7652
15877	15877	7653
15878	15878	7654
15879	15879	7655
15880	15880	7656
15881	15881	7657
15882	15882	7658
15883	15883	7659
15884	15884	7660
15885	15885	7661
15886	15886	7662
15887	15887	7663
15888	15888	7664
15889	15889	7665
15890	15890	7666
15891	15891	7667
15892	15892	7668
15893	15893	7669
15894	15894	7670
15895	15895	7671 SB224 INTRODUCED
15896	15896	Page 275
15897	15897	investigation and who is licensed in accordance with this
15898	15898	article.
15899	15899	(6)(7) PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR APPRENTICE. An individual
15900	15900	who is engaged in private investigation under the supervision
15901	15901	of a licensed private investigator and who is licensed in
15902	15902	accordance with this article.
15903	15903	"§34-25B-4
15904	15904	(a) There is created the Alabama Private Investigation
15905	15905	Board. Commencing on October 1, 2025, the board shall be
15906	15906	subject to the leadership, support, and oversight of the
15907	15907	Executive Director of the Office of Occupational and
15908	15908	Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25. The
15909	15909	appointing authorities shall coordinate their appointments to
15910	15910	assure the membership of the board is inclusive and reflects
15911	15911	the racial, gender, geographic, urban, rural, and economic
15912	15912	diversity of the state.
15913	15913	(b) Private investigator members shall have had five
15914	15914	years of experience as an investigator prior to his or her
15915	15915	appointment. Beginning on August 1, 2018, each private
15916	15916	investigator member appointed to the board shall have been
15917	15917	licensed pursuant to this article as a private investigator
15918	15918	for a period of at least five years prior to his or her
15919	15919	appointment.
15920	15920	(c) The following members shall be appointed to the
15921	15921	board:
15922	15922	(1) Three individuals appointed by the Governor, two of
15923	15923	whom shall be private investigators and one of whom shall be a
15924	15924	consumer who will represent the public at large.
15925	15925	(2) One individual appointed by the Lieutenant
15926	15926	7672
15927	15927	7673
15928	15928	7674
15929	15929	7675
15930	15930	7676
15931	15931	7677
15932	15932	7678
15933	15933	7679
15934	15934	7680
15935	15935	7681
15936	15936	7682
15937	15937	7683
15938	15938	7684
15939	15939	7685
15940	15940	7686
15941	15941	7687
15942	15942	7688
15943	15943	7689
15944	15944	7690
15945	15945	7691
15946	15946	7692
15947	15947	7693
15948	15948	7694
15949	15949	7695
15950	15950	7696
15951	15951	7697
15952	15952	7698
15953	15953	7699 SB224 INTRODUCED
15954	15954	Page 276
15955	15955	(2) One individual appointed by the Lieutenant
15956	15956	Governor, who shall be a private investigator.
15957	15957	(3) One individual appointed by the Speaker of the
15958	15958	House of Representatives who shall be a private investigator.
15959	15959	(4) One individual appointed by the Attorney General
15960	15960	who shall be a private investigator.
15961	15961	(5) One individual appointed by the Alabama State Bar
15962	15962	Association who shall be a member in good standing of the bar.
15963	15963	(6) One individual appointed by the Alabama Private
15964	15964	Investigators Association who shall be a private investigator.
15965	15965	(d) All members of the board shall be appointed for a
15966	15966	term of four years and shall serve until their successors are
15967	15967	appointed and qualified by subscribing to the constitutional
15968	15968	oath of office.
15969	15969	(e) Any vacancy occurring on the board shall be filled
15970	15970	by the appointing authority of the vacating member for the
15971	15971	unexpired term.
15972	15972	(f) No member may be appointed to succeed himself or
15973	15973	herself for more than three consecutive full terms.
15974	15974	(g) The appointing authority may remove a member of the
15975	15975	board for misconduct, incompetency, or willful neglect of
15976	15976	duty. The board may recommend to the appointing authority
15977	15977	suggested administrative actions that may be taken against a
15978	15978	board member for missing an excessive number of meetings."
15979	15979	"§34-25B-5
15980	15980	(a) The board is declared to be a quasi-judicial body.
15981	15981	Absent negligence, wantonness, recklessness, or deliberate
15982	15982	misconduct, the members and the employees of the board are
15983	15983	granted immunity from civil liability and may not be liable
15984	15984	7700
15985	15985	7701
15986	15986	7702
15987	15987	7703
15988	15988	7704
15989	15989	7705
15990	15990	7706
15991	15991	7707
15992	15992	7708
15993	15993	7709
15994	15994	7710
15995	15995	7711
15996	15996	7712
15997	15997	7713
15998	15998	7714
15999	15999	7715
16000	16000	7716
16001	16001	7717
16002	16002	7718
16003	16003	7719
16004	16004	7720
16005	16005	7721
16006	16006	7722
16007	16007	7723
16008	16008	7724
16009	16009	7725
16010	16010	7726
16011	16011	7727 SB224 INTRODUCED
16012	16012	Page 277
16013	16013	granted immunity from civil liability and may not be liable
16014	16014	for damages when acting in the performance of their duties
16015	16015	under this chapter.
16016	16016	(b) Board members and employees shall be defended by
16017	16017	the Attorney General in regard to any criminal or civil
16018	16018	litigation filed against them based on the performance of
16019	16019	their official duties under this chapter."
16020	16020	"§34-25B-7
16021	16021	(a) There is created in the State Treasury for the use
16022	16022	of the board a fund to be known as the Alabama Private
16023	16023	Investigation Board Fund. All application and license fees,
16024	16024	penalties, fines, and any other funds collected by the board
16025	16025	related to private investigators, private investigator
16026	16026	apprentices, private investigation agencies, and the
16027	16027	implementation of this article, shall be deposited in this
16028	16028	fund and used only to carry out the operations of the board
16029	16029	into the Occupational and Professional Licensing Fund . The
16030	16030	executive director may establish fees that the board may
16031	16031	charge, collect, and deposit into the fund shall include
16032	16032	including, but not be limited to, all of the following:
16033	16033	(1) An application fee for an original license and for
16034	16034	an inactive status certificate.
16035	16035	(2) A renewal fee for a license and for an inactive
16036	16036	status certificate.
16037	16037	(3) A reinstatement application fee.
16038	16038	(4) A late renewal fee.
16039	16039	(5) A change of information fee.
16040	16040	(6) A replacement license fee.
16041	16041	(7) An inactive license fee.
16042	16042	7728
16043	16043	7729
16044	16044	7730
16045	16045	7731
16046	16046	7732
16047	16047	7733
16048	16048	7734
16049	16049	7735
16050	16050	7736
16051	16051	7737
16052	16052	7738
16053	16053	7739
16054	16054	7740
16055	16055	7741
16056	16056	7742
16057	16057	7743
16058	16058	7744
16059	16059	7745
16060	16060	7746
16061	16061	7747
16062	16062	7748
16063	16063	7749
16064	16064	7750
16065	16065	7751
16066	16066	7752
16067	16067	7753
16068	16068	7754
16069	16069	7755 SB224 INTRODUCED
16070	16070	Page 278
16071	16071	(7) An inactive license fee.
16072	16072	(8) An issuance fee for a private investigator license,
16073	16073	a private investigator apprentice license, or a private
16074	16074	investigation agency license.
16075	16075	(9) Reasonable and necessary administrative fees that
16076	16076	reflect the actual cost of services provided.
16077	16077	(b) No monies shall be withdrawn or expended from the
16078	16078	fund for any purpose unless the monies have been appropriated
16079	16079	by the Legislature and allocated pursuant to this chapter. Any
16080	16080	monies appropriated shall be budgeted and allotted pursuant to
16081	16081	the Budget Management Act in accordance with Article 4,
16082	16082	commencing with Section 41-4-80, of Chapter 4 of Title 41, and
16083	16083	only in the amounts provided by the Legislature in the general
16084	16084	appropriations act or other appropriations act.
16085	16085	(c) All expenses incurred by the board in implementing
16086	16086	and administering this article shall be paid out of the fund.
16087	16087	"§34-25B-8
16088	16088	(a) The board may promulgate rules necessary to
16089	16089	implement this chapter and accomplish its objectives subject
16090	16090	to the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act.
16091	16091	(b) The board may promulgate and establish canons of
16092	16092	ethics and minimum acceptable professional standards of
16093	16093	practice for licensees within any rules that it adopts.
16094	16094	(c) The board may hire personnel necessary or as
16095	16095	advisable to carry out the purposes and provisions of this
16096	16096	chapter. With the exception of the Executive Director, all
16097	16097	personnel shall be subject to the provisions of the state
16098	16098	Merit System Act.
16099	16099	(d)(c) The Attorney General shall provide legal
16100	16100	7756
16101	16101	7757
16102	16102	7758
16103	16103	7759
16104	16104	7760
16105	16105	7761
16106	16106	7762
16107	16107	7763
16108	16108	7764
16109	16109	7765
16110	16110	7766
16111	16111	7767
16112	16112	7768
16113	16113	7769
16114	16114	7770
16115	16115	7771
16116	16116	7772
16117	16117	7773
16118	16118	7774
16119	16119	7775
16120	16120	7776
16121	16121	7777
16122	16122	7778
16123	16123	7779
16124	16124	7780
16125	16125	7781
16126	16126	7782
16127	16127	7783 SB224 INTRODUCED
16128	16128	Page 279
16129	16129	(d)(c) The Attorney General shall provide legal
16130	16130	services to the board and board employees in connection with
16131	16131	official duties and actions of the board."
16132	16132	"§34-25B-11
16133	16133	(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), an
16134	16134	application and all information on an application for
16135	16135	licensure as a private investigator, private investigator
16136	16136	apprentice, or private investigation agency shall be treated
16137	16137	as confidential and shall be filed with the board on forms
16138	16138	prescribed by the board executive director . The application
16139	16139	shall include all of the following information of the
16140	16140	applicant:
16141	16141	(1) His or her full name.
16142	16142	(2) His or her date and place of birth.
16143	16143	(3) All residences during the immediate past five
16144	16144	years.
16145	16145	(4) All employment or occupations engaged in during the
16146	16146	immediate past five years.
16147	16147	(5) Three sets of classifiable fingerprints or
16148	16148	electronic fingerprints or criminal history background
16149	16149	information, or both, as approved by the board for initial
16150	16150	licensure.
16151	16151	(6) A list of convictions and pending charges involving
16152	16152	a felony or misdemeanor in any jurisdiction.
16153	16153	(b) The board may publish the name of a licensee and
16154	16154	his or her license number, date of licensure, and license
16155	16155	status on the website of the board and in any licensee
16156	16156	directory printed or distributed by the board. Additionally,
16157	16157	with written permission of the licensee, the board may release
16158	16158	7784
16159	16159	7785
16160	16160	7786
16161	16161	7787
16162	16162	7788
16163	16163	7789
16164	16164	7790
16165	16165	7791
16166	16166	7792
16167	16167	7793
16168	16168	7794
16169	16169	7795
16170	16170	7796
16171	16171	7797
16172	16172	7798
16173	16173	7799
16174	16174	7800
16175	16175	7801
16176	16176	7802
16177	16177	7803
16178	16178	7804
16179	16179	7805
16180	16180	7806
16181	16181	7807
16182	16182	7808
16183	16183	7809
16184	16184	7810
16185	16185	7811 SB224 INTRODUCED
16186	16186	Page 280
16187	16187	with written permission of the licensee, the board may release
16188	16188	or publish contact information for a licensee, including his
16189	16189	or her email address, website, telephone number, and address.
16190	16190	"§34-25B-13
16191	16191	(a) Upon receipt of an application for a license as a
16192	16192	private investigator pursuant to this article, nonrefundable,
16193	16193	nonprorateable application fees shall be submitted to the
16194	16194	board by the applicant for both of the following services:
16195	16195	(1) A request that the Alabama State Law Enforcement
16196	16196	Agency perform a state criminal history background check on
16197	16197	the fingerprints submitted with the application. On subsequent
16198	16198	applications, the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, at the
16199	16199	request of the board, shall review its criminal history files
16200	16200	based upon the name, date of birth, sex, race, and Social
16201	16201	Security number of an applicant whose fingerprints have
16202	16202	previously been submitted to the agency for any new
16203	16203	information since the date of the initial fingerprint
16204	16204	submission, and shall furnish any information thereby derived
16205	16205	to the board.
16206	16206	(2) A request to submit the fingerprints to the Federal
16207	16207	Bureau of Investigation for completion of a national criminal
16208	16208	history background check.
16209	16209	(b) After the approval of the application by the board,
16210	16210	the board shall issue a license in a form prescribed by the
16211	16211	board to each qualified applicant upon its receipt of a
16212	16212	nonrefundable, nonprorateable private investigator license fee
16213	16213	as set by the board executive director .
16214	16214	(c)(1) If an application for a license is denied, the
16215	16215	board shall notify the applicant in writing and specify the
16216	16216	7812
16217	16217	7813
16218	16218	7814
16219	16219	7815
16220	16220	7816
16221	16221	7817
16222	16222	7818
16223	16223	7819
16224	16224	7820
16225	16225	7821
16226	16226	7822
16227	16227	7823
16228	16228	7824
16229	16229	7825
16230	16230	7826
16231	16231	7827
16232	16232	7828
16233	16233	7829
16234	16234	7830
16235	16235	7831
16236	16236	7832
16237	16237	7833
16238	16238	7834
16239	16239	7835
16240	16240	7836
16241	16241	7837
16242	16242	7838
16243	16243	7839 SB224 INTRODUCED
16244	16244	Page 281
16245	16245	board shall notify the applicant in writing and specify the
16246	16246	grounds for denial. If the grounds are subject to correction
16247	16247	by the applicant, the notice shall so state and specify a
16248	16248	reasonable period of time within which the applicant shall
16249	16249	make the required correction.
16250	16250	(2) The applicant may submit an application for
16251	16251	reconsideration to the board within 30 days from the date of
16252	16252	receipt of the denial.
16253	16253	(d) The board shall issue a license to all licensees
16254	16254	that shall be at least 8" x 10" in size and shall be displayed
16255	16255	on a wall of the workplace of the licensee. All licenses and
16256	16256	identification cards issued by the board shall be deemed
16257	16257	property of the State of Alabama and subject to forfeiture to
16258	16258	the state upon revocation."
16259	16259	"§34-25B-17
16260	16260	(a) All licenses issued or renewed under this article
16261	16261	shall be valid for a period of two years from the month of
16262	16262	issuance. The board shall mail to each licensee, at his or her
16263	16263	address of record, a notice of renewal at least 60 days prior
16264	16264	to the expiration of his or her license. An application for
16265	16265	renewal shall be available for download by the licensee on the
16266	16266	website of the board. A licensee shall report any change of
16267	16267	address to the board.
16268	16268	(b) Each application for renewal shall be reviewed for
16269	16269	criminal convictions and civil fraud findings.
16270	16270	(c) An administrative late fee not exceeding two
16271	16271	hundred dollars ($200), as prescribed by the board executive
16272	16272	director, shall be assessed on any renewal application
16273	16273	postmarked after the expiration date of the license.
16274	16274	7840
16275	16275	7841
16276	16276	7842
16277	16277	7843
16278	16278	7844
16279	16279	7845
16280	16280	7846
16281	16281	7847
16282	16282	7848
16283	16283	7849
16284	16284	7850
16285	16285	7851
16286	16286	7852
16287	16287	7853
16288	16288	7854
16289	16289	7855
16290	16290	7856
16291	16291	7857
16292	16292	7858
16293	16293	7859
16294	16294	7860
16295	16295	7861
16296	16296	7862
16297	16297	7863
16298	16298	7864
16299	16299	7865
16300	16300	7866
16301	16301	7867 SB224 INTRODUCED
16302	16302	Page 282
16303	16303	postmarked after the expiration date of the license.
16304	16304	(d) A renewal application may not be accepted by the
16305	16305	board more than 30 days after the expiration date of the
16306	16306	license. This subsection may be waived by the board for good
16307	16307	cause.
16308	16308	(e)(d) A licensee may request, in writing, for the
16309	16309	board to place his or her license on inactive status. The fees
16310	16310	for issuing and renewing an inactive status certificate shall
16311	16311	be established by rule of the board executive director . The
16312	16312	board shall also provide, by rule, for the activities an
16313	16313	inactive status certificate holder may engage in, and for the
16314	16314	procedure and fees required to reinstate an inactive status
16315	16315	license. Any holder of an inactive status certificate who
16316	16316	violates the limitations of the certificate shall be subject
16317	16317	to fines and disciplinary action established by rule of the
16318	16318	board."
16319	16319	"§34-25B-25
16320	16320	(a) There is created within the board a Division of
16321	16321	Investigation that shall be the board's official investigative
16322	16322	agency.
16323	16323	(b)(a) Each licensee shall provide to the investigative
16324	16324	division staff executive director all records that pertain to
16325	16325	the exact nature of the complaint under investigation and upon
16326	16326	the issuance of a subpoena.
16327	16327	(c)(b) The board or an the executive director of the
16328	16328	board may subpoena those persons or documents necessary to any
16329	16329	investigation undertaken under this chapter if other means
16330	16330	including, but not limited to, notification by return receipt
16331	16331	registered United States mail, have not produced the desired
16332	16332	7868
16333	16333	7869
16334	16334	7870
16335	16335	7871
16336	16336	7872
16337	16337	7873
16338	16338	7874
16339	16339	7875
16340	16340	7876
16341	16341	7877
16342	16342	7878
16343	16343	7879
16344	16344	7880
16345	16345	7881
16346	16346	7882
16347	16347	7883
16348	16348	7884
16349	16349	7885
16350	16350	7886
16351	16351	7887
16352	16352	7888
16353	16353	7889
16354	16354	7890
16355	16355	7891
16356	16356	7892
16357	16357	7893
16358	16358	7894
16359	16359	7895 SB224 INTRODUCED
16360	16360	Page 283
16361	16361	registered United States mail, have not produced the desired
16362	16362	results. Any subpoena issued shall be limited to
16363	16363	investigations by the board of its members and shall not
16364	16364	extend to any other matter."
16365	16365	"§34-25B-26
16366	16366	(a) Each private investigator licensee shall complete
16367	16367	16 hours of continuing professional education, including two
16368	16368	hours of ethics instruction, acceptable to the board in each
16369	16369	two-year renewable licensing period.
16370	16370	(b) The board shall adopt rules as necessary to
16371	16371	implement this section."
16372	16372	"§34-25B-27
16373	16373	(a) Any person offering private investigation training
16374	16374	must first be certified by the board. The board shall ensure
16375	16375	that the instructors employed by the training provider possess
16376	16376	both the experience and academic credentials to ensure that
16377	16377	the curriculum and instruction will be beneficial to those
16378	16378	seeking to enter the profession. In order to qualify as a
16379	16379	certified trainer or instructor, or both, the trainer shall
16380	16380	meet the following criteria that he or she:
16381	16381	(1) Is at least 21 years of age.
16382	16382	(2) Has had at least three years' experience
16383	16383	satisfactory to the board with an investigative company or
16384	16384	proprietary entity or with any federal, United States
16385	16385	Military, state, county, or municipal law enforcement agency
16386	16386	relating to the block of instruction.
16387	16387	(3) Is personally qualified to conduct the training
16388	16388	required by this chapter and is certified by the board which
16389	16389	shall establish standards for the instruction process.
16390	16390	7896
16391	16391	7897
16392	16392	7898
16393	16393	7899
16394	16394	7900
16395	16395	7901
16396	16396	7902
16397	16397	7903
16398	16398	7904
16399	16399	7905
16400	16400	7906
16401	16401	7907
16402	16402	7908
16403	16403	7909
16404	16404	7910
16405	16405	7911
16406	16406	7912
16407	16407	7913
16408	16408	7914
16409	16409	7915
16410	16410	7916
16411	16411	7917
16412	16412	7918
16413	16413	7919
16414	16414	7920
16415	16415	7921
16416	16416	7922
16417	16417	7923 SB224 INTRODUCED
16418	16418	Page 284
16419	16419	shall establish standards for the instruction process.
16420	16420	(b) A certified trainer, in his or her discretion, may
16421	16421	instruct personally or use a combination of personal,
16422	16422	instruction, audio, and visual training aids.
16423	16423	(c) To assist in the implementation of a training
16424	16424	program, the certified trainer may use as an assistant trainer
16425	16425	any person who meets each of the following requirements that
16426	16426	the assistant:
16427	16427	(1) Is at least 19 years of age.
16428	16428	(2) Has had at least one year of experience with an
16429	16429	investigative company or any United States Military, state,
16430	16430	county, or municipal law enforcement agency.
16431	16431	(d) A certified trainer may be an employee of a private
16432	16432	investigative or propriety agency or, if not, employed by an
16433	16433	agency as a company under this chapter.
16434	16434	(e) The certified trainer shall certify that he or she
16435	16435	has successfully completed the training and shall submit the
16436	16436	certification to the board.
16437	16437	(f) The training program , fees, and requirements shall
16438	16438	be established by rules promulgated by the board."
16439	16439	"§34-25B-51
16440	16440	(a) Application for a license as a private
16441	16441	investigation agency shall be made in writing to the board, on
16442	16442	forms prescribed by the board executive director , and shall
16443	16443	include all of the following information:
16444	16444	(1) The name of the applicant.
16445	16445	(2) The business name and physical and email address of
16446	16446	the applicant.
16447	16447	(3) A telephone number and other contact information
16448	16448	7924
16449	16449	7925
16450	16450	7926
16451	16451	7927
16452	16452	7928
16453	16453	7929
16454	16454	7930
16455	16455	7931
16456	16456	7932
16457	16457	7933
16458	16458	7934
16459	16459	7935
16460	16460	7936
16461	16461	7937
16462	16462	7938
16463	16463	7939
16464	16464	7940
16465	16465	7941
16466	16466	7942
16467	16467	7943
16468	16468	7944
16469	16469	7945
16470	16470	7946
16471	16471	7947
16472	16472	7948
16473	16473	7949
16474	16474	7950
16475	16475	7951 SB224 INTRODUCED
16476	16476	Page 285
16477	16477	(3) A telephone number and other contact information
16478	16478	for the applicant.
16479	16479	(4) If the applicant is not a domestic business entity
16480	16480	in the state, the name and contact information for the
16481	16481	registered agent of the applicant for service of process.
16482	16482	(5) The name, address, and contact information of a
16483	16483	principal contact for the applicant.
16484	16484	(6) The name, address, and contact information for at
16485	16485	least one officer or principal of the company who holds a
16486	16486	valid private investigator license in this state.
16487	16487	(7) An irrevocable uniform consent to service of
16488	16488	process.
16489	16489	(8) A designated physical address where the records of
16490	16490	the applicant shall be kept.
16491	16491	(9) Any other information required by the board and
16492	16492	reasonably necessary to grant licensure, as established by
16493	16493	rule of the board.
16494	16494	(b) Upon receipt of a properly completed application
16495	16495	and payment of a license fee as provided in this subsection
16496	16496	established by the executive director , the board shall issue
16497	16497	the applicant a private investigation agency license.
16498	16498	(1) For a private investigation agency domiciled within
16499	16499	this state, the license fee and renewal fee shall be in an
16500	16500	amount determined by the board, not exceeding fifty dollars
16501	16501	($50) for a private investigation agency that employs or
16502	16502	contracts with not more than two licensed private
16503	16503	investigators, and not exceeding two hundred dollars ($200)
16504	16504	for a private investigation agency that employs or contracts
16505	16505	with three or more licensed private investigators.
16506	16506	7952
16507	16507	7953
16508	16508	7954
16509	16509	7955
16510	16510	7956
16511	16511	7957
16512	16512	7958
16513	16513	7959
16514	16514	7960
16515	16515	7961
16516	16516	7962
16517	16517	7963
16518	16518	7964
16519	16519	7965
16520	16520	7966
16521	16521	7967
16522	16522	7968
16523	16523	7969
16524	16524	7970
16525	16525	7971
16526	16526	7972
16527	16527	7973
16528	16528	7974
16529	16529	7975
16530	16530	7976
16531	16531	7977
16532	16532	7978
16533	16533	7979 SB224 INTRODUCED
16534	16534	Page 286
16535	16535	with three or more licensed private investigators.
16536	16536	(2) For a private investigation agency domiciled
16537	16537	outside of this state, the license fee shall be in an amount
16538	16538	determined by the board, not exceeding five hundred dollars
16539	16539	($500).
16540	16540	(c) A private investigation agency license shall be
16541	16541	valid for two years from the month of issuance and may be
16542	16542	renewed upon payment of the license fee provided in subsection
16543	16543	(b) and the satisfaction of any other reasonable requirement
16544	16544	established by rule by the board.
16545	16545	"§34-25B-53
16546	16546	(a) The board shall mail or email to each private
16547	16547	investigation agency licensee a notice of renewal at least 60
16548	16548	days a reasonable time prior to the expiration of the license.
16549	16549	An application for renewal shall be available for download by
16550	16550	the licensee on the website of the board. A licensee shall
16551	16551	report any change of address to the board.
16552	16552	(b) An administrative late fee , not exceeding two
16553	16553	hundred dollars ($200) as prescribed by rule of the board
16554	16554	executive director , shall be assessed on any renewal
16555	16555	application postmarked after the expiration date of the
16556	16556	license.
16557	16557	(c) A renewal application may not be accepted by the
16558	16558	board more than 30 days after the expiration date of the
16559	16559	license. This subsection may be waived by the board for good
16560	16560	cause.
16561	16561	Section 23. Relating to the Alabama State Board of
16562	16562	Prosthetists and Orthotists; to amend Sections 34-25A-3,
16563	16563	34-25A-5, 34-25A-7, 34-25A-8, 34-25A-9, 34-25A-10, 34-25A-11,
16564	16564	7980
16565	16565	7981
16566	16566	7982
16567	16567	7983
16568	16568	7984
16569	16569	7985
16570	16570	7986
16571	16571	7987
16572	16572	7988
16573	16573	7989
16574	16574	7990
16575	16575	7991
16576	16576	7992
16577	16577	7993
16578	16578	7994
16579	16579	7995
16580	16580	7996
16581	16581	7997
16582	16582	7998
16583	16583	7999
16584	16584	8000
16585	16585	8001
16586	16586	8002
16587	16587	8003
16588	16588	8004
16589	16589	8005
16590	16590	8006
16591	16591	8007 SB224 INTRODUCED
16592	16592	Page 287
16593	16593	34-25A-5, 34-25A-7, 34-25A-8, 34-25A-9, 34-25A-10, 34-25A-11,
16594	16594	and 34-25A-12 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
16595	16595	"§34-25A-3
16596	16596	As used in this chapter, the following terms have the
16597	16597	following meanings:
16598	16598	(1) ACCREDITED FACILITY. A facility where prosthetic,
16599	16599	orthotic, prosthetic and orthotic, or pedorthic care is
16600	16600	provided to patients needing such care and has met the
16601	16601	requirements of the board for such designation. The board
16602	16602	shall require that all accredited facilities meet the
16603	16603	requirements of a national certifying board, recognized by the
16604	16604	state board in prosthetics, orthotics, and pedorthics. The
16605	16605	requirements may include custom and non-custom items the board
16606	16606	may determine are necessary to perform quality care and are
16607	16607	typical in the course of business.
16608	16608	(2) ACCREDITED PEDORTHIC FACILITY. A facility where
16609	16609	pedorthic care may be provided that has met the requirements
16610	16610	of the board for such designation. An accredited pedorthic
16611	16611	facility shall contain a site that includes at least the
16612	16612	following equipment: Sanding/grinding equipment suitable for
16613	16613	use, an oven for plastics and foams used in the fabrication of
16614	16614	pedorthic devices, and a vacuum device for forming pedorthic
16615	16615	devices.
16616	16616	(3) AUTHORIZED HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER. A physician
16617	16617	licensed to practice medicine or a person licensed or
16618	16618	authorized to practice podiatry pursuant to Article 6,
16619	16619	commencing with Section 34-24-230, of Chapter 24.
16620	16620	(4) BOARD. The Alabama State Board of Prosthetists and
16621	16621	Orthotists.
16622	16622	8008
16623	16623	8009
16624	16624	8010
16625	16625	8011
16626	16626	8012
16627	16627	8013
16628	16628	8014
16629	16629	8015
16630	16630	8016
16631	16631	8017
16632	16632	8018
16633	16633	8019
16634	16634	8020
16635	16635	8021
16636	16636	8022
16637	16637	8023
16638	16638	8024
16639	16639	8025
16640	16640	8026
16641	16641	8027
16642	16642	8028
16643	16643	8029
16644	16644	8030
16645	16645	8031
16646	16646	8032
16647	16647	8033
16648	16648	8034
16649	16649	8035 SB224 INTRODUCED
16650	16650	Page 288
16651	16651	Orthotists.
16652	16652	(5) CHIROPRACTOR. A person licensed and acting within
16653	16653	the definition as found in Section 34-24-120.
16654	16654	(6) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
16655	16655	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
16656	16656	in Section 25-2B-1.
16657	16657	(6)(7) MASTECTOMY FITTER. A health care professional
16658	16658	who is specifically educated and trained in the provision of
16659	16659	breast prostheses and post-mastectomy services, including
16660	16660	patient assessment, formulation of a treatment plan,
16661	16661	implementation of the treatment plan, and follow-up and
16662	16662	practice management, which is consistent with national
16663	16663	programs approved by the state board.
16664	16664	(7)(8) OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST/OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
16665	16665	ASSISTANT/OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST AIDE. A person who is
16666	16666	licensed as an occupational therapist, or occupational therapy
16667	16667	assistant, or occupational therapy aide as defined in Section
16668	16668	34-39-3.
16669	16669	(8)(9) ORTHOSIS. A custom-fabricated, definitive brace
16670	16670	or support that is designed for long-term use.
16671	16671	Custom-fabricated orthoses, also known as custom-made
16672	16672	orthoses, are devices designed and made from raw materials or
16673	16673	commercially available components for a specific patient and
16674	16674	require the generation of an image, form, or mold that
16675	16675	replicates the patient's body or body segment and involves the
16676	16676	rectification of dimensions, contours, and volumes to achieve
16677	16677	proper fit, comfort, and function for that specific patient.
16678	16678	Except for the treatment of scoliosis, orthosis does not
16679	16679	include prefabricated or direct-formed orthotic devices, as
16680	16680	8036
16681	16681	8037
16682	16682	8038
16683	16683	8039
16684	16684	8040
16685	16685	8041
16686	16686	8042
16687	16687	8043
16688	16688	8044
16689	16689	8045
16690	16690	8046
16691	16691	8047
16692	16692	8048
16693	16693	8049
16694	16694	8050
16695	16695	8051
16696	16696	8052
16697	16697	8053
16698	16698	8054
16699	16699	8055
16700	16700	8056
16701	16701	8057
16702	16702	8058
16703	16703	8059
16704	16704	8060
16705	16705	8061
16706	16706	8062
16707	16707	8063 SB224 INTRODUCED
16708	16708	Page 289
16709	16709	include prefabricated or direct-formed orthotic devices, as
16710	16710	defined in this subdivision and does not include any of the
16711	16711	following items: Commercially available knee orthoses used
16712	16712	following injury or surgery; upper extremity adaptive
16713	16713	equipment; finger splints; leather wrist gauntlets; face masks
16714	16714	used following burns; wheelchair seating that is an integral
16715	16715	part of the wheelchair and not worn by the patient independent
16716	16716	of the wheelchair; fabric or elastic supports; corsets; arch
16717	16717	supports, also known as non-custom or prefabricated orthotics;
16718	16718	low-temperature formed plastic splints; trusses; elastic hose;
16719	16719	canes; crutches; cervical collars; dental appliances, and
16720	16720	other similar devices as determined by the board, such as
16721	16721	those commonly carried in stock by a pharmacy, hospital,
16722	16722	rehabilitation facility, department store, corset shop, or
16723	16723	surgical supply facility. Prefabricated orthoses, also known
16724	16724	as custom-fitted or off-the-shelf, are devices that are
16725	16725	manufactured as commercially available items for no particular
16726	16726	patient, but those devices that can be formed or shaped by a
16727	16727	person licensed under this chapter are considered custom made.
16728	16728	Direct-formed orthoses are devices formed or shaped during the
16729	16729	molding process directly on the patient's body or body
16730	16730	segment.
16731	16731	(9)(10) ORTHOTIC FITTER. A health care practitioner,
16732	16732	licensed with the board, who is specifically educated and
16733	16733	trained in the provision of certain orthoses, including
16734	16734	patient assessment, formulation of a treatment plan,
16735	16735	follow-up, and practice management, consistent with national
16736	16736	programs approved by the state board.
16737	16737	(10)(11) ORTHOTICS. The science and practice of
16738	16738	8064
16739	16739	8065
16740	16740	8066
16741	16741	8067
16742	16742	8068
16743	16743	8069
16744	16744	8070
16745	16745	8071
16746	16746	8072
16747	16747	8073
16748	16748	8074
16749	16749	8075
16750	16750	8076
16751	16751	8077
16752	16752	8078
16753	16753	8079
16754	16754	8080
16755	16755	8081
16756	16756	8082
16757	16757	8083
16758	16758	8084
16759	16759	8085
16760	16760	8086
16761	16761	8087
16762	16762	8088
16763	16763	8089
16764	16764	8090
16765	16765	8091 SB224 INTRODUCED
16766	16766	Page 290
16767	16767	(10)(11) ORTHOTICS. The science and practice of
16768	16768	evaluating, measuring, designing, fabricating, assembling,
16769	16769	fitting, adjusting, or servicing, as well as providing the
16770	16770	initial training necessary to accomplish the fitting of, an
16771	16771	orthosis for the support, correction, or alleviation of
16772	16772	neuromuscular or musculoskeletal dysfunction, disease, injury,
16773	16773	or deformity. The practice of orthotics encompasses
16774	16774	evaluations and consultation and continuing care, with basic
16775	16775	observational gait and posture analysis. Orthotists assess the
16776	16776	need for and measure, design, manufacture, and fit orthoses to
16777	16777	maximize function and provide not only the support but the
16778	16778	alignment necessary to either prevent or correct deformity or
16779	16779	to improve the safety and efficiency of mobility or
16780	16780	locomotion, or both. Orthotic practice includes periodic
16781	16781	evaluation and consultation to assess its effect on the
16782	16782	patient's tissue and assure proper fit and function of the
16783	16783	orthotic device.
16784	16784	(11)(12) ORTHOTIC SUPPLIER. A person registered with
16785	16785	the board who is employed by or has a contractual relationship
16786	16786	with a manufacturer of orthoses or orthosis components and who
16787	16787	has complied with the registration requirements of the board.
16788	16788	(12)(13) ORTHOTIST. A person licensed to practice
16789	16789	orthotics under this chapter.
16790	16790	(13)(14) ORTHOTIST ASSISTANT. A person licensed under
16791	16791	terms to be defined by the board and employed by the same
16792	16792	agency as his or her licensed referring evaluator.
16793	16793	(14)(15) PEDORTHIC DEVICE. Custom therapeutic shoes,
16794	16794	diabetic shoes if prescribed by an authorized health care
16795	16795	practitioner for the treatment of partial or complete
16796	16796	8092
16797	16797	8093
16798	16798	8094
16799	16799	8095
16800	16800	8096
16801	16801	8097
16802	16802	8098
16803	16803	8099
16804	16804	8100
16805	16805	8101
16806	16806	8102
16807	16807	8103
16808	16808	8104
16809	16809	8105
16810	16810	8106
16811	16811	8107
16812	16812	8108
16813	16813	8109
16814	16814	8110
16815	16815	8111
16816	16816	8112
16817	16817	8113
16818	16818	8114
16819	16819	8115
16820	16820	8116
16821	16821	8117
16822	16822	8118
16823	16823	8119 SB224 INTRODUCED
16824	16824	Page 291
16825	16825	practitioner for the treatment of partial or complete
16826	16826	amputation of the foot, foot ulceration, pre-ulcerative
16827	16827	callous, or foot deformity, shoe modifications made for
16828	16828	therapeutic purposes, partial foot prostheses, and foot
16829	16829	orthoses and orthoses for use from the knee and below used for
16830	16830	the treatment or alleviation, or both, of a condition that has
16831	16831	its origin in the foot. A pedorthic device, custom or
16832	16832	non-custom, addresses a medical condition of the foot below
16833	16833	the ankle and is prescribed by an authorized health care
16834	16834	practitioner.
16835	16835	(15)(16) PEDORTHICS. The design, manufacture,
16836	16836	modification, or fit of custom shoes, orthoses, and pedorthic
16837	16837	devices to prevent or alleviate foot problems caused by
16838	16838	disease, congenital defect, overuse, or injury.
16839	16839	(16)(17) PEDORTHIST. A person who is licensed to
16840	16840	practice pedorthics under this chapter.
16841	16841	(17)(18) PHYSICAL THERAPIST/PHYSICAL THERAPIST
16842	16842	ASSISTANT/PHYSICAL THERAPIST TECHNICIAN. A person who is
16843	16843	licensed to practice as defined in Section 34-24-191.
16844	16844	(18)(19) PHYSICIAN. A person who is a doctor of
16845	16845	medicine or a doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice.
16846	16846	(19)(20) PODIATRIST. A person licensed or authorized to
16847	16847	practice podiatry pursuant to Article 6 of Chapter 24.
16848	16848	(20)(21) PROSTHESIS. A definitive artificial limb that
16849	16849	is alignable or articulated or, in lower extremity
16850	16850	applications, capable of bearing weight. Prosthesis means an
16851	16851	artificial medical device that is not surgically implanted and
16852	16852	that is used to replace a missing limb, appendage, or other
16853	16853	external human body part and that includes an artificial limb,
16854	16854	8120
16855	16855	8121
16856	16856	8122
16857	16857	8123
16858	16858	8124
16859	16859	8125
16860	16860	8126
16861	16861	8127
16862	16862	8128
16863	16863	8129
16864	16864	8130
16865	16865	8131
16866	16866	8132
16867	16867	8133
16868	16868	8134
16869	16869	8135
16870	16870	8136
16871	16871	8137
16872	16872	8138
16873	16873	8139
16874	16874	8140
16875	16875	8141
16876	16876	8142
16877	16877	8143
16878	16878	8144
16879	16879	8145
16880	16880	8146
16881	16881	8147 SB224 INTRODUCED
16882	16882	Page 292
16883	16883	external human body part and that includes an artificial limb,
16884	16884	hand, or foot. The term does not include artificial eyes,
16885	16885	ears, dental appliances, ostomy products, devices such as
16886	16886	artificial breasts or eyelashes, wigs, or other devices as
16887	16887	determined by the board that do not have a significant impact
16888	16888	on the musculoskeletal functions of the body.
16889	16889	(21)(22) PROSTHETICS. The science and practice of
16890	16890	evaluating, measuring, designing, fabricating, assembling,
16891	16891	fitting, aligning, adjusting, or servicing, as well as
16892	16892	providing the initial education necessary to accomplish the
16893	16893	wearing and use of a prosthesis, through the replacement of
16894	16894	external parts of a human body lost due to amputation or
16895	16895	congenital deformities or absences. The practice of
16896	16896	prosthetics also includes the generation of an image, form, or
16897	16897	mold that replicates the patient's body or body segment and
16898	16898	that requires rectification of dimensions, contours, and
16899	16899	volumes for use in the design and fabrication of a socket to
16900	16900	accept a residual limb to create an artificial appendage that
16901	16901	is designed either to support body weight or to improve or
16902	16902	restore function or cosmesis, or both. Involved in the
16903	16903	practice of prosthetics is observational gait analysis and
16904	16904	clinical assessment of the requirements necessary to refine
16905	16905	and mechanically fix the relative position of various parts of
16906	16906	the prosthesis to maximize the function, stability, and safety
16907	16907	of the patient. The practice of prosthetics includes
16908	16908	evaluation, consultation, and providing continuing patient
16909	16909	care in order to assess the effect of the prosthetic device on
16910	16910	the patient's tissues and to assure proper fit and function of
16911	16911	the prosthetic device.
16912	16912	8148
16913	16913	8149
16914	16914	8150
16915	16915	8151
16916	16916	8152
16917	16917	8153
16918	16918	8154
16919	16919	8155
16920	16920	8156
16921	16921	8157
16922	16922	8158
16923	16923	8159
16924	16924	8160
16925	16925	8161
16926	16926	8162
16927	16927	8163
16928	16928	8164
16929	16929	8165
16930	16930	8166
16931	16931	8167
16932	16932	8168
16933	16933	8169
16934	16934	8170
16935	16935	8171
16936	16936	8172
16937	16937	8173
16938	16938	8174
16939	16939	8175 SB224 INTRODUCED
16940	16940	Page 293
16941	16941	the prosthetic device.
16942	16942	(22)(23) PROSTHETIST. A person who is licensed to
16943	16943	practice prosthetics under this chapter.
16944	16944	(23)(24) PROSTHETIST ASSISTANT. A person licensed under
16945	16945	terms to be defined by the board and employed by the same
16946	16946	agency as his or her licensed referring evaluator.
16947	16947	(24)(25) PROSTHETIST/ORTHOTIST. A person licensed to
16948	16948	practice prosthetics and orthotics under this chapter.
16949	16949	(25)(26) THERAPEUTIC SHOE FITTER. A health care
16950	16950	professional who is licensed by the board and who is
16951	16951	specifically educated and trained to provide non-custom
16952	16952	therapeutic shoes and non-custom multi-density inserts. This
16953	16953	includes patient assessment, formulation of a plan,
16954	16954	implementation of the treatment plan, follow-up, and practice
16955	16955	management."
16956	16956	"§34-25A-5
16957	16957	(a) Except as provided in subsection (h) or (i), no
16958	16958	person shall administer prosthetic, orthotic, or pedorthic
16959	16959	care in this state unless licensed or registered to do so in
16960	16960	accordance with this chapter. The board executive director
16961	16961	shall issue approved forms for application prior to January 1,
16962	16962	2003.
16963	16963	(b) In order to obtain a license as a prosthetist,
16964	16964	orthotist, or prosthetist/orthotist in this state, an
16965	16965	applicant shall be a citizen of the United States or, if not a
16966	16966	citizen of the United States, a person who is legally present
16967	16967	in the United States with appropriate documentation from the
16968	16968	federal government, and shall do the following:
16969	16969	(1) File a written application on forms to be developed
16970	16970	8176
16971	16971	8177
16972	16972	8178
16973	16973	8179
16974	16974	8180
16975	16975	8181
16976	16976	8182
16977	16977	8183
16978	16978	8184
16979	16979	8185
16980	16980	8186
16981	16981	8187
16982	16982	8188
16983	16983	8189
16984	16984	8190
16985	16985	8191
16986	16986	8192
16987	16987	8193
16988	16988	8194
16989	16989	8195
16990	16990	8196
16991	16991	8197
16992	16992	8198
16993	16993	8199
16994	16994	8200
16995	16995	8201
16996	16996	8202
16997	16997	8203 SB224 INTRODUCED
16998	16998	Page 294
16999	16999	(1) File a written application on forms to be developed
17000	17000	and approved by the board executive director . The applicant
17001	17001	shall meet at least one of the following requirements after a
17002	17002	one-year grandfather period:
17003	17003	a. The applicant shall possess a baccalaureate degree
17004	17004	in orthotics and prosthetics from a college or university
17005	17005	accredited by a regional accrediting agency and complete 1,900
17006	17006	hours per discipline sought of directed employment under the
17007	17007	supervision of a certified/licensed prosthetist, a
17008	17008	certified/licensed orthotist or a certified/licensed
17009	17009	prosthetist/orthotist in an accredited facility, and be
17010	17010	certified as a prosthetist, orthotist, or
17011	17011	prosthetist/orthotist by a national certifying board in
17012	17012	orthotics or prosthetics approved by the state board.
17013	17013	b. The applicant shall possess a baccalaureate degree
17014	17014	from a regionally accredited college or university and have
17015	17015	successfully completed a post-baccalaureate certificate course
17016	17016	approved by the board and completed 1,900 hours of directed
17017	17017	employment per discipline in which license is sought under the
17018	17018	supervision of a certified/licensed prosthetist, a
17019	17019	certified/licensed orthotist, or a certified/licensed
17020	17020	prosthetist/orthotist in an accredited facility, and be
17021	17021	certified by a national certifying board in prosthetics or
17022	17022	orthotics approved by the state board.
17023	17023	c. The applicant shall possess an associate's degree
17024	17024	from a regionally accredited college or university, junior
17025	17025	college, or community college and have successfully completed
17026	17026	postsecondary coursework in anatomy, physiology, physics,
17027	17027	biology, chemistry, algebra, and calculus and have worked
17028	17028	8204
17029	17029	8205
17030	17030	8206
17031	17031	8207
17032	17032	8208
17033	17033	8209
17034	17034	8210
17035	17035	8211
17036	17036	8212
17037	17037	8213
17038	17038	8214
17039	17039	8215
17040	17040	8216
17041	17041	8217
17042	17042	8218
17043	17043	8219
17044	17044	8220
17045	17045	8221
17046	17046	8222
17047	17047	8223
17048	17048	8224
17049	17049	8225
17050	17050	8226
17051	17051	8227
17052	17052	8228
17053	17053	8229
17054	17054	8230
17055	17055	8231 SB224 INTRODUCED
17056	17056	Page 295
17057	17057	biology, chemistry, algebra, and calculus and have worked
17058	17058	under the supervision of a certified/licensed prosthetist, a
17059	17059	certified/licensed orthotist, or a certified/licensed
17060	17060	prosthetist/orthotist for not less than four consecutive years
17061	17061	of the past six years in an accredited facility, and be
17062	17062	certified by a national certifying board in prosthetics or
17063	17063	orthotics approved by the state board.
17064	17064	d. The applicant shall have successfully completed
17065	17065	postsecondary coursework in anatomy, physiology, physics,
17066	17066	biology, chemistry, algebra, and calculus and have worked
17067	17067	under the supervision of a certified/licensed prosthetist, a
17068	17068	certified/licensed orthotist, or a certified/licensed
17069	17069	prosthetist/orthotist for not less than eight years of the
17070	17070	last 12 years and be certified as a prosthetist, orthotist, or
17071	17071	prosthetist/orthotist by a national certifying board approved
17072	17072	by the state board.
17073	17073	(2) Any applicant after the first year following the
17074	17074	board's issuance of applications shall meet the requirements
17075	17075	of subdivision (b)(1) prior to receiving a license as a
17076	17076	prosthetist, an orthotist, or a prosthetist/orthotist.
17077	17077	(c) In order to obtain a license as a pedorthist in
17078	17078	this state, an applicant shall be a citizen of the United
17079	17079	States or, if not a citizen of the United States, a person who
17080	17080	is legally present in the United States with appropriate
17081	17081	documentation from the federal government, and shall file a
17082	17082	written application on forms to be developed by and approved
17083	17083	by the board executive director . Applicants shall be in good
17084	17084	standing as a certified pedorthist with a national certifying
17085	17085	board approved by the state board.
17086	17086	8232
17087	17087	8233
17088	17088	8234
17089	17089	8235
17090	17090	8236
17091	17091	8237
17092	17092	8238
17093	17093	8239
17094	17094	8240
17095	17095	8241
17096	17096	8242
17097	17097	8243
17098	17098	8244
17099	17099	8245
17100	17100	8246
17101	17101	8247
17102	17102	8248
17103	17103	8249
17104	17104	8250
17105	17105	8251
17106	17106	8252
17107	17107	8253
17108	17108	8254
17109	17109	8255
17110	17110	8256
17111	17111	8257
17112	17112	8258
17113	17113	8259 SB224 INTRODUCED
17114	17114	Page 296
17115	17115	board approved by the state board.
17116	17116	(d) In order to obtain registration as an orthotic
17117	17117	supplier, an applicant shall be a citizen of the United States
17118	17118	or, if not a citizen of the United States, a person who is
17119	17119	legally present in the United States with appropriate
17120	17120	documentation from the federal government, and shall do the
17121	17121	following:
17122	17122	(1) File a written application on forms to be a form
17123	17123	developed and approved by the board executive director . Such
17124	17124	forms The form shall require personal information such as full
17125	17125	name, current address, educational status and history, and
17126	17126	work history for the last five years of employment.
17127	17127	(2) The application forms shall be accompanied, when
17128	17128	submitted, by attestation of employment by or contractual
17129	17129	relationship with a manufacturer of orthoses or orthosis
17130	17130	components whether registered with the United States Food and
17131	17131	Drug Administration or not. Attestation shall be by notarized
17132	17132	statement signed by the president, chief operating officer, or
17133	17133	other designated corporate official of the employing company.
17134	17134	(e) The board shall grant a license without an
17135	17135	examination for those qualified applicants who apply within
17136	17136	one year of the issuance of application forms by the board.
17137	17137	For purposes of this subsection, qualified applicants are
17138	17138	those who possess current credentials as a Certified
17139	17139	Prosthetist, Certified Orthotist, or Certified
17140	17140	Prosthetist/Orthotist issued by the American Board for
17141	17141	Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Incorporated, or
17142	17142	the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification as a
17143	17143	prosthetist, orthotist, or prosthetist/orthotist.
17144	17144	8260
17145	17145	8261
17146	17146	8262
17147	17147	8263
17148	17148	8264
17149	17149	8265
17150	17150	8266
17151	17151	8267
17152	17152	8268
17153	17153	8269
17154	17154	8270
17155	17155	8271
17156	17156	8272
17157	17157	8273
17158	17158	8274
17159	17159	8275
17160	17160	8276
17161	17161	8277
17162	17162	8278
17163	17163	8279
17164	17164	8280
17165	17165	8281
17166	17166	8282
17167	17167	8283
17168	17168	8284
17169	17169	8285
17170	17170	8286
17171	17171	8287 SB224 INTRODUCED
17172	17172	Page 297
17173	17173	prosthetist, orthotist, or prosthetist/orthotist.
17174	17174	(f)(e) The board executive director may issue a
17175	17175	12-month temporary license as a prosthetist, an orthotist, a
17176	17176	pedorthist, or a prosthetist/orthotist to persons who have
17177	17177	applied for licensure and are awaiting examination. The
17178	17178	temporary license is renewable once for a six-month period , in
17179	17179	a manner prescribed by the executive director, if the
17180	17180	applicant fails to pass the examination at the first sitting.
17181	17181	(g)(f) The board shall grant a license as a
17182	17182	prosthetist, an orthotist, a prosthetist/orthotist, or
17183	17183	pedorthist to an applicant in possession of a current license
17184	17184	as a prosthetist, orthotist, prosthetist/orthotist, or
17185	17185	pedorthist in another state or territory of the United States
17186	17186	without examination if the board determines that the
17187	17187	credentialing standards set by the other state or territory
17188	17188	are substantially equivalent to the standards set by the board
17189	17189	for this state.
17190	17190	(h)(g) No person may represent himself or herself as a
17191	17191	licensed prosthetist, licensed orthotist, licensed
17192	17192	prosthetist/orthotist, or licensed pedorthist, use a title or
17193	17193	description of services, or engage in the practice of
17194	17194	prosthetics, orthotics, or pedorthics without applying for
17195	17195	licensure, meeting the required qualifications, and being
17196	17196	licensed by the board unless otherwise exempted by this
17197	17197	chapter. A person not licensed with the board may not
17198	17198	represent himself or herself as being so licensed and may not
17199	17199	use, in connection with his or her name, the words licensed
17200	17200	orthotist, orthotist, licensed prosthetist, prosthetist,
17201	17201	licensed prosthetist/orthotist, prosthetist/orthotist,
17202	17202	8288
17203	17203	8289
17204	17204	8290
17205	17205	8291
17206	17206	8292
17207	17207	8293
17208	17208	8294
17209	17209	8295
17210	17210	8296
17211	17211	8297
17212	17212	8298
17213	17213	8299
17214	17214	8300
17215	17215	8301
17216	17216	8302
17217	17217	8303
17218	17218	8304
17219	17219	8305
17220	17220	8306
17221	17221	8307
17222	17222	8308
17223	17223	8309
17224	17224	8310
17225	17225	8311
17226	17226	8312
17227	17227	8313
17228	17228	8314
17229	17229	8315 SB224 INTRODUCED
17230	17230	Page 298
17231	17231	licensed prosthetist/orthotist, prosthetist/orthotist,
17232	17232	licensed pedorthist, pedorthist, licensed orthotic fitter,
17233	17233	orthotic fitter, licensed mastectomy fitter, mastectomy
17234	17234	fitter, licensed therapeutic shoe fitter, therapeutic shoe
17235	17235	fitter, or letters "L.O.," "L.P.," "L.P.O.," "L.O.A.," "LPed,"
17236	17236	"L.P.A.," "L.P.O.A.," "L.M.F.," "L.O.F.," "L.T.S.F." or other
17237	17237	letters, words, signs, numbers, or insignia indicating or
17238	17238	implying that he or she is either a licensed prosthetist, a
17239	17239	licensed orthotist, a licensed prosthetist/orthotist, a
17240	17240	licensed pedorthist, a licensed mastectomy fitter, a licensed
17241	17241	therapeutic shoe fitter, or a licensed orthotic fitter in the
17242	17242	State of Alabama without first having a valid license. The
17243	17243	license shall be posted in a conspicuous location at the
17244	17244	person's work site.
17245	17245	(i)(h) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to
17246	17246	prohibit or restrict the following:
17247	17247	(1) The practice of prosthetics, orthotics, or
17248	17248	pedorthics by individuals authorized and performing services
17249	17249	within their authorized scopes of practice as adopted by the
17250	17250	Legislature including, but not limited to, authorized health
17251	17251	care practitioners, doctors of podiatry, chiropractors,
17252	17252	physical therapists, and occupational therapists licensed in
17253	17253	this state.
17254	17254	(2) The practice of prosthetics, orthotics, or
17255	17255	pedorthics by an individual employed by, or in the service of,
17256	17256	the government of the United States of America while engaged
17257	17257	in the performance of duties prescribed by the laws of the
17258	17258	United States of America.
17259	17259	(3) The practice of prosthetics, orthotics, or
17260	17260	8316
17261	17261	8317
17262	17262	8318
17263	17263	8319
17264	17264	8320
17265	17265	8321
17266	17266	8322
17267	17267	8323
17268	17268	8324
17269	17269	8325
17270	17270	8326
17271	17271	8327
17272	17272	8328
17273	17273	8329
17274	17274	8330
17275	17275	8331
17276	17276	8332
17277	17277	8333
17278	17278	8334
17279	17279	8335
17280	17280	8336
17281	17281	8337
17282	17282	8338
17283	17283	8339
17284	17284	8340
17285	17285	8341
17286	17286	8342
17287	17287	8343 SB224 INTRODUCED
17288	17288	Page 299
17289	17289	(3) The practice of prosthetics, orthotics, or
17290	17290	pedorthics by any person not licensed as a prosthetist,
17291	17291	orthotist, prosthetist/orthotist, orthotic fitter, therapeutic
17292	17292	shoe fitter, or pedorthist in accordance with this chapter who
17293	17293	is employed in a hospital, rehabilitation facility, or
17294	17294	authorized health care practitioner's office under the
17295	17295	direction of an authorized health care practitioner.
17296	17296	(4) A person fulfilling the supervised residency or
17297	17297	internship experience requirements described in this chapter.
17298	17298	(5) The practice of prosthetics, orthotics, or
17299	17299	pedorthics by a clinician who is certified or licensed in
17300	17300	another state at meetings of the Alabama Prosthetic & Orthotic
17301	17301	Association (APOA) or similar organizations or at training
17302	17302	events approved by the board to provide clinical services
17303	17303	performed by a certified or licensed clinician.
17304	17304	(6) The practice of pharmacy by an individual subject
17305	17305	to Chapter 23 of this title."
17306	17306	"§34-25A-7
17307	17307	The board shall perform all the following duties:
17308	17308	(1) Establish and publish continuing education
17309	17309	requirements for persons licensed in this chapter.
17310	17310	(2) Examine for, approve, deny, revoke, suspend,
17311	17311	reinstate, and renew licensure accreditation or registration
17312	17312	of duly qualified applicants and develop, promulgate, and
17313	17313	establish fines, penalties, and requirements for reinstatement
17314	17314	of licensure, accreditation, or registration.
17315	17315	(3) Receive applications, issue licenses,
17316	17316	accreditations, or registrations to applicants who have met
17317	17317	the requirements for licensure, accreditation, or
17318	17318	8344
17319	17319	8345
17320	17320	8346
17321	17321	8347
17322	17322	8348
17323	17323	8349
17324	17324	8350
17325	17325	8351
17326	17326	8352
17327	17327	8353
17328	17328	8354
17329	17329	8355
17330	17330	8356
17331	17331	8357
17332	17332	8358
17333	17333	8359
17334	17334	8360
17335	17335	8361
17336	17336	8362
17337	17337	8363
17338	17338	8364
17339	17339	8365
17340	17340	8366
17341	17341	8367
17342	17342	8368
17343	17343	8369
17344	17344	8370
17345	17345	8371 SB224 INTRODUCED
17346	17346	Page 300
17347	17347	the requirements for licensure, accreditation, or
17348	17348	registration, and deny licenses, accreditations, or
17349	17349	registrations to applicants who do not meet the minimum
17350	17350	qualifications.
17351	17351	(4) Hire administrative, clerical, investigative, and
17352	17352	other staff as needed to implement this chapter and hire
17353	17353	individuals licensed under this chapter to serve as examiners
17354	17354	for any practical examinations required by the board either
17355	17355	within the state classified service or not within it.
17356	17356	(5)(4) Promulgate and publish rules and regulations in
17357	17357	accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to administer
17358	17358	this chapter. Any rule or regulation defining the scope of
17359	17359	practice or permissible activities of a licensed orthotist,
17360	17360	licensed prosthetist, or a licensed prosthetist/orthotist or a
17361	17361	registered orthotic supplier shall be published jointly with
17362	17362	the State Board of Medical Examiners.
17363	17363	(6)(5) Develop and promulgate requirements and
17364	17364	establish fees rules for the licensure of mastectomy fitters,
17365	17365	orthotic fitters, therapeutic shoe fitters, orthotic
17366	17366	assistants, prosthetic assistants, or prosthetic/orthotic
17367	17367	assistants. Such licenses shall be regulated and issued by the
17368	17368	board.
17369	17369	(7)(6) Prepare and administer, or approve the
17370	17370	preparation and administration of, examinations for applicants
17371	17371	for licensure."
17372	17372	"§34-25A-8
17373	17373	(a) Effective October 1, 2009, the existing Alabama
17374	17374	State Board of Prosthetists and Orthotists is abolished.
17375	17375	Notwithstanding the foregoing, members on the board serving on
17376	17376	8372
17377	17377	8373
17378	17378	8374
17379	17379	8375
17380	17380	8376
17381	17381	8377
17382	17382	8378
17383	17383	8379
17384	17384	8380
17385	17385	8381
17386	17386	8382
17387	17387	8383
17388	17388	8384
17389	17389	8385
17390	17390	8386
17391	17391	8387
17392	17392	8388
17393	17393	8389
17394	17394	8390
17395	17395	8391
17396	17396	8392
17397	17397	8393
17398	17398	8394
17399	17399	8395
17400	17400	8396
17401	17401	8397
17402	17402	8398
17403	17403	8399 SB224 INTRODUCED
17404	17404	Page 301
17405	17405	Notwithstanding the foregoing, members on the board serving on
17406	17406	October 1, 2009, shall continue to serve until their
17407	17407	successors are appointed. Effective October 1, 2009, a new The
17408	17408	Alabama State Board of Prosthetists and Orthotists is created
17409	17409	to administer this chapter and shall be composed of nine
17410	17410	members as provided in this section who shall be compensated
17411	17411	at the rate of one hundred dollars ($100) per day plus travel
17412	17412	expenses for each day they perform their duties . Commencing on
17413	17413	October 1, 2025, the board shall be subject to the leadership,
17414	17414	support, and oversight of the Executive Director of the Office
17415	17415	of Occupational and Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter
17416	17416	2B of Title 25. The board shall be composed of nine members .
17417	17417	The board membership shall reflect the racial, gender,
17418	17418	geographic, urban and rural, and economic diversity of the
17419	17419	state and each member of the board shall be a resident of this
17420	17420	state. The Attorney General of the state shall act as legal
17421	17421	advisor of the board and shall render such legal assistance as
17422	17422	may be necessary in carrying out the provisions of this
17423	17423	chapter.
17424	17424	(b) After October 1, 2009, members Members of the board
17425	17425	shall be appointed as follows:
17426	17426	(1) Three by the Governor of the State of Alabama, two
17427	17427	of whom shall be appointed for four-year initial terms and one
17428	17428	of whom shall be appointed to a one-year initial term , one of
17429	17429	whom shall be licensed pursuant to this chapter; one of whom
17430	17430	shall be a private resident of the State of Alabama who is a
17431	17431	consumer of orthotic or prosthetic services; and one of whom
17432	17432	shall be a physician licensed to practice medicine in the
17433	17433	State of Alabama.
17434	17434	8400
17435	17435	8401
17436	17436	8402
17437	17437	8403
17438	17438	8404
17439	17439	8405
17440	17440	8406
17441	17441	8407
17442	17442	8408
17443	17443	8409
17444	17444	8410
17445	17445	8411
17446	17446	8412
17447	17447	8413
17448	17448	8414
17449	17449	8415
17450	17450	8416
17451	17451	8417
17452	17452	8418
17453	17453	8419
17454	17454	8420
17455	17455	8421
17456	17456	8422
17457	17457	8423
17458	17458	8424
17459	17459	8425
17460	17460	8426
17461	17461	8427 SB224 INTRODUCED
17462	17462	Page 302
17463	17463	State of Alabama.
17464	17464	(2) Two by the Lieutenant Governor of the State of
17465	17465	Alabama, one for an initial term of four years and one for an
17466	17466	initial term of two years , both of whom shall be licensed
17467	17467	pursuant to this chapter.
17468	17468	(3) Two by the Speaker of the House of Representatives
17469	17469	of the State of Alabama for initial terms of three years , one
17470	17470	of whom is a podiatrist licensed to practice in the State of
17471	17471	Alabama this state and one of whom shall be licensed pursuant
17472	17472	to this chapter.
17473	17473	(4) One by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate of
17474	17474	the State of Alabama for an initial term of two years , who
17475	17475	shall be licensed pursuant to this chapter.
17476	17476	(5) One by the Speaker Pro Tempore of the House of
17477	17477	Representatives of the State of Alabama for an initial term of
17478	17478	one year, who shall be licensed pursuant to this chapter.
17479	17479	(c) Any actions of the Alabama State Board of
17480	17480	Prosthetists and Orthotists board consistent with the
17481	17481	requirements of Act 2023-326 prior to May 30, 2023, are
17482	17482	retroactively ratified and confirmed."
17483	17483	"§34-25A-9
17484	17484	(a) Regarding the board created by Act 2009-300,
17485	17485	initial appointments shall be staggered such that two members
17486	17486	are appointed for one year, two members are appointed for two
17487	17487	years, and two members appointed for three years and three
17488	17488	members are appointed for four years. Thereafter all members
17489	17489	Members shall be appointed for four-year terms. Members shall
17490	17490	serve until their successors are appointed and qualified,
17491	17491	provided, no member shall serve more than eight consecutive
17492	17492	8428
17493	17493	8429
17494	17494	8430
17495	17495	8431
17496	17496	8432
17497	17497	8433
17498	17498	8434
17499	17499	8435
17500	17500	8436
17501	17501	8437
17502	17502	8438
17503	17503	8439
17504	17504	8440
17505	17505	8441
17506	17506	8442
17507	17507	8443
17508	17508	8444
17509	17509	8445
17510	17510	8446
17511	17511	8447
17512	17512	8448
17513	17513	8449
17514	17514	8450
17515	17515	8451
17516	17516	8452
17517	17517	8453
17518	17518	8454
17519	17519	8455 SB224 INTRODUCED
17520	17520	Page 303
17521	17521	provided, no member shall serve more than eight consecutive
17522	17522	years or two consecutive terms, whichever is greater. This
17523	17523	legislation shall not include their initial terms, and no
17524	17524	hold-over term, under Section 34-25A-8(a), shall exceed 12
17525	17525	months.
17526	17526	(b) Upon the expiration of the initial terms and all
17527	17527	terms of office thereafter, the appointing authorities shall
17528	17528	appoint successors for terms of four years each. A quorum
17529	17529	shall consist of five members.
17530	17530	(c) The board may employ an executive director and such
17531	17531	other officers and employees it deems necessary, with or
17532	17532	without regard to the state Merit System, and may set the
17533	17533	salary and terms of employment for such officers and
17534	17534	employees."
17535	17535	"§34-25A-10
17536	17536	There is established a separate special revenue trust
17537	17537	fund in the State Treasury to be known as the Alabama State
17538	17538	Board of Orthotists and Prosthetists Fund. All receipts and
17539	17539	administrative fines collected by the board pursuant to this
17540	17540	chapter shall be deposited in the fund and used only to
17541	17541	implement and administer this chapter. The receipts shall be
17542	17542	disbursed only by warrant of the state Comptroller, upon
17543	17543	itemized vouchers approved by the executive director, if one
17544	17544	is provided, otherwise by the chairperson of the board. Funds
17545	17545	shall be withdrawn or expended pursuant to Sections 41-4-80 to
17546	17546	41-4-96, inclusive, and 41-19-1 to 41-19-12, inclusive, and
17547	17547	only in amounts as stipulated in the general appropriations
17548	17548	bill or other appropriations bills into the Occupational and
17549	17549	Professional Licensing Fund ."
17550	17550	8456
17551	17551	8457
17552	17552	8458
17553	17553	8459
17554	17554	8460
17555	17555	8461
17556	17556	8462
17557	17557	8463
17558	17558	8464
17559	17559	8465
17560	17560	8466
17561	17561	8467
17562	17562	8468
17563	17563	8469
17564	17564	8470
17565	17565	8471
17566	17566	8472
17567	17567	8473
17568	17568	8474
17569	17569	8475
17570	17570	8476
17571	17571	8477
17572	17572	8478
17573	17573	8479
17574	17574	8480
17575	17575	8481
17576	17576	8482
17577	17577	8483 SB224 INTRODUCED
17578	17578	Page 304
17579	17579	Professional Licensing Fund ."
17580	17580	"§34-25A-11
17581	17581	(a) The board shall issue a license or registration to
17582	17582	any person who meets the qualifications required by this
17583	17583	chapter and who pays the respective fees fixed by the board
17584	17584	executive director .
17585	17585	(b) Any person who is issued a license as an orthotic,
17586	17586	prosthetic, or prosthetic/orthotic practitioner or orthotic
17587	17587	assistant, prosthetic assistant, or prosthetic/orthotic
17588	17588	assistant under this chapter may use the words licensed
17589	17589	orthotist, licensed prosthetist, licensed
17590	17590	prosthetist/orthotist, licensed orthotist assistant, licensed
17591	17591	prosthetist assistant, or licensed prosthetist/orthotist
17592	17592	assistant, or the letters "L.O.," "L.P.," "L.P.O.," "L.O.A.,"
17593	17593	"LPed," "L.P.A.," "L.P.O.A.," "L.M.F.," "L.O.F.," "C.M.F.,"
17594	17594	"L.C.M.F," or "L.T.S.F." in connection with his or her name to
17595	17595	denote his or her licensure. Any person issued a license as an
17596	17596	orthotic supplier under this chapter may use the words
17597	17597	licensed orthotic supplier or the letters "R.O.S." in
17598	17598	connection with his or her name to denote his or her
17599	17599	registration.
17600	17600	(c) A license or registration issued under this chapter
17601	17601	shall be subject to annual or semiannual renewal as prescribed
17602	17602	by rule or regulation duly promulgated and published by the
17603	17603	board the executive director ."
17604	17604	"§34-25A-12
17605	17605	(a) The board shall promulgate rules and regulations
17606	17606	for executive director shall set all licensure fees,
17607	17607	registration fees, renewal fees, and accreditation fees. The
17608	17608	8484
17609	17609	8485
17610	17610	8486
17611	17611	8487
17612	17612	8488
17613	17613	8489
17614	17614	8490
17615	17615	8491
17616	17616	8492
17617	17617	8493
17618	17618	8494
17619	17619	8495
17620	17620	8496
17621	17621	8497
17622	17622	8498
17623	17623	8499
17624	17624	8500
17625	17625	8501
17626	17626	8502
17627	17627	8503
17628	17628	8504
17629	17629	8505
17630	17630	8506
17631	17631	8507
17632	17632	8508
17633	17633	8509
17634	17634	8510
17635	17635	8511 SB224 INTRODUCED
17636	17636	Page 305
17637	17637	registration fees, renewal fees, and accreditation fees. The
17638	17638	application fee for licensure as an orthotist, prosthetist,
17639	17639	orthotist assistant, prosthetist assistant,
17640	17640	prosthetist/orthotist, or pedorthist shall not exceed two
17641	17641	hundred fifty dollars ($250) and the application fee for
17642	17642	registration as an orthotic supplier shall not exceed one
17643	17643	hundred fifty dollars ($150). The application fee for
17644	17644	accreditation shall not exceed three hundred fifty dollars
17645	17645	($350) per facility. The licensure fee shall not exceed nine
17646	17646	hundred fifty dollars ($950) per discipline per term of
17647	17647	license. The accreditation fee shall not exceed nine hundred
17648	17648	fifty dollars ($950) per term for each accredited facility.
17649	17649	Registration fees and renewal fees shall not exceed three
17650	17650	hundred fifty dollars ($350) per term of registration or
17651	17651	renewal, and all other associated assistant fees shall not
17652	17652	exceed five hundred dollars ($500) per term of license.
17653	17653	(b) Maximum fees as defined in subsection (a) may be
17654	17654	exceeded when a A late renewal fee is authorized or imposed by
17655	17655	the board may be established by the executive director .
17656	17656	(c) The board may prescribe by rule that individuals
17657	17657	who due to age or physical disability are unable to practice,
17658	17658	who have retired from the practice, who are licensed in the
17659	17659	state but are practicing out of state, or who are on temporary
17660	17660	active duty with any of the Armed Forces of the United States
17661	17661	shall be allowed to pay a renewal fee in an amount less than
17662	17662	the amount paid by individuals in current practice. The amount
17663	17663	shall be established by the board executive director ."
17664	17664	Section 24. Relating to the Alabama Security Regulatory
17665	17665	Board; to amend Sections 34-27C-1, 34-27C-2, 34-27C-3,
17666	17666	8512
17667	17667	8513
17668	17668	8514
17669	17669	8515
17670	17670	8516
17671	17671	8517
17672	17672	8518
17673	17673	8519
17674	17674	8520
17675	17675	8521
17676	17676	8522
17677	17677	8523
17678	17678	8524
17679	17679	8525
17680	17680	8526
17681	17681	8527
17682	17682	8528
17683	17683	8529
17684	17684	8530
17685	17685	8531
17686	17686	8532
17687	17687	8533
17688	17688	8534
17689	17689	8535
17690	17690	8536
17691	17691	8537
17692	17692	8538
17693	17693	8539 SB224 INTRODUCED
17694	17694	Page 306
17695	17695	Board; to amend Sections 34-27C-1, 34-27C-2, 34-27C-3,
17696	17696	34-27C-4, 34-27C-7, 34-27C-9, and 34-27C-15 of the Code of
17697	17697	Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
17698	17698	"§34-27C-1
17699	17699	For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms
17700	17700	shall have the following meanings:
17701	17701	(1) ARMED SECURITY OFFICER. An individual whose
17702	17702	principal duty is that of a security officer and who at any
17703	17703	time wears, carries, possesses, or has access to a firearm in
17704	17704	the performance of his or her duties.
17705	17705	(2) BOARD. The Alabama Security Regulatory Board.
17706	17706	(3) CERTIFICATION CARD or LICENSURE CARD. The
17707	17707	identification card issued by the board executive director to
17708	17708	an individual as evidence that he or she has met the basic
17709	17709	qualifications required by this chapter and is currently
17710	17710	certified or licensed with the board to perform the duties of
17711	17711	a security officer.
17712	17712	(4) CERTIFIED TRAINER. Any person approved and
17713	17713	certified by the board as qualified to administer, and certify
17714	17714	as to the successful completion of, the basic training
17715	17715	requirements for security officers required by this chapter.
17716	17716	(5) CONTRACT SECURITY COMPANY. Any individual, firm,
17717	17717	association, company, partnership, limited liability company,
17718	17718	corporation, institution, or similar business entity engaged
17719	17719	in the business of providing, or which undertakes to provide,
17720	17720	a security officer on a contractual basis to another person or
17721	17721	entity. The security officer provided by a contract security
17722	17722	company is a contract security officer. In addition, any
17723	17723	person who provides security services for more than one
17724	17724	8540
17725	17725	8541
17726	17726	8542
17727	17727	8543
17728	17728	8544
17729	17729	8545
17730	17730	8546
17731	17731	8547
17732	17732	8548
17733	17733	8549
17734	17734	8550
17735	17735	8551
17736	17736	8552
17737	17737	8553
17738	17738	8554
17739	17739	8555
17740	17740	8556
17741	17741	8557
17742	17742	8558
17743	17743	8559
17744	17744	8560
17745	17745	8561
17746	17746	8562
17747	17747	8563
17748	17748	8564
17749	17749	8565
17750	17750	8566
17751	17751	8567 SB224 INTRODUCED
17752	17752	Page 307
17753	17753	person who provides security services for more than one
17754	17754	employer in any one week period, except for a permanent change
17755	17755	of employment, shall be deemed to be engaged in the contract
17756	17756	security company business and shall be licensed pursuant to
17757	17757	this chapter.
17758	17758	(6) EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHIP. The performance of
17759	17759	any service for wages or under any contract of hire, written,
17760	17760	oral, expressed, or implied by an individual, provided the
17761	17761	employer has control or direction over the performance of the
17762	17762	employee and provided the service is performed personally by
17763	17763	the employee.
17764	17764	(7) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
17765	17765	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
17766	17766	in Section 25-2B-1.
17767	17767	(7)(8) LICENSEE. Any person or contract security
17768	17768	company to which a license is granted in accordance with this
17769	17769	chapter.
17770	17770	(8)(9) PUBLIC ENTITY. The federal government, the
17771	17771	state, or any political subdivision, agency, department,
17772	17772	branch, or service of either the state or federal government,
17773	17773	or any county or municipality, or any other unit of local
17774	17774	government.
17775	17775	(9)(10) SECURITY OFFICER.
17776	17776	a. A person employed under contract, whose principal
17777	17777	purpose is to protect a person or persons or property from
17778	17778	criminal activity, and whose duties include, but are not
17779	17779	limited to, the following:
17780	17780	1. The detection and prevention of unauthorized
17781	17781	intrusion or entry, larceny, vandalism, abuse, arson, or
17782	17782	8568
17783	17783	8569
17784	17784	8570
17785	17785	8571
17786	17786	8572
17787	17787	8573
17788	17788	8574
17789	17789	8575
17790	17790	8576
17791	17791	8577
17792	17792	8578
17793	17793	8579
17794	17794	8580
17795	17795	8581
17796	17796	8582
17797	17797	8583
17798	17798	8584
17799	17799	8585
17800	17800	8586
17801	17801	8587
17802	17802	8588
17803	17803	8589
17804	17804	8590
17805	17805	8591
17806	17806	8592
17807	17807	8593
17808	17808	8594
17809	17809	8595 SB224 INTRODUCED
17810	17810	Page 308
17811	17811	intrusion or entry, larceny, vandalism, abuse, arson, or
17812	17812	trespass on private property.
17813	17813	2. The prevention, observation, or detection of any
17814	17814	unauthorized activity on private property.
17815	17815	3. The control, regulation, or direction of the flow or
17816	17816	movements of individuals, whether by vehicle, on foot, or
17817	17817	otherwise.
17818	17818	b. The term does not include persons whose duties are
17819	17819	limited to custodial duties or the reporting of violations of
17820	17820	inhouse administrative regulations only, and who do not wear a
17821	17821	security uniform.
17822	17822	(10)(11) SWORN PEACE OFFICER. Any individual who
17823	17823	derives plenary or special law enforcement powers from, and is
17824	17824	an employee of, or certified by, the federal government, the
17825	17825	state, or any political subdivision, agency, department,
17826	17826	branch, or service of either, or of any county or
17827	17827	municipality, or of any other unit of local government."
17828	17828	"§34-27C-2
17829	17829	(a) The Alabama Security Regulatory Board is created.
17830	17830	Commencing on October 1, 2025, the board shall be subject to
17831	17831	the leadership, support, and oversight of the Executive
17832	17832	Director of the Office of Occupational and Professional
17833	17833	Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25. Each member of
17834	17834	the board shall be a citizen of the United States and a
17835	17835	resident of this state, and the appointing authorities shall
17836	17836	coordinate their appointments to assure the board membership
17837	17837	is inclusive and reflects the racial, gender, geographic,
17838	17838	urban, rural, and economic diversity of the state. The board
17839	17839	shall consist of the following members:
17840	17840	8596
17841	17841	8597
17842	17842	8598
17843	17843	8599
17844	17844	8600
17845	17845	8601
17846	17846	8602
17847	17847	8603
17848	17848	8604
17849	17849	8605
17850	17850	8606
17851	17851	8607
17852	17852	8608
17853	17853	8609
17854	17854	8610
17855	17855	8611
17856	17856	8612
17857	17857	8613
17858	17858	8614
17859	17859	8615
17860	17860	8616
17861	17861	8617
17862	17862	8618
17863	17863	8619
17864	17864	8620
17865	17865	8621
17866	17866	8622
17867	17867	8623 SB224 INTRODUCED
17868	17868	Page 309
17869	17869	shall consist of the following members:
17870	17870	(1) Two members appointed by the Governor. The
17871	17871	appointees shall not be qualified to be licensed under this
17872	17872	chapter, not be engaged in the rendering of contract security
17873	17873	service for a minimum of three years prior to appointment, not
17874	17874	be employed by or affiliated with any other member of the
17875	17875	board, and shall have served for five or more years in a
17876	17876	supervisory position in law enforcement in any municipality,
17877	17877	county, state, or district attorney's office. The members
17878	17878	appointed by the Governor shall be selected from a list of
17879	17879	names submitted by a recognized security association such as
17880	17880	the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS), the
17881	17881	National Association of Security Companies (NASCO), or any
17882	17882	state or private security service association that may be
17883	17883	organized.
17884	17884	(2) One member appointed by the Lieutenant Governor.
17885	17885	The appointee shall represent consumers and shall not be
17886	17886	engaged in the rendering of contract security service, and not
17887	17887	employed by, related to, or affiliated with any other member
17888	17888	of the board or licensee of the board.
17889	17889	(3) One member appointed by the Speaker of the House of
17890	17890	Representatives. The appointee shall be from an entity that
17891	17891	employs, or has an employer-employee relationship with, a
17892	17892	contract security company.
17893	17893	(4) One member appointed by the Attorney General. The
17894	17894	appointee shall be selected from a list of names submitted by
17895	17895	the Alabama Sheriffs Association.
17896	17896	(b) Unless otherwise provided in subsection (a), board
17897	17897	members shall serve three-year terms of office. A vacancy in
17898	17898	8624
17899	17899	8625
17900	17900	8626
17901	17901	8627
17902	17902	8628
17903	17903	8629
17904	17904	8630
17905	17905	8631
17906	17906	8632
17907	17907	8633
17908	17908	8634
17909	17909	8635
17910	17910	8636
17911	17911	8637
17912	17912	8638
17913	17913	8639
17914	17914	8640
17915	17915	8641
17916	17916	8642
17917	17917	8643
17918	17918	8644
17919	17919	8645
17920	17920	8646
17921	17921	8647
17922	17922	8648
17923	17923	8649
17924	17924	8650
17925	17925	8651 SB224 INTRODUCED
17926	17926	Page 310
17927	17927	members shall serve three-year terms of office. A vacancy in
17928	17928	any board position shall be filled for the duration of the
17929	17929	unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.
17930	17930	Should an appointing authority fail to make an appointment to
17931	17931	fill an unexpired or new term within 60 days after receiving
17932	17932	notice from the board of the vacancy, the board shall make the
17933	17933	appointment of a qualified individual within the appropriate
17934	17934	category by majority vote of the board members present. The
17935	17935	board shall annually elect a chair from among the membership
17936	17936	of the board at its first meeting. The board shall meet on a
17937	17937	quarterly basis at a date, time, and place designated by the
17938	17938	chair. Actual expenses incurred by board members in the
17939	17939	performance of duties on behalf of the board shall be
17940	17940	reimbursed from the funds of the board. Decisions of the board
17941	17941	shall be determined by a majority vote of the board members
17942	17942	present and voting.
17943	17943	(c) The members of the board shall receive up to three
17944	17944	hundred dollars ($300) per day, for a maximum of 12 days per
17945	17945	year, while performing their official duties, in addition to
17946	17946	the same per diem and mileage as provided to state employees.
17947	17947	(d)(c) The board shall be subject to the Alabama Sunset
17948	17948	Law, Title 41, Chapter 20, as an enumerated agency as provided
17949	17949	in Section 41-20-3, and shall have a termination date of
17950	17950	October 1, 2011, and every four years thereafter, unless
17951	17951	continued pursuant to the Alabama Sunset Law."
17952	17952	"§34-27C-3
17953	17953	(a) The board shall have the following powers:
17954	17954	(1) In accordance with the Administrative Procedure
17955	17955	Act, to adopt rules not in conflict with the laws of this
17956	17956	8652
17957	17957	8653
17958	17958	8654
17959	17959	8655
17960	17960	8656
17961	17961	8657
17962	17962	8658
17963	17963	8659
17964	17964	8660
17965	17965	8661
17966	17966	8662
17967	17967	8663
17968	17968	8664
17969	17969	8665
17970	17970	8666
17971	17971	8667
17972	17972	8668
17973	17973	8669
17974	17974	8670
17975	17975	8671
17976	17976	8672
17977	17977	8673
17978	17978	8674
17979	17979	8675
17980	17980	8676
17981	17981	8677
17982	17982	8678
17983	17983	8679 SB224 INTRODUCED
17984	17984	Page 311
17985	17985	Act, to adopt rules not in conflict with the laws of this
17986	17986	state which are reasonable, proper, and necessary to carry out
17987	17987	the functions of the board in the regulation of persons
17988	17988	engaged in providing security officers within this state. Any
17989	17989	interested person may petition the board to adopt, amend, or
17990	17990	repeal any rule and the board shall prescribe by rule any
17991	17991	necessary forms for petitions and procedures for submission,
17992	17992	consideration, and disposition of petitions.
17993	17993	(2) To enforce compliance with this chapter.
17994	17994	(3) To establish rules and procedures for the
17995	17995	preparation and processing of examinations, applications,
17996	17996	license certificates, certification cards, licensure cards,
17997	17997	renewals, appeals, hearings, and rulemaking proceedings.
17998	17998	(4) To determine the qualifications of licensees,
17999	17999	certified trainers, and security officers consistent with this
18000	18000	chapter.
18001	18001	(5) To levy and collect fees in amounts determined
18002	18002	necessary by the board for licensing, application processing,
18003	18003	background checks, including fingerprints, inspections,
18004	18004	investigations, and hearings.
18005	18005	(6) To employ or contract for necessary personnel,
18006	18006	including a director, pursuant to the state Merit System,
18007	18007	provided such persons are employed by the board on a full-time
18008	18008	basis exceeding 32 hours per calendar week, and provide for
18009	18009	necessary offices, supplies, and equipment to fulfill the
18010	18010	requirements of this chapter.
18011	18011	(7)(5) To delegate its power and duties by resolution
18012	18012	to a named designee the executive director .
18013	18013	(8) To enter into contracts and expend funds of the
18014	18014	8680
18015	18015	8681
18016	18016	8682
18017	18017	8683
18018	18018	8684
18019	18019	8685
18020	18020	8686
18021	18021	8687
18022	18022	8688
18023	18023	8689
18024	18024	8690
18025	18025	8691
18026	18026	8692
18027	18027	8693
18028	18028	8694
18029	18029	8695
18030	18030	8696
18031	18031	8697
18032	18032	8698
18033	18033	8699
18034	18034	8700
18035	18035	8701
18036	18036	8702
18037	18037	8703
18038	18038	8704
18039	18039	8705
18040	18040	8706
18041	18041	8707 SB224 INTRODUCED
18042	18042	Page 312
18043	18043	(8) To enter into contracts and expend funds of the
18044	18044	board to fulfill the requirements of this chapter.
18045	18045	(9) To borrow money.
18046	18046	(10)(6) To work with the Attorney General and other law
18047	18047	enforcement agencies to prohibit and punish any violation of
18048	18048	this chapter.
18049	18049	(11)(7) To establish volunteer procedures for those
18050	18050	persons or businesses that are exempt from this chapter.
18051	18051	(12)(8) To engage in dialogue and to enter into
18052	18052	reciprocal licensing agreements with governmental entities in
18053	18053	other states that supervise and regulate the provision of
18054	18054	private contract security services in order to ensure that
18055	18055	security officers and armed security officers licensed by the
18056	18056	State of Alabama have full reciprocity to operate in other
18057	18057	states.
18058	18058	(13)(9) Upon the declaration of the Governor of a state
18059	18059	of emergency, to authorize the operation of out-of-state
18060	18060	contract security companies and staff within the state for the
18061	18061	duration of the state of emergency, and up to a maximum of 30
18062	18062	days after the expiration of the state of emergency. To be
18063	18063	eligible to operate within the state pursuant to this
18064	18064	subdivision, the out-of-state contract security company shall
18065	18065	satisfy all of the following requirements:
18066	18066	a. Be licensed in another state in which the
18067	18067	qualifications, insurance, training, and other requirements
18068	18068	for licensure are substantially similar to those required by
18069	18069	this chapter, as determined by the board.
18070	18070	b. Provide notice to the board of an intention to
18071	18071	operate in the state and submit to the board any information
18072	18072	8708
18073	18073	8709
18074	18074	8710
18075	18075	8711
18076	18076	8712
18077	18077	8713
18078	18078	8714
18079	18079	8715
18080	18080	8716
18081	18081	8717
18082	18082	8718
18083	18083	8719
18084	18084	8720
18085	18085	8721
18086	18086	8722
18087	18087	8723
18088	18088	8724
18089	18089	8725
18090	18090	8726
18091	18091	8727
18092	18092	8728
18093	18093	8729
18094	18094	8730
18095	18095	8731
18096	18096	8732
18097	18097	8733
18098	18098	8734
18099	18099	8735 SB224 INTRODUCED
18100	18100	Page 313
18101	18101	operate in the state and submit to the board any information
18102	18102	requested by the board.
18103	18103	(14)(10) To inspect the business premises of any
18104	18104	licensee, licensed contract security company, or unlicensed
18105	18105	contract security company during normal business hours.
18106	18106	(15)(11) To hold hearings, conduct investigations,
18107	18107	subpoena witnesses, subpoena documents, administer oaths, and
18108	18108	take testimony as necessary to provide for the implementation
18109	18109	of this chapter.
18110	18110	(b) All powers granted in this chapter and any other
18111	18111	powers granted to the board are public and governmental
18112	18112	functions, exercised for a public purpose, and matters of
18113	18113	public necessity."
18114	18114	"§34-27C-4
18115	18115	(a) Commencing on May 21, 2009, any Any security
18116	18116	officer, armed security officer, or contract security company
18117	18117	providing private security services in this state shall apply
18118	18118	to the board for a license or certification. Any security
18119	18119	officer, armed security officer, or contract security company
18120	18120	providing security services in this state before May 21, 2009,
18121	18121	may continue to engage in business operations pending a final
18122	18122	determination by the board, provided the security officer,
18123	18123	armed security officer, or contract security company files an
18124	18124	application for license. This chapter shall not abrogate the
18125	18125	terms of a contract existing on May 21, 2009.
18126	18126	(b) An application for licensure or certification shall
18127	18127	include all of the following information:
18128	18128	(1) The full name, home address, post office box, and
18129	18129	actual street address of the business of the applicant.
18130	18130	8736
18131	18131	8737
18132	18132	8738
18133	18133	8739
18134	18134	8740
18135	18135	8741
18136	18136	8742
18137	18137	8743
18138	18138	8744
18139	18139	8745
18140	18140	8746
18141	18141	8747
18142	18142	8748
18143	18143	8749
18144	18144	8750
18145	18145	8751
18146	18146	8752
18147	18147	8753
18148	18148	8754
18149	18149	8755
18150	18150	8756
18151	18151	8757
18152	18152	8758
18153	18153	8759
18154	18154	8760
18155	18155	8761
18156	18156	8762
18157	18157	8763 SB224 INTRODUCED
18158	18158	Page 314
18159	18159	actual street address of the business of the applicant.
18160	18160	(2) The name under which the applicant intends to do
18161	18161	business.
18162	18162	(3) The full name and address of any partners in the
18163	18163	business, principal officers, directors, and business manager,
18164	18164	if applicable.
18165	18165	(4) The names of at least three unrelated and
18166	18166	disinterested individuals to be used as references for board
18167	18167	inquiries regarding the character, standing, and reputation of
18168	18168	the applicant.
18169	18169	(5) Any other information, evidence, statements, or
18170	18170	documents as may be required by the board.
18171	18171	(c)(1) A contract security company applying for a
18172	18172	license or certification shall include proof that the business
18173	18173	entity has at least one individual in its employ serving as a
18174	18174	qualifying agent who is licensed by the board as a security
18175	18175	officer and, in addition to meeting the requirements of
18176	18176	subsection (d), possesses three years of experience as a
18177	18177	manager, supervisor, or administrator with a contract security
18178	18178	company or possesses three years of supervisory experience
18179	18179	with any federal, military, state, county, or municipal law
18180	18180	enforcement agency.
18181	18181	(2) No individual may serve as the qualifying agent for
18182	18182	more than one contract security company without prior written
18183	18183	approval of the board.
18184	18184	(3) A contract security company shall notify the board
18185	18185	within 10 working days if the qualifying agent for the company
18186	18186	ceases to perform his or her duties as qualifying agent and
18187	18187	shall obtain a substitute qualifying agent within 30 days
18188	18188	8764
18189	18189	8765
18190	18190	8766
18191	18191	8767
18192	18192	8768
18193	18193	8769
18194	18194	8770
18195	18195	8771
18196	18196	8772
18197	18197	8773
18198	18198	8774
18199	18199	8775
18200	18200	8776
18201	18201	8777
18202	18202	8778
18203	18203	8779
18204	18204	8780
18205	18205	8781
18206	18206	8782
18207	18207	8783
18208	18208	8784
18209	18209	8785
18210	18210	8786
18211	18211	8787
18212	18212	8788
18213	18213	8789
18214	18214	8790
18215	18215	8791 SB224 INTRODUCED
18216	18216	Page 315
18217	18217	shall obtain a substitute qualifying agent within 30 days
18218	18218	after the original qualifying agent ceases to serve. The board
18219	18219	may grant an extension to the company for good cause, for not
18220	18220	more than three months.
18221	18221	(d) Every applicant for licensure or certification
18222	18222	shall provide the following to the board:
18223	18223	(1) Proof that the applicant is 21 years of age or
18224	18224	older, or 18 years of age if the individual is not allowed to
18225	18225	carry any type of firearm in the course of his or her
18226	18226	employment with the contract security company.
18227	18227	(2) Proof that the applicant is a citizen of the United
18228	18228	States or, if not a citizen of the United States, an
18229	18229	individual who is legally present in the United States with
18230	18230	appropriate documentation from the federal government.
18231	18231	(3) A statement of the applicant, made under oath,
18232	18232	declaring all of the following:
18233	18233	a. That he or she has never been convicted in any
18234	18234	jurisdiction of the United States of any felony or crime
18235	18235	involving moral turpitude for which a full pardon has not been
18236	18236	granted.
18237	18237	b. That he or she has never been declared, by any court
18238	18238	of competent jurisdiction, incompetent by reason of mental
18239	18239	defect or disease, and competency has not been restored.
18240	18240	c. That he or she is not suffering from habitual
18241	18241	drunkenness or from narcotics addiction or dependence. The
18242	18242	board may require certified results of medical tests for drug
18243	18243	or alcohol use.
18244	18244	(e)(1) In addition to the requirements of subsection
18245	18245	(d), an applicant for licensure or certification, or renewal
18246	18246	8792
18247	18247	8793
18248	18248	8794
18249	18249	8795
18250	18250	8796
18251	18251	8797
18252	18252	8798
18253	18253	8799
18254	18254	8800
18255	18255	8801
18256	18256	8802
18257	18257	8803
18258	18258	8804
18259	18259	8805
18260	18260	8806
18261	18261	8807
18262	18262	8808
18263	18263	8809
18264	18264	8810
18265	18265	8811
18266	18266	8812
18267	18267	8813
18268	18268	8814
18269	18269	8815
18270	18270	8816
18271	18271	8817
18272	18272	8818
18273	18273	8819 SB224 INTRODUCED
18274	18274	Page 316
18275	18275	(d), an applicant for licensure or certification, or renewal
18276	18276	of licensure or certification, shall submit to the board a
18277	18277	form, sworn to by the applicant, containing the name, date of
18278	18278	birth, and Social Security number for completion of a criminal
18279	18279	history background check. The applicant shall submit two
18280	18280	complete sets of fingerprints to the board. The board shall
18281	18281	submit the fingerprints to the Alabama State Law Enforcement
18282	18282	Agency (ALEA) for a state criminal history record check. The
18283	18283	fingerprints shall be forwarded by ALEA to the Federal Bureau
18284	18284	of Investigation (FBI) for a national criminal history record
18285	18285	check. Costs associated with conducting a criminal history
18286	18286	background check for initial licensure or certification, or
18287	18287	for the renewal of licensure or certification, shall be borne
18288	18288	by the applicant. The board shall keep information received
18289	18289	pursuant to this section confidential, except that the
18290	18290	information received and relied upon in denying the issuance
18291	18291	of a certificate of qualification for a license or
18292	18292	certification to a security officer in this state may be
18293	18293	disclosed if necessary to support the denial of the license or
18294	18294	certification, if required by court order, or for any other
18295	18295	reason allowed by law.
18296	18296	(2) In addition to the requirements of subsection (d),
18297	18297	an applicant for renewal of licensure or certification shall
18298	18298	complete a supplemental criminal history background check
18299	18299	approved by the board.
18300	18300	(f) Applications for licensure and certification shall
18301	18301	be filed with the board on a form developed by the board
18302	18302	executive director . The board executive director shall
18303	18303	prescribe the procedures and methods of submission,
18304	18304	8820
18305	18305	8821
18306	18306	8822
18307	18307	8823
18308	18308	8824
18309	18309	8825
18310	18310	8826
18311	18311	8827
18312	18312	8828
18313	18313	8829
18314	18314	8830
18315	18315	8831
18316	18316	8832
18317	18317	8833
18318	18318	8834
18319	18319	8835
18320	18320	8836
18321	18321	8837
18322	18322	8838
18323	18323	8839
18324	18324	8840
18325	18325	8841
18326	18326	8842
18327	18327	8843
18328	18328	8844
18329	18329	8845
18330	18330	8846
18331	18331	8847 SB224 INTRODUCED
18332	18332	Page 317
18333	18333	prescribe the procedures and methods of submission,
18334	18334	consideration, and disposition of applications. An applicant
18335	18335	corporation incorporated under the laws of this state or any
18336	18336	other state shall be required to qualify with a certificate of
18337	18337	authority issued by the Secretary of State and shall designate
18338	18338	an agent for service of process. The applicant shall be issued
18339	18339	a license or denied a license in writing within a reasonable
18340	18340	period after receipt by the board of all required information.
18341	18341	(g)(l) Each contract security company requesting or
18342	18342	renewing a license shall pay a security license fee upon
18343	18343	application to be determined by the board that does not exceed
18344	18344	three hundred fifty dollars ($350) and may not be increased
18345	18345	more than fifty dollars ($50) per licensing period executive
18346	18346	director. A license shall expire on September 30 and an
18347	18347	application for renewal shall be submitted to on a schedule
18348	18348	determined by the board executive director before October 1. A
18349	18349	renewal application may not be accepted by the board after
18350	18350	October 31. The board executive director may impose a
18351	18351	reasonable late fee on renewals not timely filed by October 1.
18352	18352	The board shall promptly notify an applicant if the board
18353	18353	refuses to issue or renew a license or certification. If the
18354	18354	board refuses to issue or renew a license or certification,
18355	18355	the applicant or licensee may appeal the decision of the board
18356	18356	and may request a hearing, in accordance with the rules of the
18357	18357	board and the Administrative Procedure Act. A licensee may
18358	18358	continue to engage in the security business while his or her
18359	18359	appeal or renewal application is pending. The board may impose
18360	18360	a reasonable late fee established by the executive director on
18361	18361	any renewal that is not filed before the expiration date of
18362	18362	8848
18363	18363	8849
18364	18364	8850
18365	18365	8851
18366	18366	8852
18367	18367	8853
18368	18368	8854
18369	18369	8855
18370	18370	8856
18371	18371	8857
18372	18372	8858
18373	18373	8859
18374	18374	8860
18375	18375	8861
18376	18376	8862
18377	18377	8863
18378	18378	8864
18379	18379	8865
18380	18380	8866
18381	18381	8867
18382	18382	8868
18383	18383	8869
18384	18384	8870
18385	18385	8871
18386	18386	8872
18387	18387	8873
18388	18388	8874
18389	18389	8875 SB224 INTRODUCED
18390	18390	Page 318
18391	18391	any renewal that is not filed before the expiration date of
18392	18392	the license.
18393	18393	(2) Each security officer or armed security officer
18394	18394	requesting or renewing a license or certification shall pay a
18395	18395	nonrefundable security license fee to the board upon
18396	18396	application to be determined by the board that does not exceed
18397	18397	one hundred dollars ($100) and may not be increased more than
18398	18398	twenty-five dollars ($25) per licensing period. The license or
18399	18399	certification issued to a security officer or armed security
18400	18400	officer shall expire two years from the date of issuance
18401	18401	executive director . If the board refuses to issue or renew a
18402	18402	license or certification, the applicant or licensee shall be
18403	18403	promptly notified. If the board refuses to issue or renew a
18404	18404	license or certification, the applicant or licensee may appeal
18405	18405	the decision of the board and may request a hearing, in
18406	18406	accordance with the rules of the board and the Administrative
18407	18407	Procedure Act. A licensee may continue to serve as a security
18408	18408	officer or armed security officer while his or her appeal or
18409	18409	renewal application is pending. The board may impose a
18410	18410	reasonable late fee established by the executive director on
18411	18411	renewals not filed before the date of expiration of the
18412	18412	license.
18413	18413	(h) No license or certification issued pursuant to this
18414	18414	chapter shall be assigned or transferred by operation of law
18415	18415	or in any other manner. A new license for an assignee or
18416	18416	transferee of a business shall be applied for using the same
18417	18417	procedures and requirements as set forth in this chapter for
18418	18418	an initial license or certification applicant. The security
18419	18419	operation of a security company may continue until the final
18420	18420	8876
18421	18421	8877
18422	18422	8878
18423	18423	8879
18424	18424	8880
18425	18425	8881
18426	18426	8882
18427	18427	8883
18428	18428	8884
18429	18429	8885
18430	18430	8886
18431	18431	8887
18432	18432	8888
18433	18433	8889
18434	18434	8890
18435	18435	8891
18436	18436	8892
18437	18437	8893
18438	18438	8894
18439	18439	8895
18440	18440	8896
18441	18441	8897
18442	18442	8898
18443	18443	8899
18444	18444	8900
18445	18445	8901
18446	18446	8902
18447	18447	8903 SB224 INTRODUCED
18448	18448	Page 319
18449	18449	operation of a security company may continue until the final
18450	18450	disposition of the pending license or certification
18451	18451	application.
18452	18452	(i) The current license or certificate or duplicate
18453	18453	copy of the license or certificate shall be posted and
18454	18454	displayed at all times at all business offices of the licensee
18455	18455	within the state.
18456	18456	(j) The board shall be notified within 30 days of any
18457	18457	changes in officers, directors, or management of a licensee or
18458	18458	any changes that may reasonably affect the right of a licensee
18459	18459	to hold a license or certificate under this chapter."
18460	18460	"§34-27C-7
18461	18461	(a) Within 30 days after initial employment, a security
18462	18462	officer or armed security officer shall apply to the board for
18463	18463	a license or certification. On or after May 21, 2009, all All
18464	18464	security officers or armed security officers not exempted
18465	18465	under Section 34-27C-17, shall apply to the board for a
18466	18466	license or certification in accordance with this chapter. A
18467	18467	license or certification card issued by the board shall be
18468	18468	carried by each security officer and armed security officer
18469	18469	while performing his or her duties. A temporary card shall be
18470	18470	issued by the board and be in the possession of the applicant
18471	18471	or licensee while working as a security officer or armed
18472	18472	security officer pending the application process, the
18473	18473	completion of training, and the issuance of his or her license
18474	18474	or certification. Licensure and certification shall be renewed
18475	18475	every two years on the date on which original licensure or
18476	18476	certification was granted. A contract security company that
18477	18477	employs a security officer or armed security officer who is in
18478	18478	8904
18479	18479	8905
18480	18480	8906
18481	18481	8907
18482	18482	8908
18483	18483	8909
18484	18484	8910
18485	18485	8911
18486	18486	8912
18487	18487	8913
18488	18488	8914
18489	18489	8915
18490	18490	8916
18491	18491	8917
18492	18492	8918
18493	18493	8919
18494	18494	8920
18495	18495	8921
18496	18496	8922
18497	18497	8923
18498	18498	8924
18499	18499	8925
18500	18500	8926
18501	18501	8927
18502	18502	8928
18503	18503	8929
18504	18504	8930
18505	18505	8931 SB224 INTRODUCED
18506	18506	Page 320
18507	18507	employs a security officer or armed security officer who is in
18508	18508	violation of this subsection shall be in violation of this
18509	18509	chapter.
18510	18510	(b) Each applicant for licensure or certification or
18511	18511	renewal of licensure or certification shall submit to the
18512	18512	board, within 30 days after initial employment or 30 days
18513	18513	before licensure or certification expiration, the appropriate
18514	18514	form as developed by the board, a fee of twenty-five dollars
18515	18515	($25) and fee as developed and established by the executive
18516	18516	director, and proof of completion of a certified training
18517	18517	program or refresher course.
18518	18518	(c) Licensure or certification shall be denied or not
18519	18519	renewed if a security officer or armed security officer does
18520	18520	not meet the standards of a security officer or armed security
18521	18521	officer established by the board pursuant to this chapter. In
18522	18522	the event of denial or nonrenewal of a license or
18523	18523	certification by the board, the applicant may appeal the
18524	18524	action of the board. Upon receipt of a notice of appeal from
18525	18525	the applicant, the board executive director shall set a
18526	18526	hearing date and promptly notify the applicant of the hearing
18527	18527	date. The hearing shall be held in accordance with the rules
18528	18528	of the board and the Administrative Procedure Act.
18529	18529	(d) A contract security company shall notify the board
18530	18530	within 10 days after discovering any adverse information
18531	18531	pertaining to the eligibility of an individual to be licensed
18532	18532	or certified or any adverse information that may affect the
18533	18533	licensure or certification status of a security officer or
18534	18534	armed security officer.
18535	18535	(e) The board may issue a license or certification to a
18536	18536	8932
18537	18537	8933
18538	18538	8934
18539	18539	8935
18540	18540	8936
18541	18541	8937
18542	18542	8938
18543	18543	8939
18544	18544	8940
18545	18545	8941
18546	18546	8942
18547	18547	8943
18548	18548	8944
18549	18549	8945
18550	18550	8946
18551	18551	8947
18552	18552	8948
18553	18553	8949
18554	18554	8950
18555	18555	8951
18556	18556	8952
18557	18557	8953
18558	18558	8954
18559	18559	8955
18560	18560	8956
18561	18561	8957
18562	18562	8958
18563	18563	8959 SB224 INTRODUCED
18564	18564	Page 321
18565	18565	(e) The board may issue a license or certification to a
18566	18566	security officer who has been licensed or certified as a
18567	18567	security officer in another state if the board determines that
18568	18568	the applicant is currently a resident of this state and the
18569	18569	qualifying and training requirements of the issuing state are
18570	18570	equivalent, or substantially similar, to those required by
18571	18571	this chapter.
18572	18572	(f) A security officer or armed security officer who
18573	18573	works as such for six months or less per year may pay a
18574	18574	one-time fee for special licensure by the board executive
18575	18575	director. Any security officer or armed security officer who
18576	18576	works as such for more than six months in a year shall be
18577	18577	subject to all fees and requirements of this chapter. The
18578	18578	board executive director , by rule, may establish the one time
18579	18579	fee that may not exceed one hundred dollars ($100) ."
18580	18580	"§34-27C-9
18581	18581	Any person conducting training of security officers
18582	18582	shall be licensed or certified as a certified trainer by the
18583	18583	board. Any person seeking licensure or certification as a
18584	18584	certified trainer shall pay all fees required by the board
18585	18585	executive director and meet all of the following
18586	18586	qualifications:
18587	18587	(1) Be 21 years of age or older.
18588	18588	(2) Have a minimum of two years of supervisory
18589	18589	experience with a contract security company, a proprietary
18590	18590	company, or in federal, state, county, or municipal law
18591	18591	enforcement.
18592	18592	(3) Have a minimum of one year of experience in
18593	18593	teaching security-related courses or have attended a board
18594	18594	8960
18595	18595	8961
18596	18596	8962
18597	18597	8963
18598	18598	8964
18599	18599	8965
18600	18600	8966
18601	18601	8967
18602	18602	8968
18603	18603	8969
18604	18604	8970
18605	18605	8971
18606	18606	8972
18607	18607	8973
18608	18608	8974
18609	18609	8975
18610	18610	8976
18611	18611	8977
18612	18612	8978
18613	18613	8979
18614	18614	8980
18615	18615	8981
18616	18616	8982
18617	18617	8983
18618	18618	8984
18619	18619	8985
18620	18620	8986
18621	18621	8987 SB224 INTRODUCED
18622	18622	Page 322
18623	18623	teaching security-related courses or have attended a board
18624	18624	approved two-week instructor's course.
18625	18625	(4) Submit proof of compliance with all instruction and
18626	18626	training requirements established by the board."
18627	18627	"§34-27C-15
18628	18628	There is created in the State Treasury, with funds
18629	18629	expended by the board to defray the expenses of administering
18630	18630	this chapter, a special revenue trust fund designated as the
18631	18631	Security Certification Fund. All receipts collected by the
18632	18632	board under this chapter shall be deposited in the fund and
18633	18633	shall only be used to implement this chapter. Receipts
18634	18634	deposited into the fund shall be disbursed only by warrants of
18635	18635	the state Comptroller drawn upon the State Treasury on
18636	18636	itemized vouchers approved by the board. No funds shall be
18637	18637	withdrawn or expended except as budgeted and allotted
18638	18638	according to Sections 41-4-80 to 41-4-96, inclusive, and
18639	18639	41-19-1 to 41-19-12, inclusive, and only in amounts as
18640	18640	stipulated in the general appropriations act, other
18641	18641	appropriations acts, or this chapter. At the end of any fiscal
18642	18642	year following May 21, 2009, any unencumbered and unexpended
18643	18643	balance in the fund shall not revert to the General Fund of
18644	18644	the State Treasury under Section 41-4-93, but shall carry over
18645	18645	to the next fiscal year Occupational and Professional
18646	18646	Licensing Fund."
18647	18647	Section 25. Relating to the State Board for
18648	18648	Registration of Architects; to amend Sections 34-2-30,
18649	18649	34-2-33, 34-2-37, 34-2-38, 34-2-40, 32-2-41 and 34-2-42 of the
18650	18650	Code of Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
18651	18651	"§34-2-30
18652	18652	8988
18653	18653	8989
18654	18654	8990
18655	18655	8991
18656	18656	8992
18657	18657	8993
18658	18658	8994
18659	18659	8995
18660	18660	8996
18661	18661	8997
18662	18662	8998
18663	18663	8999
18664	18664	9000
18665	18665	9001
18666	18666	9002
18667	18667	9003
18668	18668	9004
18669	18669	9005
18670	18670	9006
18671	18671	9007
18672	18672	9008
18673	18673	9009
18674	18674	9010
18675	18675	9011
18676	18676	9012
18677	18677	9013
18678	18678	9014
18679	18679	9015 SB224 INTRODUCED
18680	18680	Page 323
18681	18681	"§34-2-30
18682	18682	For the purposes of this chapter, the following words
18683	18683	and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed by
18684	18684	this section:
18685	18685	(1) ARCHITECT. An individual who is legally qualified
18686	18686	to practice architecture.
18687	18687	(2) BUILDING. A structure consisting of foundation,
18688	18688	walls, or supports and roof, with or without related
18689	18689	components, systems, or other parts comprising a completed
18690	18690	building ready for occupancy.
18691	18691	(3) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
18692	18692	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
18693	18693	in Section 25-2B-1.
18694	18694	(3)(4) PRACTICE ARCHITECTURE or PRACTICING
18695	18695	ARCHITECTURE. Performing or doing, or offering or attempting
18696	18696	to do or perform any service, work, act, or thing within the
18697	18697	scope of the practice of architecture. An individual shall be
18698	18698	construed to hold himself or herself out as practicing
18699	18699	architecture when, by verbal claim, sign, advertisement,
18700	18700	letterhead, card, or any other way, the individual represents
18701	18701	himself or herself to be an architect with or without
18702	18702	qualifying adjective, or when he or she implies that he or she
18703	18703	is an architect through the use of some other title.
18704	18704	(4)(5) PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE. When an individual
18705	18705	holds himself or herself out as able to render or when the
18706	18706	person does render any service by consultations,
18707	18707	investigations, evaluations, preliminary studies, plans,
18708	18708	specifications, contract documents, and a coordination of all
18709	18709	factors concerning the design and observation of construction
18710	18710	9016
18711	18711	9017
18712	18712	9018
18713	18713	9019
18714	18714	9020
18715	18715	9021
18716	18716	9022
18717	18717	9023
18718	18718	9024
18719	18719	9025
18720	18720	9026
18721	18721	9027
18722	18722	9028
18723	18723	9029
18724	18724	9030
18725	18725	9031
18726	18726	9032
18727	18727	9033
18728	18728	9034
18729	18729	9035
18730	18730	9036
18731	18731	9037
18732	18732	9038
18733	18733	9039
18734	18734	9040
18735	18735	9041
18736	18736	9042
18737	18737	9043 SB224 INTRODUCED
18738	18738	Page 324
18739	18739	factors concerning the design and observation of construction
18740	18740	of buildings or any other service in connection with the
18741	18741	design, observation, or construction of buildings located
18742	18742	within the boundaries of the state, regardless of whether such
18743	18743	services are performed in connection with one or all of these
18744	18744	duties, or whether they are performed in person or as the
18745	18745	directing head of an office or organization performing them.
18746	18746	(5)(6) RESPONSIBLE CONTROL. Control over all phases of
18747	18747	the practice of architecture, including, but not limited to,
18748	18748	control over and detailed knowledge of the content of
18749	18749	technical submissions during their preparation as is
18750	18750	ordinarily exercised by registered architects applying the
18751	18751	required professional standard of care."
18752	18752	"§34-2-33
18753	18753	(a)(1) The board shall receive applications for
18754	18754	registration as an architect only on forms prescribed and
18755	18755	furnished by the board executive director .
18756	18756	(2) Upon receipt of the application and the payment of
18757	18757	a fee, as established by the board, the fee in no event
18758	18758	exceeding two hundred fifty dollars ($250) executive director ,
18759	18759	the board shall promptly notify the applicant of examination
18760	18760	requirements for registration, if applicable.
18761	18761	(3) The board may contract with an independent testing
18762	18762	agency to prepare, grade, or conduct the examination. If the
18763	18763	board determines the applicant requires examination, the
18764	18764	applicant shall pay the actual cost of the examination
18765	18765	directly to the board-authorized testing agency.
18766	18766	(b) The board may issue to an applicant without further
18767	18767	examination, a certificate of registration as an architect,
18768	18768	9044
18769	18769	9045
18770	18770	9046
18771	18771	9047
18772	18772	9048
18773	18773	9049
18774	18774	9050
18775	18775	9051
18776	18776	9052
18777	18777	9053
18778	18778	9054
18779	18779	9055
18780	18780	9056
18781	18781	9057
18782	18782	9058
18783	18783	9059
18784	18784	9060
18785	18785	9061
18786	18786	9062
18787	18787	9063
18788	18788	9064
18789	18789	9065
18790	18790	9066
18791	18791	9067
18792	18792	9068
18793	18793	9069
18794	18794	9070
18795	18795	9071 SB224 INTRODUCED
18796	18796	Page 325
18797	18797	examination, a certificate of registration as an architect,
18798	18798	provided the applicant holds an unexpired certificate issued
18799	18799	to him or her by the National Council of Architectural
18800	18800	Registration Boards, hereinafter referred to as NCARB.
18801	18801	(c) The following facts established in the application
18802	18802	shall be regarded as prima facie evidence satisfactory to the
18803	18803	board that the applicant is fully qualified to be examined for
18804	18804	registration:
18805	18805	(1) Graduation after a course of study of a length as
18806	18806	the board shall by regulation determine from a school or
18807	18807	college of architecture accredited by the National
18808	18808	Architectural Accrediting Board, hereinafter referred to as
18809	18809	NAAB; and
18810	18810	(2) An additional period of practical experience in
18811	18811	architectural work under the responsible control of a
18812	18812	registered architect or architects as the board by regulation
18813	18813	shall deem appropriate.
18814	18814	Unless exempted, applicants shall take and pass the
18815	18815	professional examination administered by the board executive
18816	18816	director or an independent testing agency approved by the
18817	18817	board.
18818	18818	(d) In determining the sufficiency of the
18819	18819	qualifications of the applicant for registration, a majority
18820	18820	vote of the members of the board shall be required.
18821	18821	(e) Certificates for registration shall expire on
18822	18822	December 31 a date determined by the executive director
18823	18823	following their issuance or renewal and shall become invalid
18824	18824	on that day unless renewed.
18825	18825	Certificates of registrants who are or may be in the
18826	18826	9072
18827	18827	9073
18828	18828	9074
18829	18829	9075
18830	18830	9076
18831	18831	9077
18832	18832	9078
18833	18833	9079
18834	18834	9080
18835	18835	9081
18836	18836	9082
18837	18837	9083
18838	18838	9084
18839	18839	9085
18840	18840	9086
18841	18841	9087
18842	18842	9088
18843	18843	9089
18844	18844	9090
18845	18845	9091
18846	18846	9092
18847	18847	9093
18848	18848	9094
18849	18849	9095
18850	18850	9096
18851	18851	9097
18852	18852	9098
18853	18853	9099 SB224 INTRODUCED
18854	18854	Page 326
18855	18855	Certificates of registrants who are or may be in the
18856	18856	Armed Forces of the United States shall not expire until
18857	18857	December 31 a date following the discharge or final separation
18858	18858	of the registrant from the Armed Forces of the United States
18859	18859	as determined by the executive director .
18860	18860	(f) Renewal may be accomplished at any time prior to or
18861	18861	during the month of December expiration by the payment of a
18862	18862	fee established by the board not to exceed two hundred fifty
18863	18863	dollars ($250) executive director .
18864	18864	A penalty not to exceed the sum of seventy-five dollars
18865	18865	($75), as set by the executive director, may be added to the
18866	18866	renewal fee for failure to renew a certificate upon such terms
18867	18867	and conditions as the board may by regulation determine.
18868	18868	Failure to renew a certificate of registration by March 31 a
18869	18869	date determined by the executive director shall result in a
18870	18870	lapse of registration.
18871	18871	(g) A registrant whose certificate of registration has
18872	18872	lapsed may have it reinstated, if in compliance with other
18873	18873	relevant requirements, by filing a reinstatement application
18874	18874	and paying, in addition to the appropriate renewal fee and
18875	18875	late penalty, a reinstatement fee of two hundred fifty dollars
18876	18876	($250) set by the executive director .
18877	18877	(h) There is hereby created, for renewal of certificate
18878	18878	purposes, a status to be known as emeritus status architect,
18879	18879	which shall apply to architects who have been registered for
18880	18880	10 consecutive years or longer, and who are 65 years of age or
18881	18881	older, and who have retired from active practice. The annual
18882	18882	renewal of registration for emeritus status shall be renewed
18883	18883	without payment of a fee. If an emeritus status architect
18884	18884	9100
18885	18885	9101
18886	18886	9102
18887	18887	9103
18888	18888	9104
18889	18889	9105
18890	18890	9106
18891	18891	9107
18892	18892	9108
18893	18893	9109
18894	18894	9110
18895	18895	9111
18896	18896	9112
18897	18897	9113
18898	18898	9114
18899	18899	9115
18900	18900	9116
18901	18901	9117
18902	18902	9118
18903	18903	9119
18904	18904	9120
18905	18905	9121
18906	18906	9122
18907	18907	9123
18908	18908	9124
18909	18909	9125
18910	18910	9126
18911	18911	9127 SB224 INTRODUCED
18912	18912	Page 327
18913	18913	without payment of a fee. If an emeritus status architect
18914	18914	subsequently wishes to practice, he or she may do so without
18915	18915	penalty by proper application to the board."
18916	18916	"§34-2-37
18917	18917	(a) It shall be lawful for a corporation, a
18918	18918	professional corporation, a professional association, a
18919	18919	partnership, or a limited liability company (the entity) to
18920	18920	practice architecture in this state provided that:
18921	18921	(1) A minimum of two-thirds of those responsible for
18922	18922	controlling the activities of the entity, including officers,
18923	18923	partners, directors, members, and others depending on the
18924	18924	legal structure of the entity, are voting stockholders who are
18925	18925	architects or professional engineers, or both, registered
18926	18926	under the laws of any United States jurisdiction and at least
18927	18927	one is an architect registered in Alabama.
18928	18928	(2) Any agreement to perform such services shall be
18929	18929	executed on behalf of the entity by a stockholding officer,
18930	18930	partner, director, or member with authority to contractually
18931	18931	bind the entity, who is an architect registered in the State
18932	18932	of Alabama.
18933	18933	(3) A stockholding officer, partner, director, or
18934	18934	member who is an architect registered in the State of Alabama
18935	18935	shall exercise responsible control over the particular
18936	18936	services contracted for by the entity and that architect's
18937	18937	name and seal shall appear on all documents prepared by the
18938	18938	entity in its practice of architecture.
18939	18939	(4) Other officers, partners, directors, or members
18940	18940	shall not direct the professional judgment of the architect in
18941	18941	responsible control over the practice of architecture by the
18942	18942	9128
18943	18943	9129
18944	18944	9130
18945	18945	9131
18946	18946	9132
18947	18947	9133
18948	18948	9134
18949	18949	9135
18950	18950	9136
18951	18951	9137
18952	18952	9138
18953	18953	9139
18954	18954	9140
18955	18955	9141
18956	18956	9142
18957	18957	9143
18958	18958	9144
18959	18959	9145
18960	18960	9146
18961	18961	9147
18962	18962	9148
18963	18963	9149
18964	18964	9150
18965	18965	9151
18966	18966	9152
18967	18967	9153
18968	18968	9154
18969	18969	9155 SB224 INTRODUCED
18970	18970	Page 328
18971	18971	responsible control over the practice of architecture by the
18972	18972	entity.
18973	18973	(5) The entity shall furnish the board with such
18974	18974	information about its organization and activities as the board
18975	18975	shall require by rule and pay an annual administrative fee as
18976	18976	the board executive director may require, not to exceed two
18977	18977	hundred fifty dollars ($250) . The board shall maintain a
18978	18978	public roster of such entities.
18979	18979	(b) All corporations, professional corporations,
18980	18980	professional associations, partnerships, and limited liability
18981	18981	companies (entities) practicing architecture in the State of
18982	18982	Alabama shall fully comply with the above requirements by July
18983	18983	1, 2012.
18984	18984	(c) Applications to practice as an entity described in
18985	18985	subsection (b) shall be made on an annual basis as determined
18986	18986	by the executive director . Disciplinary action for the
18987	18987	entities shall be the same as for registered architects.
18988	18988	Approved entities shall be responsible for the acts of their
18989	18989	agents, employees, general partners, directors, or officers."
18990	18990	"§34-2-38
18991	18991	(a) To carry out the provisions of this chapter, there
18992	18992	shall be a State Board for Registration of Architects ,
18993	18993	consisting. Commencing on October 1, 2026, the board shall be
18994	18994	subject to the leadership, support, and oversight of the
18995	18995	Executive Director of the Office of Occupational and
18996	18996	Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25.
18997	18997	(b) The board shall consist of six members, each of
18998	18998	whom shall be appointed by the Governor from a list of three
18999	18999	persons selected as follows:
19000	19000	9156
19001	19001	9157
19002	19002	9158
19003	19003	9159
19004	19004	9160
19005	19005	9161
19006	19006	9162
19007	19007	9163
19008	19008	9164
19009	19009	9165
19010	19010	9166
19011	19011	9167
19012	19012	9168
19013	19013	9169
19014	19014	9170
19015	19015	9171
19016	19016	9172
19017	19017	9173
19018	19018	9174
19019	19019	9175
19020	19020	9176
19021	19021	9177
19022	19022	9178
19023	19023	9179
19024	19024	9180
19025	19025	9181
19026	19026	9182
19027	19027	9183 SB224 INTRODUCED
19028	19028	Page 329
19029	19029	persons selected as follows:
19030	19030	(1) All appointments as members of the board shall be
19031	19031	architects registered and licensed pursuant to this chapter.
19032	19032	The board shall be appointed from the following districts: One
19033	19033	from the northern district; two from the north central
19034	19034	district; two from the central district, and one from the
19035	19035	southern district. The northern district shall be comprised of
19036	19036	the Counties of Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Franklin, Jackson,
19037	19037	Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall,
19038	19038	Morgan, and Winston; the north central district shall be
19039	19039	comprised of the Counties of Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee,
19040	19040	Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Jefferson,
19041	19041	Lamar, Pickens, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter,
19042	19042	Talladega, Tuscaloosa, and Walker; the central district shall
19043	19043	be comprised of the Counties of Autauga, Barbour, Bullock,
19044	19044	Butler, Chambers, Chilton, Coffee, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw,
19045	19045	Dale, Dallas, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lee, Lowndes,
19046	19046	Macon, Marengo, Montgomery, Perry, Pike, Russell, Tallapoosa,
19047	19047	and Wilcox; and the southern district shall be comprised of
19048	19048	the Counties of Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia,
19049	19049	Mobile, Monroe, and Washington.
19050	19050	(2) Thirty days before the expiration of a board
19051	19051	member's term, or for filling a vacancy otherwise occurring, a
19052	19052	nominating committee of six members shall be selected by
19053	19053	secret ballot from the district entitled to fill the vacancy.
19054	19054	The nominating committee shall be elected at a meeting in the
19055	19055	district called by the executive director of the board, who
19056	19056	shall give notice in writing of the time and place of the
19057	19057	called meeting to each architect in the district at least 30
19058	19058	9184
19059	19059	9185
19060	19060	9186
19061	19061	9187
19062	19062	9188
19063	19063	9189
19064	19064	9190
19065	19065	9191
19066	19066	9192
19067	19067	9193
19068	19068	9194
19069	19069	9195
19070	19070	9196
19071	19071	9197
19072	19072	9198
19073	19073	9199
19074	19074	9200
19075	19075	9201
19076	19076	9202
19077	19077	9203
19078	19078	9204
19079	19079	9205
19080	19080	9206
19081	19081	9207
19082	19082	9208
19083	19083	9209
19084	19084	9210
19085	19085	9211 SB224 INTRODUCED
19086	19086	Page 330
19087	19087	called meeting to each architect in the district at least 30
19088	19088	days in advance of the date set for the meeting. Those
19089	19089	architects present at the called meeting may vote on the
19090	19090	membership of the nominating committee. After the selection of
19091	19091	the nominating committee from the district where the vacancy
19092	19092	occurs, there shall be a meeting of the committee with the
19093	19093	board at the same place within five days to select, by secret
19094	19094	ballot, the names of three persons to be sent to the Governor
19095	19095	by the executive director of the board. The Governor shall
19096	19096	appoint one of the named persons to the board. In appointing
19097	19097	members to the board, the Governor shall select those persons
19098	19098	whose appointments, to the extent possible, ensure that the
19099	19099	membership of the board is inclusive and reflects the racial,
19100	19100	gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the
19101	19101	state.
19102	19102	(3) The term of office of the members of the board
19103	19103	shall be four years and until their successors are appointed
19104	19104	and qualified.
19105	19105	(4) A member shall reside and have his or her principal
19106	19106	office in the district from which appointed. A member's place
19107	19107	on the board shall become vacant if the member removes either
19108	19108	his or her residence or principal office from that district."
19109	19109	"§34-2-40
19110	19110	(a) The board shall hold at least four regular meetings
19111	19111	each year.
19112	19112	(b) The board shall elect annually a chairman and vice
19113	19113	chairman who must be members of the board. The board may
19114	19114	employ an executive director, clerks, experts, attorneys, and
19115	19115	others, as may be necessary in the carrying out of the
19116	19116	9212
19117	19117	9213
19118	19118	9214
19119	19119	9215
19120	19120	9216
19121	19121	9217
19122	19122	9218
19123	19123	9219
19124	19124	9220
19125	19125	9221
19126	19126	9222
19127	19127	9223
19128	19128	9224
19129	19129	9225
19130	19130	9226
19131	19131	9227
19132	19132	9228
19133	19133	9229
19134	19134	9230
19135	19135	9231
19136	19136	9232
19137	19137	9233
19138	19138	9234
19139	19139	9235
19140	19140	9236
19141	19141	9237
19142	19142	9238
19143	19143	9239 SB224 INTRODUCED
19144	19144	Page 331
19145	19145	others, as may be necessary in the carrying out of the
19146	19146	provisions of this chapter.
19147	19147	(c) The board shall have the power, with the approval
19148	19148	of the Governor, to fix the compensation of the executive
19149	19149	director and other employees.
19150	19150	(d)(c) A quorum of the board shall consist of not less
19151	19151	than a majority of the duly appointed board members."
19152	19152	"§34-2-41
19153	19153	(a)The executive director of the board shall receive
19154	19154	and account for all moneys All monies derived from the
19155	19155	operation of this chapter shall be deposited into the
19156	19156	Occupational and Professional Licensing Fund . Such moneys
19157	19157	shall be certified into the treasury in a fund to be known as
19158	19158	the Fund of the Board for the Registration of Architects. Such
19159	19159	fund shall be drawn against only for the purposes of this
19160	19160	chapter.
19161	19161	The fiscal year shall commence on the first day of
19162	19162	October and end on the thirtieth day of September.
19163	19163	Each member of the board shall receive a per diem as
19164	19164	recommended by the board consistent with applicable state laws
19165	19165	for attending sessions of the board or its committee, and for
19166	19166	the time spent in necessary travel to attend meetings of the
19167	19167	board or its committee. In addition, each member of the board
19168	19168	shall be reimbursed for traveling and clerical expenses
19169	19169	incurred in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.
19170	19170	Expenses certified by the board as properly and
19171	19171	necessarily incurred in the discharge of its duties,
19172	19172	including, but limited to, authorized compensations,
19173	19173	additional legal services, experts, clerks, office rent, and
19174	19174	9240
19175	19175	9241
19176	19176	9242
19177	19177	9243
19178	19178	9244
19179	19179	9245
19180	19180	9246
19181	19181	9247
19182	19182	9248
19183	19183	9249
19184	19184	9250
19185	19185	9251
19186	19186	9252
19187	19187	9253
19188	19188	9254
19189	19189	9255
19190	19190	9256
19191	19191	9257
19192	19192	9258
19193	19193	9259
19194	19194	9260
19195	19195	9261
19196	19196	9262
19197	19197	9263
19198	19198	9264
19199	19199	9265
19200	19200	9266
19201	19201	9267 SB224 INTRODUCED
19202	19202	Page 332
19203	19203	additional legal services, experts, clerks, office rent, and
19204	19204	supplies, shall be paid out of the fund on the warrant of the
19205	19205	Comptroller of the state. Such warrant shall be issued on
19206	19206	requisitions signed by the chairman and executive director of
19207	19207	the board. At no time in any fiscal year shall the total
19208	19208	amount of warrants issued exceed the total amount of moneys
19209	19209	accumulated in this fund.
19210	19210	(b) The board may make donations from its surplus funds
19211	19211	to any state educational institution which has an accredited
19212	19212	school of architecture for assistance in promoting education
19213	19213	and research programs in architecture.
19214	19214	The chairman and the executive director of the board
19215	19215	shall give a surety bond in an amount no less than the
19216	19216	previous year's budget payable to the State of Alabama and
19217	19217	conditioned upon the faithful performance of their duties
19218	19218	under this chapter. The premium of the bond shall be paid out
19219	19219	of the moneys in the Fund of the Board for the Registration of
19220	19220	Architects."
19221	19221	"§34-2-42
19222	19222	On or before January 1 of each year, the board shall
19223	19223	submit to the Governor a report of its transactions for the
19224	19224	preceding fiscal year , together with a complete statement of
19225	19225	receipts and disbursements of the board for its last fiscal
19226	19226	year, certified by the chairman and the executive director ."
19227	19227	Section 26. Relating to the Alabama Board of Court
19228	19228	Reporting; to amend Sections 34-8B-2, 34-8B-4, 34-8B-5,
19229	19229	34-8B-10, 34-8B-11, 34-8B-12, 34-8B-13, 34-8B-15, and 34-8B-17
19230	19230	of the Code of Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
19231	19231	"§34-8B-2
19232	19232	9268
19233	19233	9269
19234	19234	9270
19235	19235	9271
19236	19236	9272
19237	19237	9273
19238	19238	9274
19239	19239	9275
19240	19240	9276
19241	19241	9277
19242	19242	9278
19243	19243	9279
19244	19244	9280
19245	19245	9281
19246	19246	9282
19247	19247	9283
19248	19248	9284
19249	19249	9285
19250	19250	9286
19251	19251	9287
19252	19252	9288
19253	19253	9289
19254	19254	9290
19255	19255	9291
19256	19256	9292
19257	19257	9293
19258	19258	9294
19259	19259	9295 SB224 INTRODUCED
19260	19260	Page 333
19261	19261	"§34-8B-2
19262	19262	As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have
19263	19263	the following meanings:
19264	19264	(1) ACRA. The Alabama Court Reporters Association.
19265	19265	(2) BOARD. The Alabama Board of Court Reporting.
19266	19266	(3) CERTIFIED COURT REPORTER (C.C.R.). Any person
19267	19267	licensed pursuant to this chapter to practice verbatim
19268	19268	reporting.
19269	19269	(4) CERTIFIED SHORTHAND REPORTER (C.S.R.). A
19270	19270	designation of certification given by the Alabama Court
19271	19271	Reporters Association for its certified members.
19272	19272	(5) COURT REPORTER. Any person who is engaged in the
19273	19273	practice of court reporting as a profession, including persons
19274	19274	who actually report judicial proceedings in courts and persons
19275	19275	who make verbatim records.
19276	19276	(6) COURT REPORTING. The making of a verbatim record by
19277	19277	means of manual shorthand, machine shorthand, closed
19278	19278	microphone voice dictation silencer, or by other means of
19279	19279	personal verbatim reporting of any testimony given under oath
19280	19280	before, or for submission to, any court, referee, or court
19281	19281	examiner or by any board, commission, or other body, or in any
19282	19282	other proceeding where a verbatim record is required. The
19283	19283	taking of a deposition is the making of a verbatim record.
19284	19284	(7) CVR. Certified verbatim reporter.
19285	19285	(8) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
19286	19286	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
19287	19287	in Section 25-2B-1.
19288	19288	(8)(9) FISCAL YEAR. October 1 through September 30.
19289	19289	(9)(10) FUND. The Alabama Board of Court Reporting
19290	19290	9296
19291	19291	9297
19292	19292	9298
19293	19293	9299
19294	19294	9300
19295	19295	9301
19296	19296	9302
19297	19297	9303
19298	19298	9304
19299	19299	9305
19300	19300	9306
19301	19301	9307
19302	19302	9308
19303	19303	9309
19304	19304	9310
19305	19305	9311
19306	19306	9312
19307	19307	9313
19308	19308	9314
19309	19309	9315
19310	19310	9316
19311	19311	9317
19312	19312	9318
19313	19313	9319
19314	19314	9320
19315	19315	9321
19316	19316	9322
19317	19317	9323 SB224 INTRODUCED
19318	19318	Page 334
19319	19319	(9)(10) FUND. The Alabama Board of Court Reporting
19320	19320	Occupational and Professional Licensing Fund.
19321	19321	(10)(11) NCRA. The National Court Reporters
19322	19322	Association.
19323	19323	(11)(12) NVRA. The National Verbatim Reporters
19324	19324	Association.
19325	19325	(12)(13) RPR. Registered professional reporter.
19326	19326	(13)(14) SECRETARY. A person selected by the board to
19327	19327	serve as secretary of the board."
19328	19328	"§34-8B-4
19329	19329	(a) There is created the Alabama Board of Court
19330	19330	Reporting. The board shall be operative within 60 das of June
19331	19331	1, 2006. ACRA shall provide administrative support to the
19332	19332	board until such time as the board employs sufficient
19333	19333	employees to implement and administer this chapter. Commencing
19334	19334	on October 1, 2026, the board shall be subject to the
19335	19335	leadership, support, and oversight of the Executive Director
19336	19336	of the Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing
19337	19337	pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25.
19338	19338	(b) The board shall consist of seven members as
19339	19339	follows:
19340	19340	(1) Four court reporters certified by ABCR, NCRA, NVRA,
19341	19341	or by the board, two of whom shall be employed in official
19342	19342	capacities and two of whom shall be employed in a freelance
19343	19343	setting.
19344	19344	(2) Two members in good standing with the Alabama State
19345	19345	Bar Association.
19346	19346	(3) One additional member.
19347	19347	(c) Appointments to the board shall be made as follows:
19348	19348	9324
19349	19349	9325
19350	19350	9326
19351	19351	9327
19352	19352	9328
19353	19353	9329
19354	19354	9330
19355	19355	9331
19356	19356	9332
19357	19357	9333
19358	19358	9334
19359	19359	9335
19360	19360	9336
19361	19361	9337
19362	19362	9338
19363	19363	9339
19364	19364	9340
19365	19365	9341
19366	19366	9342
19367	19367	9343
19368	19368	9344
19369	19369	9345
19370	19370	9346
19371	19371	9347
19372	19372	9348
19373	19373	9349
19374	19374	9350
19375	19375	9351 SB224 INTRODUCED
19376	19376	Page 335
19377	19377	(c) Appointments to the board shall be made as follows:
19378	19378	(1) The Governor shall appoint one official court
19379	19379	reporter, one freelance court reporter, and one member of the
19380	19380	Alabama State Bar Association. ACRA, NCRA, NVRA, and the
19381	19381	Alabama State Bar Association shall respectively submit a list
19382	19382	of three names for each appointment to the Governor for
19383	19383	consideration.
19384	19384	(2) The Lieutenant Governor shall appoint one member of
19385	19385	the Alabama State Bar Association from a list of three names
19386	19386	submitted by the Alabama State Bar Association.
19387	19387	(3) The President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall
19388	19388	appoint one member who is an official court reporter from a
19389	19389	list of three names submitted by ACRA.
19390	19390	(4) The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall
19391	19391	appoint one member who is a freelance court reporter from a
19392	19392	list of three names submitted by ACRA.
19393	19393	(5) The Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court
19394	19394	shall appoint one member from a list of three names submitted
19395	19395	by the Administrative Office of Courts.
19396	19396	(d) All members of the board shall be citizens of the
19397	19397	United States and the State of Alabama. The lists of names
19398	19398	shall be submitted by the designated organizations on or
19399	19399	before June 1, 2006. The initial terms shall begin January 1,
19400	19400	2007, and all appointments shall be made prior to January 1 of
19401	19401	every year.
19402	19402	(e) The initial members shall serve the following terms
19403	19403	as designated by the Governor:
19404	19404	(1) Three members shall serve for two years.
19405	19405	(2) Two members shall serve for three years.
19406	19406	9352
19407	19407	9353
19408	19408	9354
19409	19409	9355
19410	19410	9356
19411	19411	9357
19412	19412	9358
19413	19413	9359
19414	19414	9360
19415	19415	9361
19416	19416	9362
19417	19417	9363
19418	19418	9364
19419	19419	9365
19420	19420	9366
19421	19421	9367
19422	19422	9368
19423	19423	9369
19424	19424	9370
19425	19425	9371
19426	19426	9372
19427	19427	9373
19428	19428	9374
19429	19429	9375
19430	19430	9376
19431	19431	9377
19432	19432	9378
19433	19433	9379 SB224 INTRODUCED
19434	19434	Page 336
19435	19435	(2) Two members shall serve for three years.
19436	19436	(3) Two members shall serve for four years.
19437	19437	(f) Subsequent terms of office shall be for four years.
19438	19438	No member shall serve more than two consecutive terms. In the
19439	19439	event of a vacancy, the appointing authority for the position
19440	19440	shall fill the vacancy. Each member shall serve until his or
19441	19441	her successor is duly appointed and qualified.
19442	19442	(g) The membership of the board shall be inclusive and
19443	19443	reflect the racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and
19444	19444	economic diversity of the state. The board shall annually
19445	19445	report to the Legislature by the second legislative day of
19446	19446	each regular session to what extent the board has complied
19447	19447	with the diversity provisions provided for in this subsection.
19448	19448	(h) At its first meeting each calendar year, the board
19449	19449	shall elect a chair, vice chair, and secretary from its
19450	19450	membership. No member shall be elected to serve more than two
19451	19451	consecutive years in the same office.
19452	19452	(i) After the initial appointments have been made, the
19453	19453	board shall meet by January 2007, for the purpose of
19454	19454	organizing and transacting business. Thereafter, the board
19455	19455	shall meet not less than twice annually and as frequently as
19456	19456	deemed necessary by the chair or a majority of the members.
19457	19457	The board shall meet at such time and place as designated by
19458	19458	the board. A quorum shall consist of four members.
19459	19459	(j) Board members shall receive the same travel
19460	19460	expenses and per diem as state employees pursuant to Article
19461	19461	2, commencing with Section 36-7-20, Chapter 7, Title 36. The
19462	19462	expenses shall be paid out of the funds of the board.
19463	19463	Reimbursement shall not be made if funds are insufficient. "
19464	19464	9380
19465	19465	9381
19466	19466	9382
19467	19467	9383
19468	19468	9384
19469	19469	9385
19470	19470	9386
19471	19471	9387
19472	19472	9388
19473	19473	9389
19474	19474	9390
19475	19475	9391
19476	19476	9392
19477	19477	9393
19478	19478	9394
19479	19479	9395
19480	19480	9396
19481	19481	9397
19482	19482	9398
19483	19483	9399
19484	19484	9400
19485	19485	9401
19486	19486	9402
19487	19487	9403
19488	19488	9404
19489	19489	9405
19490	19490	9406
19491	19491	9407 SB224 INTRODUCED
19492	19492	Page 337
19493	19493	Reimbursement shall not be made if funds are insufficient. "
19494	19494	"§34-8B-5
19495	19495	The board shall have all of the following duties and
19496	19496	responsibilities:
19497	19497	(1) Act on matters concerning competency licensure only
19498	19498	and the process of granting, suspending, reinstating, and
19499	19499	revoking a license.
19500	19500	(2) Establish a procedure for the investigation of
19501	19501	complaints against licensed court reporters and for the
19502	19502	conduct of hearings in which complaints are heard.
19503	19503	(3) Set a fee schedule for granting licenses and
19504	19504	renewals of licenses subject to the Alabama Administrative
19505	19505	Procedure Act.
19506	19506	(4)(3) Maintain a current register of licensed court
19507	19507	reporters and a current register of temporarily licensed court
19508	19508	reporters. Registers shall be matters of public record.
19509	19509	(5)(4) Maintain a complete record of all proceedings of
19510	19510	the board.
19511	19511	(6)(5) Adopt continuing education requirements no later
19512	19512	than October 1, 2007. Requirements shall be implemented no
19513	19513	later than January 1, 2008, and shall include all courses
19514	19514	approved by the Alabama State Bar for continuing legal
19515	19515	education.
19516	19516	(7)(6) Determine the content of and administer
19517	19517	examinations to be given to applicants for licensure as
19518	19518	certified court reporters and issue numbered licenses to
19519	19519	applicants found qualified.
19520	19520	(8)(7) Maintain records of its proceedings and a
19521	19521	register of all persons licensed by the board which shall be a
19522	19522	9408
19523	19523	9409
19524	19524	9410
19525	19525	9411
19526	19526	9412
19527	19527	9413
19528	19528	9414
19529	19529	9415
19530	19530	9416
19531	19531	9417
19532	19532	9418
19533	19533	9419
19534	19534	9420
19535	19535	9421
19536	19536	9422
19537	19537	9423
19538	19538	9424
19539	19539	9425
19540	19540	9426
19541	19541	9427
19542	19542	9428
19543	19543	9429
19544	19544	9430
19545	19545	9431
19546	19546	9432
19547	19547	9433
19548	19548	9434
19549	19549	9435 SB224 INTRODUCED
19550	19550	Page 338
19551	19551	register of all persons licensed by the board which shall be a
19552	19552	public record and open to inspection."
19553	19553	"§34-8B-10
19554	19554	(a) To be licensed as a court reporter, an applicant
19555	19555	shall be a United States citizen or, if not a citizen of the
19556	19556	United States, a person who is legally present in the United
19557	19557	States with appropriate documentation from the federal
19558	19558	government, and shall pass the Written Knowledge Examination
19559	19559	administered by the board, ACRA, NCRA, or NVRA, and shall pass
19560	19560	an Alabama skills examination or provide documentation of
19561	19561	having passed the NCRA Registered Professional Reporter
19562	19562	Examination or NVRA CVR Examination. The board shall examine
19563	19563	or establish, or both, examination and testing procedures to
19564	19564	enable the board to ascertain the competency of applicants for
19565	19565	licensure. Each such skills examination shall be given at
19566	19566	least twice each calendar year. Applications for licensure
19567	19567	shall be signed and sworn by the applicants and submitted on
19568	19568	forms furnished by the board executive director . An applicant
19569	19569	who furnishes the board with satisfactory proof of graduation
19570	19570	from a court reporting program or its equivalent shall, upon
19571	19571	payment of a reasonable fee in an amount determined by the
19572	19572	board executive director , be examined by the board. All
19573	19573	applicants who are found qualified to engage in the practice
19574	19574	of court reporting pursuant to this chapter shall be issued a
19575	19575	license as a certified court reporter and an identifying
19576	19576	number. The license shall be valid until September 30th of the
19577	19577	year of its issuance.
19578	19578	(b) No certified court reporter may authorize the use
19579	19579	of his or her license number on any transcript not produced
19580	19580	9436
19581	19581	9437
19582	19582	9438
19583	19583	9439
19584	19584	9440
19585	19585	9441
19586	19586	9442
19587	19587	9443
19588	19588	9444
19589	19589	9445
19590	19590	9446
19591	19591	9447
19592	19592	9448
19593	19593	9449
19594	19594	9450
19595	19595	9451
19596	19596	9452
19597	19597	9453
19598	19598	9454
19599	19599	9455
19600	19600	9456
19601	19601	9457
19602	19602	9458
19603	19603	9459
19604	19604	9460
19605	19605	9461
19606	19606	9462
19607	19607	9463 SB224 INTRODUCED
19608	19608	Page 339
19609	19609	of his or her license number on any transcript not produced
19610	19610	through his or her personal effort or supervision, or both.
19611	19611	Violation of this subsection may be grounds for license
19612	19612	suspension or revocation.
19613	19613	(c) The board shall approve at least two reporter
19614	19614	examinations each year and may hold such additional
19615	19615	examinations as are necessary. The secretary shall give public
19616	19616	notice of the time and place of each examination at least 120
19617	19617	days prior to the date set for the examination. Any person
19618	19618	desiring to take the examination shall file his or her
19619	19619	application with the board at least 30 days prior to the date
19620	19620	of the examination. The preparation, administration, and The
19621	19621	grading of the examination shall be governed by the rules
19622	19622	prescribed by the board, but the board may engage ACRA to
19623	19623	conduct the examination under the supervision of the board.
19624	19624	Upon determining the results of the examination, the board
19625	19625	shall notify each applicant as to whether the applicant has
19626	19626	passed the examination. Notification shall be by written
19627	19627	notice mailed to the applicant by certified mail to the
19628	19628	applicant's address as indicated on the application."
19629	19629	"§34-8B-11
19630	19630	(a) The board shall enter into reciprocal agreements
19631	19631	with any state, agency, or other entity that licenses,
19632	19632	certifies, or registers court reporters (NCRA or NVRA, or
19633	19633	both) if the board finds that the state, agency, or other
19634	19634	entity has substantially the same or more stringent
19635	19635	requirements than the board.
19636	19636	(b) The reciprocity agreement shall provide that the
19637	19637	board shall license a person who is currently licensed,
19638	19638	9464
19639	19639	9465
19640	19640	9466
19641	19641	9467
19642	19642	9468
19643	19643	9469
19644	19644	9470
19645	19645	9471
19646	19646	9472
19647	19647	9473
19648	19648	9474
19649	19649	9475
19650	19650	9476
19651	19651	9477
19652	19652	9478
19653	19653	9479
19654	19654	9480
19655	19655	9481
19656	19656	9482
19657	19657	9483
19658	19658	9484
19659	19659	9485
19660	19660	9486
19661	19661	9487
19662	19662	9488
19663	19663	9489
19664	19664	9490
19665	19665	9491 SB224 INTRODUCED
19666	19666	Page 340
19667	19667	board shall license a person who is currently licensed,
19668	19668	certified, or registered in another state or by another agency
19669	19669	or other entity if that state, agency, or other entity agrees
19670	19670	to license, certify, or register any licensees licensed
19671	19671	pursuant to this chapter.
19672	19672	(c) Nonresident court reporters desiring to make a
19673	19673	verbatim record of any testimony of a proceeding, the
19674	19674	jurisdiction of which is within the courts of Alabama or where
19675	19675	appeal to any court of Alabama is allowable by law, shall make
19676	19676	annual application for a nonresident license. The applicant
19677	19677	shall make application on the same forms as required of other
19678	19678	applicants, shall pay a fee in an amount determined by the
19679	19679	board executive director , and shall present proof that the
19680	19680	applicant is a competent licensed court reporter in another
19681	19681	state. The board shall issue a nonresident license upon the
19682	19682	finding that the applicant is a competent licensed court
19683	19683	reporter in another state. The license shall be valid for a
19684	19684	period not to exceed one year from the date of issuance. A
19685	19685	nonresident court reporter shall reapply for licensure
19686	19686	annually. An annual A fee in an amount determined by the board
19687	19687	executive director shall be required.
19688	19688	(d) The board executive director shall establish the
19689	19689	fees appropriate in processing reciprocal licensing."
19690	19690	"§34-8B-12
19691	19691	The annual fees for licensure pursuant to this chapter
19692	19692	shall be established by the board and shall cover a 12-month
19693	19693	period beginning October 1 of each year executive director .
19694	19694	All fees collected by the board shall be paid into the State
19695	19695	Treasury to the credit of the Board of Court Reporting Fund
19696	19696	9492
19697	19697	9493
19698	19698	9494
19699	19699	9495
19700	19700	9496
19701	19701	9497
19702	19702	9498
19703	19703	9499
19704	19704	9500
19705	19705	9501
19706	19706	9502
19707	19707	9503
19708	19708	9504
19709	19709	9505
19710	19710	9506
19711	19711	9507
19712	19712	9508
19713	19713	9509
19714	19714	9510
19715	19715	9511
19716	19716	9512
19717	19717	9513
19718	19718	9514
19719	19719	9515
19720	19720	9516
19721	19721	9517
19722	19722	9518
19723	19723	9519 SB224 INTRODUCED
19724	19724	Page 341
19725	19725	Treasury to the credit of the Board of Court Reporting Fund
19726	19726	which is hereby created. Moneys in the fund shall be subject
19727	19727	to withdrawal only upon warrant of the state Comptroller to be
19728	19728	issued upon certification of the secretary. Any funds
19729	19729	remaining in the fund at the end of each fiscal year in excess
19730	19730	of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000), shall be
19731	19731	available to the board to provide for the education and
19732	19732	training of court reporters. At all times the board shall
19733	19733	retain a sum not in excess of two hundred fifty thousand
19734	19734	dollars ($250,000), to meet any emergency which may affect the
19735	19735	efficient operation of the board. No funds shall be withdrawn
19736	19736	or expended except as budgeted and allocated pursuant to this
19737	19737	chapter and only in amounts as stipulated in the general
19738	19738	appropriations bill or other appropriations bills Occupational
19739	19739	and Professional Licensing Fund ."
19740	19740	"§34-8B-13
19741	19741	Each person licensed pursuant to this chapter shall
19742	19742	apply for renewal of his or her license pursuant to dates
19743	19743	established by the board executive director . A renewal fee in
19744	19744	an amount determined by the board executive director shall be
19745	19745	paid and thereupon the board shall issue a numbered license
19746	19746	establishing that the holder is entitled to practice court
19747	19747	reporting for the period determined by the board executive
19748	19748	director. The board shall require specific continuing
19749	19749	education as a condition for license renewal. The board
19750	19750	executive director may provide for the late renewal of a
19751	19751	license which has lapsed and may require the payment of a late
19752	19752	fee or an examination, or both, prior to issuing a renewal
19753	19753	license. Licensees shall notify the board in writing of any
19754	19754	9520
19755	19755	9521
19756	19756	9522
19757	19757	9523
19758	19758	9524
19759	19759	9525
19760	19760	9526
19761	19761	9527
19762	19762	9528
19763	19763	9529
19764	19764	9530
19765	19765	9531
19766	19766	9532
19767	19767	9533
19768	19768	9534
19769	19769	9535
19770	19770	9536
19771	19771	9537
19772	19772	9538
19773	19773	9539
19774	19774	9540
19775	19775	9541
19776	19776	9542
19777	19777	9543
19778	19778	9544
19779	19779	9545
19780	19780	9546
19781	19781	9547 SB224 INTRODUCED
19782	19782	Page 342
19783	19783	license. Licensees shall notify the board in writing of any
19784	19784	change of address within 30 days of the change."
19785	19785	"§34-8B-15
19786	19786	(a) Commencing on August 1, 2012, any Any person who is
19787	19787	a graduate of a court reporting program may receive a
19788	19788	temporary license to practice as a court reporter from the
19789	19789	board. Application for the temporary graduate license shall be
19790	19790	made to the board executive director , on forms approved by the
19791	19791	board executive director , and the payment of a fee in an
19792	19792	amount determined by the board executive director . The
19793	19793	temporary license shall be valid for 18 months from the date
19794	19794	of issuance a time period determined by the executive
19795	19795	director.
19796	19796	(b) In the event that a temporary license expires
19797	19797	without the temporary licensee having passed the examination
19798	19798	for full licensure, court reporting services by the temporary
19799	19799	licensee shall cease and desist immediately upon the
19800	19800	expiration of the temporary license, and the board may not be
19801	19801	held liable for lost income to the temporary licensee or to
19802	19802	the court reporting firm."
19803	19803	"§34-8B-17
19804	19804	All moneys collected pursuant to this chapter shall be
19805	19805	deposited into the Board of Court Reporting Occupational and
19806	19806	Professional Licensing Fund. All expenses incurred by the
19807	19807	board in implementing and administering this chapter shall be
19808	19808	paid out of the fund provided that the expenses of the board
19809	19809	shall not be in excess of the moneys in the fund. The board
19810	19810	may charge and collect the following fees established by the
19811	19811	executive director which shall be deposited into the fund:
19812	19812	9548
19813	19813	9549
19814	19814	9550
19815	19815	9551
19816	19816	9552
19817	19817	9553
19818	19818	9554
19819	19819	9555
19820	19820	9556
19821	19821	9557
19822	19822	9558
19823	19823	9559
19824	19824	9560
19825	19825	9561
19826	19826	9562
19827	19827	9563
19828	19828	9564
19829	19829	9565
19830	19830	9566
19831	19831	9567
19832	19832	9568
19833	19833	9569
19834	19834	9570
19835	19835	9571
19836	19836	9572
19837	19837	9573
19838	19838	9574
19839	19839	9575 SB224 INTRODUCED
19840	19840	Page 343
19841	19841	executive director which shall be deposited into the fund:
19842	19842	(1) An application fee for any temporary or regular
19843	19843	license.
19844	19844	(2) An examination fee.
19845	19845	(3) A renewal fee for any temporary or regular license.
19846	19846	(4) A reinstatement fee for any application for
19847	19847	reinstatement of a temporary or regular license which has been
19848	19848	placed on inactive status, revoked or suspended.
19849	19849	(5) A fee for the renewal of a license after the due
19850	19850	date which shall be increased 20 percent for each month or
19851	19851	fraction thereof that payment is delayed , unless the delay is
19852	19852	caused by conditions resulting from additional requirements
19853	19853	imposed by the board. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
19854	19854	delinquency of more than 60 days shall result in revocation of
19855	19855	licensure.
19856	19856	(6) A change of information fee.
19857	19857	(7) Necessary administrative fees including, but not
19858	19858	limited to, reasonable costs for copying, labels, and lists."
19859	19859	Section 27. Relating to the State Board of Examiners
19860	19860	for Dietetics/Nutrition Practice; to amend Sections 34-34A-3,
19861	19861	34-34A-6, 34-34A-7, 34-34A-8, 34-34A-9 and 34-34A-13 of the
19862	19862	Code of Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
19863	19863	"§34-34A-3
19864	19864	For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms
19865	19865	shall have the meanings herein ascribed to them unless the
19866	19866	context clearly indicates otherwise:
19867	19867	(1) BOARD. Board of Examiners for Dietetics/Nutrition
19868	19868	Practice.
19869	19869	(2) COMMISSION ON DIETETIC REGISTRATION (CDR).
19870	19870	9576
19871	19871	9577
19872	19872	9578
19873	19873	9579
19874	19874	9580
19875	19875	9581
19876	19876	9582
19877	19877	9583
19878	19878	9584
19879	19879	9585
19880	19880	9586
19881	19881	9587
19882	19882	9588
19883	19883	9589
19884	19884	9590
19885	19885	9591
19886	19886	9592
19887	19887	9593
19888	19888	9594
19889	19889	9595
19890	19890	9596
19891	19891	9597
19892	19892	9598
19893	19893	9599
19894	19894	9600
19895	19895	9601
19896	19896	9602
19897	19897	9603 SB224 INTRODUCED
19898	19898	Page 344
19899	19899	(2) COMMISSION ON DIETETIC REGISTRATION (CDR).
19900	19900	Commission on Dietetic Registration that is a member of the
19901	19901	National Commission for Health Certifying Agencies.
19902	19902	(3) DEGREE. A baccalaureate or higher degree from a
19903	19903	college or university accredited by the Southern Association
19904	19904	of Schools and Colleges or other regional accreditation agency
19905	19905	recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and
19906	19906	the United States Department of Education.
19907	19907	(4) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
19908	19908	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
19909	19909	in Section 25-2B-1.
19910	19910	(4)(5) REGISTERED DIETITIAN. A person registered by the
19911	19911	Commission on Dietetic Registration (also defined under
19912	19912	Section 34-34-1).
19913	19913	(5)(6) LICENSED DIETITIAN/NUTRITIONIST. A person
19914	19914	licensed under this chapter.
19915	19915	(6)(7) TEMPORARILY LICENSED DIETITIAN/NUTRITIONIST. A
19916	19916	person temporarily licensed under this chapter.
19917	19917	(7)(8) DIETETICS/NUTRITION PRACTICE. The integration
19918	19918	and application of the principles derived from the sciences of
19919	19919	nutrition, biochemistry, food, physiology, management, and
19920	19920	behavioral and social sciences to achieve and maintain
19921	19921	people's health through the provision of nutrition care
19922	19922	services.
19923	19923	(8)(9) Nutrition care services:
19924	19924	a. Assessing the nutritional needs of individuals and
19925	19925	groups, and determining resources and constraints in the
19926	19926	practice setting;
19927	19927	b. Establishing priorities, goals, and objectives that
19928	19928	9604
19929	19929	9605
19930	19930	9606
19931	19931	9607
19932	19932	9608
19933	19933	9609
19934	19934	9610
19935	19935	9611
19936	19936	9612
19937	19937	9613
19938	19938	9614
19939	19939	9615
19940	19940	9616
19941	19941	9617
19942	19942	9618
19943	19943	9619
19944	19944	9620
19945	19945	9621
19946	19946	9622
19947	19947	9623
19948	19948	9624
19949	19949	9625
19950	19950	9626
19951	19951	9627
19952	19952	9628
19953	19953	9629
19954	19954	9630
19955	19955	9631 SB224 INTRODUCED
19956	19956	Page 345
19957	19957	b. Establishing priorities, goals, and objectives that
19958	19958	meet nutritional needs and are consistent with available
19959	19959	resources and constraints;
19960	19960	c. Providing nutrition counseling in health and disease
19961	19961	according to established guidelines of care;
19962	19962	d. Developing, implementing, and managing nutrition
19963	19963	care systems; and
19964	19964	e. Evaluating, making changes in, and maintaining
19965	19965	appropriate standards of quality in food and nutrition care
19966	19966	services.
19967	19967	(9)(10) NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT. The evaluation of the
19968	19968	nutritional needs of individuals and groups based upon
19969	19969	appropriate biochemical, anthropometric, physical, and dietary
19970	19970	data to determine nutrient needs and recommend appropriate
19971	19971	nutritional intake including enteral and parenteral nutrition.
19972	19972	(10)(11) NUTRITION COUNSELING. Advising and assisting
19973	19973	individuals or groups on appropriate nutritional intake by
19974	19974	integrating information from the nutrition assessment with
19975	19975	information on food and other sources of nutrients and meal
19976	19976	preparation consistent with cultural background and
19977	19977	socioeconomic status.
19978	19978	(11)(12) DIETITIAN/NUTRITIONIST. One engaged in
19979	19979	dietetics/nutrition practice as defined in Chapter 34 of Title
19980	19980	34.
19981	19981	(12)(13) DIETETIC TECHNICIAN. A person who is trained
19982	19982	to perform specific dietetic functions of a licensed
19983	19983	dietitian/nutritionist as defined by this chapter under the
19984	19984	direct supervision of a licensed dietitian/nutritionist."
19985	19985	"§34-34A-6
19986	19986	9632
19987	19987	9633
19988	19988	9634
19989	19989	9635
19990	19990	9636
19991	19991	9637
19992	19992	9638
19993	19993	9639
19994	19994	9640
19995	19995	9641
19996	19996	9642
19997	19997	9643
19998	19998	9644
19999	19999	9645
20000	20000	9646
20001	20001	9647
20002	20002	9648
20003	20003	9649
20004	20004	9650
20005	20005	9651
20006	20006	9652
20007	20007	9653
20008	20008	9654
20009	20009	9655
20010	20010	9656
20011	20011	9657
20012	20012	9658
20013	20013	9659 SB224 INTRODUCED
20014	20014	Page 346
20015	20015	"§34-34A-6
20016	20016	(a) The State Board of Examiners for
20017	20017	Dietetics/Nutrition Practice is hereby created. Commencing on
20018	20018	October 1, 2026, the board shall be subject to the leadership,
20019	20019	support, and oversight of the Executive Director of the Office
20020	20020	of Occupational and Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter
20021	20021	2B of Title 25.
20022	20022	(b) The board shall consist of three members. Two
20023	20023	members of the board shall be dietitians/nutritionists
20024	20024	licensed under this chapter. One member of the board shall be
20025	20025	a lay person. The Governor shall appoint board members. At
20026	20026	least two names shall be submitted for each place on the
20027	20027	board. No elected officer of the Alabama Dietetic Association,
20028	20028	Inc., shall be eligible to serve on the board.
20029	20029	(c) Each dietitian/nutritionist on the board shall have
20030	20030	been engaged in the practice of dietetics/nutrition for not
20031	20031	less than seven years, with at least the last two years in the
20032	20032	State of Alabama. The dietitians/nutritionists on the board
20033	20033	shall be in different areas of practice, namely: Clinical
20034	20034	dietetics and research, community dietetics, management,
20035	20035	consultation and private practice, and education.
20036	20036	(d) The lay member of the board shall not be a spouse
20037	20037	or relative of any other member of the board.
20038	20038	(e) Each member of the board shall serve for a term of
20039	20039	three years and may succeed himself for one additional term;
20040	20040	provided, however, that where a member was initially appointed
20041	20041	either to create the board, or to fill a vacancy, such member
20042	20042	may succeed himself for only one additional full term. Any
20043	20043	person appointed to fill a vacancy on the board shall hold
20044	20044	9660
20045	20045	9661
20046	20046	9662
20047	20047	9663
20048	20048	9664
20049	20049	9665
20050	20050	9666
20051	20051	9667
20052	20052	9668
20053	20053	9669
20054	20054	9670
20055	20055	9671
20056	20056	9672
20057	20057	9673
20058	20058	9674
20059	20059	9675
20060	20060	9676
20061	20061	9677
20062	20062	9678
20063	20063	9679
20064	20064	9680
20065	20065	9681
20066	20066	9682
20067	20067	9683
20068	20068	9684
20069	20069	9685
20070	20070	9686
20071	20071	9687 SB224 INTRODUCED
20072	20072	Page 347
20073	20073	person appointed to fill a vacancy on the board shall hold
20074	20074	office for the remainder of the unexpired term of the former
20075	20075	member. Each term of office shall expire on the date specified
20076	20076	in the appointment and the member shall no longer be eligible
20077	20077	to participate in board proceedings unless lawfully appointed.
20078	20078	Members of the initial board shall be appointed in such a
20079	20079	manner that one member shall serve a two-year term, one board
20080	20080	member shall be appointed for a three-year term, and one board
20081	20081	member shall be appointed for a four-year term.
20082	20082	(f) The dietitian/nutritionist members of the board
20083	20083	shall become licensed during the first year of operation of
20084	20084	the board. Thereafter, dietitian/nutritionist board members
20085	20085	shall be licensed under this chapter.
20086	20086	(g) The board shall meet no less than twice a year.
20087	20087	(h) The duties of the board shall include:
20088	20088	(1) Promulgate rules and regulations necessary to
20089	20089	implement this chapter.
20090	20090	(2) Adopt a code of ethics.
20091	20091	(3) Determine qualifications and fitness of applicants,
20092	20092	issue licenses, reinstate licenses.
20093	20093	(4) Revoke, suspend, or deny a license.
20094	20094	(5) Receive and process complaints.
20095	20095	(6) Provide for examination or waiver of examination
20096	20096	for applicants as specified by Commission on Dietetic
20097	20097	Registration.
20098	20098	(7) Impose penalties.
20099	20099	(i) Each member of the board shall receive a per diem
20100	20100	fee of not less than $25 and not more than $100 to be
20101	20101	determined by the board for the time spent in the performance
20102	20102	9688
20103	20103	9689
20104	20104	9690
20105	20105	9691
20106	20106	9692
20107	20107	9693
20108	20108	9694
20109	20109	9695
20110	20110	9696
20111	20111	9697
20112	20112	9698
20113	20113	9699
20114	20114	9700
20115	20115	9701
20116	20116	9702
20117	20117	9703
20118	20118	9704
20119	20119	9705
20120	20120	9706
20121	20121	9707
20122	20122	9708
20123	20123	9709
20124	20124	9710
20125	20125	9711
20126	20126	9712
20127	20127	9713
20128	20128	9714
20129	20129	9715 SB224 INTRODUCED
20130	20130	Page 348
20131	20131	determined by the board for the time spent in the performance
20132	20132	of his or her official duties and in necessary travel and
20133	20133	shall be reimbursed for all travel and incidental expenses as
20134	20134	provided by the laws of the State of Alabama and by
20135	20135	regulations of the State Personnel Director incurred in
20136	20136	carrying out provisions of this chapter. In setting the per
20137	20137	diem fee, the board shall give due consideration to funds
20138	20138	which are available for such purposes. "
20139	20139	"§34-34A-7
20140	20140	To qualify as a licensed dietitian or nutritionist, an
20141	20141	applicant must:
20142	20142	(1) Be 19 years of age or older.
20143	20143	(2) Submit evidence of good moral character and
20144	20144	respectability.
20145	20145	(3) File a written application on a form provided by
20146	20146	the board executive director .
20147	20147	(4) Have satisfactorily completed appropriate academic
20148	20148	requirements with a major course of study in human nutrition,
20149	20149	foods and nutrition, dietetics, or food systems management,
20150	20150	and have received a baccalaureate or higher degree from a
20151	20151	college or university accredited by the Southern Association
20152	20152	of Schools and Colleges or other regional accreditation
20153	20153	agency. An applicant who has received his/her education
20154	20154	outside the United States or its territories must have the
20155	20155	academic degree(s) validated as equivalent to the
20156	20156	baccalaureate or master's degree conferred by a college or
20157	20157	university in the United States that is accredited by the
20158	20158	Southern Association of Schools and Colleges or other regional
20159	20159	accreditation agency.
20160	20160	9716
20161	20161	9717
20162	20162	9718
20163	20163	9719
20164	20164	9720
20165	20165	9721
20166	20166	9722
20167	20167	9723
20168	20168	9724
20169	20169	9725
20170	20170	9726
20171	20171	9727
20172	20172	9728
20173	20173	9729
20174	20174	9730
20175	20175	9731
20176	20176	9732
20177	20177	9733
20178	20178	9734
20179	20179	9735
20180	20180	9736
20181	20181	9737
20182	20182	9738
20183	20183	9739
20184	20184	9740
20185	20185	9741
20186	20186	9742
20187	20187	9743 SB224 INTRODUCED
20188	20188	Page 349
20189	20189	accreditation agency.
20190	20190	(5) Or in lieu of subdivision (4) of this section, have
20191	20191	received a master's or doctorate degree in human nutrition,
20192	20192	nutrition education, foods and nutrition as defined by the
20193	20193	board, or a related field from a college or university
20194	20194	accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges
20195	20195	or other regional accrediting agency.
20196	20196	(6) Have satisfactorily completed a planned, continuous
20197	20197	preprofessional experience component in dietetics/nutrition
20198	20198	practices of not less than 900 hours under the supervision of
20199	20199	a registered dietitian or a practitioner licensed under the
20200	20200	conditions of this chapter.
20201	20201	(7) Pass an examination propounded under the auspices
20202	20202	of the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
20203	20203	(8) Applicants who provide evidence of current
20204	20204	registration as a registered dietitian by the Commission on
20205	20205	Dietetic Registration shall be considered to have met the
20206	20206	requirements of subdivisions (4) or (5), and (6) and (7) of
20207	20207	this section.
20208	20208	(9) Pay fees prescribed by the board executive
20209	20209	director."
20210	20210	"§34-34A-8
20211	20211	There is hereby established a separate special revenue
20212	20212	trust fund in the State Treasury to be known as the Alabama
20213	20213	State Board of Examiners for Dietetics/Nutrition Practice
20214	20214	Fund. All receipts collected by the board under the provisions
20215	20215	of this chapter are to be deposited in this fund and used only
20216	20216	to carry out the provisions of this chapter. Such receipts
20217	20217	shall be disbursed only by warrant of the state Comptroller
20218	20218	9744
20219	20219	9745
20220	20220	9746
20221	20221	9747
20222	20222	9748
20223	20223	9749
20224	20224	9750
20225	20225	9751
20226	20226	9752
20227	20227	9753
20228	20228	9754
20229	20229	9755
20230	20230	9756
20231	20231	9757
20232	20232	9758
20233	20233	9759
20234	20234	9760
20235	20235	9761
20236	20236	9762
20237	20237	9763
20238	20238	9764
20239	20239	9765
20240	20240	9766
20241	20241	9767
20242	20242	9768
20243	20243	9769
20244	20244	9770
20245	20245	9771 SB224 INTRODUCED
20246	20246	Page 350
20247	20247	shall be disbursed only by warrant of the state Comptroller
20248	20248	upon the State Treasurer, upon itemized vouchers approved by
20249	20249	the chairman of the board; provided that no funds shall be
20250	20250	withdrawn or expended except as budgeted and allotted
20251	20251	according to the provisions of Sections 41-4-80 through
20252	20252	41-4-96 and 41-19-1 through 41-19-12 and only in amounts as
20253	20253	stipulated in the general appropriations bill or other
20254	20254	appropriation bills into the Occupational and Professional
20255	20255	Licensing Fund."
20256	20256	"§34-34A-9
20257	20257	(a) A temporary license to practice as a
20258	20258	dietitian/nutritionist may be issued by the board executive
20259	20259	director upon the filing of an application and submission of
20260	20260	evidence of successful completion of education requirements
20261	20261	specified in Section 34-34A-7.
20262	20262	(b) A temporary license shall expire one year from the
20263	20263	date of issuance at a time determined by the executive
20264	20264	director.
20265	20265	(c) The fee for a temporary license and for each
20266	20266	renewal shall not be more than 50 percent of current renewal
20267	20267	fees be determined by the executive director . Application fees
20268	20268	must be paid same as licensed dietitians/nutritionists."
20269	20269	"§34-34A-13
20270	20270	(a) Any license issued under this chapter expires two
20271	20271	years after it is issued unless renewed in the manner
20272	20272	prescribed by the board.
20273	20273	(b)(a) An applicant for renewal of a license must have
20274	20274	satisfactorily maintained continuing education requirements
20275	20275	through the Commission on Dietetic Registration or as
20276	20276	9772
20277	20277	9773
20278	20278	9774
20279	20279	9775
20280	20280	9776
20281	20281	9777
20282	20282	9778
20283	20283	9779
20284	20284	9780
20285	20285	9781
20286	20286	9782
20287	20287	9783
20288	20288	9784
20289	20289	9785
20290	20290	9786
20291	20291	9787
20292	20292	9788
20293	20293	9789
20294	20294	9790
20295	20295	9791
20296	20296	9792
20297	20297	9793
20298	20298	9794
20299	20299	9795
20300	20300	9796
20301	20301	9797
20302	20302	9798
20303	20303	9799 SB224 INTRODUCED
20304	20304	Page 351
20305	20305	through the Commission on Dietetic Registration or as
20306	20306	specified and approved by the board.
20307	20307	(c)(b) The board executive director may provide for the
20308	20308	late renewal of a license upon payment of a late fee but no
20309	20309	late renewal of a license may be granted more than one year
20310	20310	after its expiration ."
20311	20311	Section 28. Relating to the State Board of Registration
20312	20312	of Foresters; to amend Sections 34-12-1, 34-12-3, 34-12-5,
20313	20313	34-12-6, 34-12-8, 34-12-9, 34-12-12, 34-12-30, 34-12-35, and
20314	20314	34-12-36 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
20315	20315	"§34-12-1
20316	20316	For purposes of this chapter, the following words and
20317	20317	phrases shall have the respective meanings ascribed by this
20318	20318	section:
20319	20319	(1) BOARD. The State Board of Registration for
20320	20320	Foresters.
20321	20321	(2) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
20322	20322	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
20323	20323	in Section 25-2B-1.
20324	20324	(2)(3) PRACTICE OF FORESTRY. Any professional service
20325	20325	such as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, or
20326	20326	responsible supervision as interpreted by the board of any
20327	20327	forestry activities in connection with any public or private
20328	20328	lands wherein the public welfare and property are concerned or
20329	20329	involved when the professional service requires the
20330	20330	application of forestry principles and data. The term also
20331	20331	means the application, teaching, investigation, or
20332	20332	administration of forestry theories, principles, practices, or
20333	20333	programs directly or indirectly related to the environmental
20334	20334	9800
20335	20335	9801
20336	20336	9802
20337	20337	9803
20338	20338	9804
20339	20339	9805
20340	20340	9806
20341	20341	9807
20342	20342	9808
20343	20343	9809
20344	20344	9810
20345	20345	9811
20346	20346	9812
20347	20347	9813
20348	20348	9814
20349	20349	9815
20350	20350	9816
20351	20351	9817
20352	20352	9818
20353	20353	9819
20354	20354	9820
20355	20355	9821
20356	20356	9822
20357	20357	9823
20358	20358	9824
20359	20359	9825
20360	20360	9826
20361	20361	9827 SB224 INTRODUCED
20362	20362	Page 352
20363	20363	programs directly or indirectly related to the environmental
20364	20364	and economic use and the biological and ecological
20365	20365	understanding of gross areas of land in public or private
20366	20366	ownership or direction, or both, and supervision over persons
20367	20367	engaged in the formation or implementation, or both, of
20368	20368	forestry policies.
20369	20369	(3)(4) REGISTERED FORESTER. A person who, by reason of
20370	20370	his or her knowledge of the natural sciences, mathematics,
20371	20371	economics, and the principles of forestry and by his or her
20372	20372	demonstrated skills acquired through professional forestry
20373	20373	education and professional forestry experience as interpreted
20374	20374	by the board is qualified to engage in the practice of
20375	20375	forestry and who also has been duly registered and holds a
20376	20376	current valid license issued by the board."
20377	20377	"§34-12-3
20378	20378	A roster showing the names and places of business of
20379	20379	all registered foresters qualified according to this chapter
20380	20380	shall be prepared by the secretary of the board executive
20381	20381	director during the month of January biennially in
20382	20382	even-numbered calendar years. Copies of this roster shall be
20383	20383	posted on the board website, placed on file with the Secretary
20384	20384	of State, and furnished to the public, upon request, for a
20385	20385	reasonable fee determined by the board executive director ."
20386	20386	"§34-12-5
20387	20387	Application for registration shall be made on forms
20388	20388	prescribed and furnished by the board executive director . An
20389	20389	application shall contain statements made under oath showing
20390	20390	the education of the applicant and a detailed summary of his
20391	20391	or her professional work. The application shall also contain
20392	20392	9828
20393	20393	9829
20394	20394	9830
20395	20395	9831
20396	20396	9832
20397	20397	9833
20398	20398	9834
20399	20399	9835
20400	20400	9836
20401	20401	9837
20402	20402	9838
20403	20403	9839
20404	20404	9840
20405	20405	9841
20406	20406	9842
20407	20407	9843
20408	20408	9844
20409	20409	9845
20410	20410	9846
20411	20411	9847
20412	20412	9848
20413	20413	9849
20414	20414	9850
20415	20415	9851
20416	20416	9852
20417	20417	9853
20418	20418	9854
20419	20419	9855 SB224 INTRODUCED
20420	20420	Page 353
20421	20421	or her professional work. The application shall also contain
20422	20422	not less than five references, of whom three or more shall be
20423	20423	registered foresters or graduates of a curriculum in forestry
20424	20424	of four years or more in a school or college approved by the
20425	20425	board or accredited by the Society of American Foresters,
20426	20426	having personal or professional knowledge of the forestry
20427	20427	experience of the applicant. Any proposed subsequent
20428	20428	statement, correction, or addition to the application shall be
20429	20429	given under oath in writing and shall be made a part of the
20430	20430	original application. The registration fee for a license shall
20431	20431	be set annually by the board in an amount not to exceed two
20432	20432	hundred dollars ($200) executive director , which shall
20433	20433	accompany the application. Should the board deny the issuance
20434	20434	of a license to any applicant, the fee deposited shall be
20435	20435	retained by the board as an application fee."
20436	20436	"§34-12-6
20437	20437	When written or oral examinations, or both, are
20438	20438	required, they shall be held at such time and place as the
20439	20439	board executive director may determine. The methods of
20440	20440	procedure shall be prescribed by the board. A candidate
20441	20441	failing an examination may apply for reexamination at the
20442	20442	expiration of six months. This examination and all subsequent
20443	20443	oral and written examinations shall be granted upon payment of
20444	20444	a fee to be determined annually by the board, not to exceed
20445	20445	one hundred dollars ($100) in each instance executive
20446	20446	director."
20447	20447	"§34-12-8
20448	20448	(a) Licenses shall expire on the 30th day of September
20449	20449	next a date determined by the executive director following
20450	20450	9856
20451	20451	9857
20452	20452	9858
20453	20453	9859
20454	20454	9860
20455	20455	9861
20456	20456	9862
20457	20457	9863
20458	20458	9864
20459	20459	9865
20460	20460	9866
20461	20461	9867
20462	20462	9868
20463	20463	9869
20464	20464	9870
20465	20465	9871
20466	20466	9872
20467	20467	9873
20468	20468	9874
20469	20469	9875
20470	20470	9876
20471	20471	9877
20472	20472	9878
20473	20473	9879
20474	20474	9880
20475	20475	9881
20476	20476	9882
20477	20477	9883 SB224 INTRODUCED
20478	20478	Page 354
20479	20479	next a date determined by the executive director following
20480	20480	their issuance or renewal and shall become invalid on that
20481	20481	date unless renewed. The secretary of the board executive
20482	20482	director shall notify, at his or her last registered address,
20483	20483	every person registered under this chapter of the date of the
20484	20484	expiration of his or her license and the amount of the fee
20485	20485	that shall be required for its renewal for one year. The
20486	20486	notice shall be mailed three months in advance of the date of
20487	20487	the expiration of the licenses. Two subsequent monthly notices
20488	20488	may be mailed, the second by certified mail, return receipt
20489	20489	requested. The annual renewal fee for licenses shall be
20490	20490	established annually by the board and shall not exceed two
20491	20491	hundred dollars ($200) executive director . Renewal of licenses
20492	20492	for the following year may be effected at any time during the
20493	20493	three months preceding September 30 of the year in which the
20494	20494	license has been issued or renewed made before expiration by
20495	20495	the payment of the renewal fee so fixed by this chapter.
20496	20496	Licensees who renew their licenses between September 30 and
20497	20497	December 31 of any year renewal is due shall pay a late
20498	20498	renewal fee set by the board not to exceed an amount equal to
20499	20499	twice the annual renewal fee. The board shall make an
20500	20500	exception to the foregoing renewal provision in the case of a
20501	20501	person who is in the armed services of the United States. A
20502	20502	licensee who fails to renew a license by December 31 a date
20503	20503	determined by the executive director of any year renewal is
20504	20504	due shall have his or her license revoked.
20505	20505	(b) The state board shall adopt a program of continuing
20506	20506	education for its licensees not later than October 1, 1991,
20507	20507	and after that date and no licensee shall have his or her
20508	20508	9884
20509	20509	9885
20510	20510	9886
20511	20511	9887
20512	20512	9888
20513	20513	9889
20514	20514	9890
20515	20515	9891
20516	20516	9892
20517	20517	9893
20518	20518	9894
20519	20519	9895
20520	20520	9896
20521	20521	9897
20522	20522	9898
20523	20523	9899
20524	20524	9900
20525	20525	9901
20526	20526	9902
20527	20527	9903
20528	20528	9904
20529	20529	9905
20530	20530	9906
20531	20531	9907
20532	20532	9908
20533	20533	9909
20534	20534	9910
20535	20535	9911 SB224 INTRODUCED
20536	20536	Page 355
20537	20537	and after that date and no licensee shall have his or her
20538	20538	active license renewed unless, in addition to any other
20539	20539	requirements of this chapter, the minimum continuing annual
20540	20540	education requirements are met. It is further provided that
20541	20541	the continuing education program herein required shall not
20542	20542	apply to any licensee who is 65 years of age or older and
20543	20543	shall not include testing or examination of the licensees in
20544	20544	any manner. The board may relax or suspend the continuing
20545	20545	annual education requirements for retirees or for reasons of
20546	20546	the health, hardship, or other extenuating circumstances of
20547	20547	the licensee based on the licensee's specific case."
20548	20548	"§34-12-9
20549	20549	The board may revoke the license of any registrant who
20550	20550	is found guilty by the board of gross negligence,
20551	20551	incompetency, or misconduct in the practice of forestry. The
20552	20552	board may discipline its licensees by the imposition and
20553	20553	collection of an administrative fine set by the board not to
20554	20554	exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000) per violation, and may
20555	20555	institute any legal proceeding necessary to effect compliance
20556	20556	with the chapter. All administrative fines collected by the
20557	20557	board shall be deposited in the State Treasury in the
20558	20558	"Professional Foresters Fund." The board may designate a
20559	20559	person or persons to investigate and report to it upon any
20560	20560	charges of fraud, deceit, gross negligence, incompetency, or
20561	20561	other misconduct in connection with any forestry practice
20562	20562	against any registrant, as may come to its attention. Any
20563	20563	person or persons so designated by the board shall receive the
20564	20564	same compensation and shall be reimbursed for expenses in the
20565	20565	same amount as the board as outlined in Section 34-12-32 to
20566	20566	9912
20567	20567	9913
20568	20568	9914
20569	20569	9915
20570	20570	9916
20571	20571	9917
20572	20572	9918
20573	20573	9919
20574	20574	9920
20575	20575	9921
20576	20576	9922
20577	20577	9923
20578	20578	9924
20579	20579	9925
20580	20580	9926
20581	20581	9927
20582	20582	9928
20583	20583	9929
20584	20584	9930
20585	20585	9931
20586	20586	9932
20587	20587	9933
20588	20588	9934
20589	20589	9935
20590	20590	9936
20591	20591	9937
20592	20592	9938
20593	20593	9939 SB224 INTRODUCED
20594	20594	Page 356
20595	20595	same amount as the board as outlined in Section 34-12-32 to
20596	20596	the Occupational and Professional Licensing Fund . Any person
20597	20597	may prefer charges of fraud, deceit, gross negligence,
20598	20598	incompetency, or other misconduct in connection with any
20599	20599	forestry practice against any registrant. The charges shall be
20600	20600	in writing, shall be sworn to by the person making them, and
20601	20601	shall be filed with the secretary of the board. All charges,
20602	20602	unless dismissed by the board as unfounded or trivial, shall
20603	20603	be heard by the board within three months after the date on
20604	20604	which they have been preferred. The time and place for the
20605	20605	hearing shall be fixed by the board, and a copy of the
20606	20606	charges, together with a notice of the time and place of the
20607	20607	hearing, shall be personally served on, or mailed to the last
20608	20608	known address of, the registrant, at least 30 days before the
20609	20609	date fixed for the hearing. At any hearing, the accused
20610	20610	registrant shall have the right to appear personally and by
20611	20611	counsel, to cross-examine witnesses appearing against him or
20612	20612	her, and to produce evidence and witnesses in his or her own
20613	20613	defense. If, after a hearing, three or more members of the
20614	20614	board vote in favor of finding the accused guilty, the board
20615	20615	may revoke the license of the registered forester. Any
20616	20616	applicant whose license has been revoked as above may apply
20617	20617	for a review of the proceedings with reference to the
20618	20618	revocation of his or her license by the aforementioned circuit
20619	20619	court and from there by appeal to the Supreme Court of
20620	20620	Alabama. The only record to be considered by either the
20621	20621	circuit court or by the Supreme Court shall be the record made
20622	20622	before the board. New evidence shall be presented to the
20623	20623	board, in session, before it may be used in court proceedings.
20624	20624	9940
20625	20625	9941
20626	20626	9942
20627	20627	9943
20628	20628	9944
20629	20629	9945
20630	20630	9946
20631	20631	9947
20632	20632	9948
20633	20633	9949
20634	20634	9950
20635	20635	9951
20636	20636	9952
20637	20637	9953
20638	20638	9954
20639	20639	9955
20640	20640	9956
20641	20641	9957
20642	20642	9958
20643	20643	9959
20644	20644	9960
20645	20645	9961
20646	20646	9962
20647	20647	9963
20648	20648	9964
20649	20649	9965
20650	20650	9966
20651	20651	9967 SB224 INTRODUCED
20652	20652	Page 357
20653	20653	board, in session, before it may be used in court proceedings.
20654	20654	The board, for reasons it may deem sufficient, may reissue a
20655	20655	license to any person whose license has been revoked when
20656	20656	three or more members vote in favor of reissuance. A new
20657	20657	license to replace a revoked license may be issued, subject to
20658	20658	the rules of the board and at a fee set by the board not to
20659	20659	exceed an amount equal to twice the annual renewal fee
20660	20660	executive director . Lost, destroyed, or mutilated licenses may
20661	20661	be issued, subject to the rules of the board and at a fee set
20662	20662	by the board not to exceed fifty dollars ($50) for the
20663	20663	issuance executive director ."
20664	20664	"§34-12-12
20665	20665	(a) Any person who shall practice or offer to practice
20666	20666	the profession of forestry in this state without being
20667	20667	registered or exempted in accordance with this chapter; or any
20668	20668	person who shall use in connection with his or her name or
20669	20669	otherwise assume, use, or advertise any title or description
20670	20670	tending to convey the impression that he or she is a
20671	20671	registered forester, without being registered or exempted in
20672	20672	accordance with this chapter; or any person who shall present
20673	20673	or attempt to use as his or her own the license of another; or
20674	20674	any person who shall give any false or forged evidence of any
20675	20675	kind to the board or any member thereof in obtaining a
20676	20676	license; or any person who shall attempt to use an expired or
20677	20677	revoked license; or any person, firm, partnership, or
20678	20678	corporation who shall violate any of the provisions of this
20679	20679	chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction
20680	20680	thereof, shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars
20681	20681	($500) nor more than two thousand dollars ($2,000) for each
20682	20682	9968
20683	20683	9969
20684	20684	9970
20685	20685	9971
20686	20686	9972
20687	20687	9973
20688	20688	9974
20689	20689	9975
20690	20690	9976
20691	20691	9977
20692	20692	9978
20693	20693	9979
20694	20694	9980
20695	20695	9981
20696	20696	9982
20697	20697	9983
20698	20698	9984
20699	20699	9985
20700	20700	9986
20701	20701	9987
20702	20702	9988
20703	20703	9989
20704	20704	9990
20705	20705	9991
20706	20706	9992
20707	20707	9993
20708	20708	9994
20709	20709	9995 SB224 INTRODUCED
20710	20710	Page 358
20711	20711	($500) nor more than two thousand dollars ($2,000) for each
20712	20712	offense. The board, or the person or persons designated by the
20713	20713	board to act in its stead, may prefer charges for any of the
20714	20714	violations of this chapter in any county in this state in
20715	20715	which the violations may have occurred. All duly constituted
20716	20716	officers of the law of this state, or any political
20717	20717	subdivision thereof, shall enforce this chapter and prosecute
20718	20718	any persons, firms, partnerships, or corporations violating
20719	20719	the same. The Attorney General of the state and his or her
20720	20720	assistants shall act as legal advisers of the board and render
20721	20721	legal assistance as may be necessary in carrying out the
20722	20722	provisions of this chapter.
20723	20723	(b) All fines collected for the violation of any
20724	20724	provisions of this chapter shall be paid over to the secretary
20725	20725	of the board to be by him or her delivered to the State
20726	20726	Treasurer to be placed in the Professional Foresters Fund
20727	20727	deposited into the Occupational and Professional Licensing
20728	20728	Fund in the same manner as funds received for the issuance of
20729	20729	licenses."
20730	20730	"§34-12-30
20731	20731	(a)(1) A State Board of Registration for Foresters is
20732	20732	created whose duty it shall be to administer this chapter.
20733	20733	Commencing on October 1, 2026, the board shall be subject to
20734	20734	the leadership, support, and oversight of the Executive
20735	20735	Director of the Office of Occupational and Professional
20736	20736	Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25.
20737	20737	(2) The board shall consist of five foresters, who
20738	20738	shall be selected and appointed by the Governor of Alabama
20739	20739	from among 10 nominees recommended by the Alabama Division of
20740	20740	9996
20741	20741	9997
20742	20742	9998
20743	20743	9999
20744	20744	10000
20745	20745	10001
20746	20746	10002
20747	20747	10003
20748	20748	10004
20749	20749	10005
20750	20750	10006
20751	20751	10007
20752	20752	10008
20753	20753	10009
20754	20754	10010
20755	20755	10011
20756	20756	10012
20757	20757	10013
20758	20758	10014
20759	20759	10015
20760	20760	10016
20761	20761	10017
20762	20762	10018
20763	20763	10019
20764	20764	10020
20765	20765	10021
20766	20766	10022
20767	20767	10023 SB224 INTRODUCED
20768	20768	Page 359
20769	20769	from among 10 nominees recommended by the Alabama Division of
20770	20770	the Society of American Foresters and shall have the
20771	20771	qualifications required by Section 34-12-31. Each member of
20772	20772	the board shall receive a certificate of his or her
20773	20773	appointment from the Governor and before beginning his or her
20774	20774	term of office shall file with the Secretary of State his or
20775	20775	her written oath of affirmation for the faithful discharge of
20776	20776	his or her official duties. The five members of the initial
20777	20777	board shall be appointed for terms of one, two, three, four,
20778	20778	and five years, respectively, and in making the appointment
20779	20779	the Governor shall designate the term for which each of the
20780	20780	members is appointed as provided for above. At the expiration
20781	20781	of the term of any member of the initial board, the Governor,
20782	20782	from a list of three nominees recommended by the Alabama
20783	20783	Division of the Society of American Foresters and any active
20784	20784	state forestry organization meeting criteria established by
20785	20785	the board pursuant to subsection (c), shall appoint for a term
20786	20786	of five years a registered forester having the qualifications
20787	20787	required by Section 34-12-31 to succeed the member whose term
20788	20788	on the board is expiring. Nothing contained in this chapter
20789	20789	shall prohibit any member whose term expires to be reappointed
20790	20790	to succeed himself or herself on the board. After March 7,
20791	20791	1990, no member shall serve more than two full consecutive
20792	20792	terms of office. If the Governor fails to make appointment in
20793	20793	90 days after expiration of any term, the board shall make the
20794	20794	necessary appointment from nominees submitted as hereinabove
20795	20795	provided and who meet the qualifications set out by Section
20796	20796	34-12-31. Each member of the board shall hold office until the
20797	20797	expiration of the term for which such member is appointed or
20798	20798	10024
20799	20799	10025
20800	20800	10026
20801	20801	10027
20802	20802	10028
20803	20803	10029
20804	20804	10030
20805	20805	10031
20806	20806	10032
20807	20807	10033
20808	20808	10034
20809	20809	10035
20810	20810	10036
20811	20811	10037
20812	20812	10038
20813	20813	10039
20814	20814	10040
20815	20815	10041
20816	20816	10042
20817	20817	10043
20818	20818	10044
20819	20819	10045
20820	20820	10046
20821	20821	10047
20822	20822	10048
20823	20823	10049
20824	20824	10050
20825	20825	10051 SB224 INTRODUCED
20826	20826	Page 360
20827	20827	expiration of the term for which such member is appointed or
20828	20828	until a successor shall have been duly appointed and shall
20829	20829	have qualified.
20830	20830	(b) The membership of the board shall be inclusive and
20831	20831	reflect the racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and
20832	20832	economic diversity of the state. The board shall annually
20833	20833	report to the Legislature by the second legislative day of
20834	20834	each regular session the extent to which the board has
20835	20835	complied with the diversity provisions of this subsection.
20836	20836	(c) The board shall adopt rules setting qualifying
20837	20837	criteria for active state forestry organizations to
20838	20838	participate in the recommendation of nominees for placement
20839	20839	for membership on the board pursuant to subsection (a)."
20840	20840	"§34-12-35
20841	20841	The board shall have the power to make all bylaws and
20842	20842	rules, not inconsistent with the constitution and laws of this
20843	20843	state, which may be reasonably necessary for the proper
20844	20844	performance of its duties and the regulations of the
20845	20845	proceedings before the board. Notwithstanding any other
20846	20846	provision of law, following appropriate review by the Contract
20847	20847	Review Permanent Legislative Oversight Committee, the board
20848	20848	may enter into any contract or agreement relating to the board
20849	20849	without further approval. The board shall adopt and have an
20850	20850	official seal. In carrying into effect the provisions of this
20851	20851	chapter, the board may, under the hand of its chairman and the
20852	20852	seal of the board, subpoena witnesses and compel their
20853	20853	attendance and may also require them to produce books, papers,
20854	20854	maps, or documents. Any member of the board may administer
20855	20855	oaths of affirmation to witnesses appearing before the board.
20856	20856	10052
20857	20857	10053
20858	20858	10054
20859	20859	10055
20860	20860	10056
20861	20861	10057
20862	20862	10058
20863	20863	10059
20864	20864	10060
20865	20865	10061
20866	20866	10062
20867	20867	10063
20868	20868	10064
20869	20869	10065
20870	20870	10066
20871	20871	10067
20872	20872	10068
20873	20873	10069
20874	20874	10070
20875	20875	10071
20876	20876	10072
20877	20877	10073
20878	20878	10074
20879	20879	10075
20880	20880	10076
20881	20881	10077
20882	20882	10078
20883	20883	10079 SB224 INTRODUCED
20884	20884	Page 361
20885	20885	oaths of affirmation to witnesses appearing before the board.
20886	20886	Witnesses officially called by the board shall receive the
20887	20887	same compensation and shall be reimbursed for expenses in the
20888	20888	same amount as the members of the board as provided and set
20889	20889	out in Section 34-12-4. If any person shall refuse to appear
20890	20890	as a witness before the board, or refuse to testify, or refuse
20891	20891	to produce any books, papers, or documents, the board may
20892	20892	present its petition to the Circuit Court of Montgomery
20893	20893	County, setting forth the facts, and the court shall, in a
20894	20894	proper case, issue a subpoena to the person, requiring his or
20895	20895	her attendance before the circuit court and there to testify
20896	20896	or to produce such books, papers, and documents as may be
20897	20897	deemed necessary and pertinent by the board. Any person
20898	20898	failing or refusing to obey the subpoena or order of the
20899	20899	circuit court may be proceeded against in the same manner as
20900	20900	for refusal to obey any other subpoena or order of the court.
20901	20901	The board is empowered to apply for relief by injunction,
20902	20902	without bond, to restrain any person, partnership, or
20903	20903	corporation from the commission of any act which is prohibited
20904	20904	by this chapter. Application for an injunction may be made to
20905	20905	the Circuit Court of Montgomery County, Alabama, or the
20906	20906	circuit court of the county in which it is alleged that the
20907	20907	violation is occurring. The members of the board shall not be
20908	20908	personally liable for instituting any such proceedings."
20909	20909	"§34-12-36
20910	20910	(a) The secretary of the board shall receive and
20911	20911	account for all moneys derived under this chapter and shall
20912	20912	pay the same monthly to the State Treasurer, who shall keep
20913	20913	such moneys in a separate fund to be known as the Professional
20914	20914	10080
20915	20915	10081
20916	20916	10082
20917	20917	10083
20918	20918	10084
20919	20919	10085
20920	20920	10086
20921	20921	10087
20922	20922	10088
20923	20923	10089
20924	20924	10090
20925	20925	10091
20926	20926	10092
20927	20927	10093
20928	20928	10094
20929	20929	10095
20930	20930	10096
20931	20931	10097
20932	20932	10098
20933	20933	10099
20934	20934	10100
20935	20935	10101
20936	20936	10102
20937	20937	10103
20938	20938	10104
20939	20939	10105
20940	20940	10106
20941	20941	10107 SB224 INTRODUCED
20942	20942	Page 362
20943	20943	such moneys in a separate fund to be known as the Professional
20944	20944	Foresters Fund. The fund shall be kept separate and apart from
20945	20945	all other moneys in the Treasury and shall be paid out only by
20946	20946	warrant of the Comptroller upon the State Treasurer, upon
20947	20947	itemized vouchers approved by the chair and attested by the
20948	20948	secretary of the board. All moneys in the Professional
20949	20949	Foresters Fund are hereby specifically appropriated for the
20950	20950	use of the board. The secretary of the board, its office
20951	20951	manager, or other designated officer of the board who handles
20952	20952	funds shall give surety bond to the state in such sum as the
20953	20953	board may determine. The premium on the bond shall be regarded
20954	20954	as a proper and necessary expense of the board and shall be
20955	20955	paid from the Professional Foresters Fund All fees and other
20956	20956	monies received by the board shall be deposited into the
20957	20957	Occupational and Professional Licensing Fund .
20958	20958	(b) The board may employ such clerical and other
20959	20959	assistants as are necessary for the proper performance of its
20960	20960	work, or, in lieu of employing clerical assistants, the board
20961	20961	may contract with any state department or agency to furnish
20962	20962	the board with such clerical assistance as the board deems
20963	20963	necessary. The compensation of the assistants or the cost of
20964	20964	contracting for the clerical assistance shall be paid out of
20965	20965	the Professional Foresters Fund in the manner prescribed
20966	20966	herein.
20967	20967	(c)(b) The board is authorized to accept all gifts,
20968	20968	bequests, and donations from any source whatsoever, and the
20969	20969	gifts, bequests, and donations shall be used or expended in
20970	20970	accordance with their terms or stipulations, but in the
20971	20971	absence of any such terms or stipulations, the gifts,
20972	20972	10108
20973	20973	10109
20974	20974	10110
20975	20975	10111
20976	20976	10112
20977	20977	10113
20978	20978	10114
20979	20979	10115
20980	20980	10116
20981	20981	10117
20982	20982	10118
20983	20983	10119
20984	20984	10120
20985	20985	10121
20986	20986	10122
20987	20987	10123
20988	20988	10124
20989	20989	10125
20990	20990	10126
20991	20991	10127
20992	20992	10128
20993	20993	10129
20994	20994	10130
20995	20995	10131
20996	20996	10132
20997	20997	10133
20998	20998	10134
20999	20999	10135 SB224 INTRODUCED
21000	21000	Page 363
21001	21001	absence of any such terms or stipulations, the gifts,
21002	21002	bequests, or donations may be used or expended for such
21003	21003	purposes as the board executive director may determine.
21004	21004	(d)(1) Except as otherwise provided herein, the board
21005	21005	may make expenditures for any purpose which, in the opinion of
21006	21006	the board, is reasonably necessary for the proper performance
21007	21007	of its duties under this chapter, including the expenses of
21008	21008	the board's delegates to any annual conventions of, and
21009	21009	membership dues to, the Society of American Foresters;
21010	21010	provided, that under no circumstances shall the total amount
21011	21011	of warrants issued by the Comptroller in payment of the
21012	21012	expenses and compensation provided for by this chapter exceed
21013	21013	the amount of the examination and registration fees, license
21014	21014	fees, donations, and other moneys collected by the board as
21015	21015	herein provided.
21016	21016	(2)(c) The board may incur and engage in marketing and
21017	21017	promotional expenditures and activities in furtherance of its
21018	21018	purposes as determined by the board, which may include the
21019	21019	sale of nominal items for marketing and promotional purposes.
21020	21020	Any proceeds derived by the board from the sale of marketing
21021	21021	and promotional items shall be deposited into the Professional
21022	21022	Foresters Fund to be used by the board Occupational and
21023	21023	Professional Licensing Fund ."
21024	21024	Section 29. Relating to the Board of Hearing Instrument
21025	21025	Dealers; to amend Sections 34-14-1, 34-14-2, 34-14-3, 34-14-4,
21026	21026	34-14-6, 34-14-7, 34-14-11, 34-14-30, 34-14-32, 34-14-33, and
21027	21027	34-14-34 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
21028	21028	"§34-14-1
21029	21029	For purposes of this chapter, the following words and
21030	21030	10136
21031	21031	10137
21032	21032	10138
21033	21033	10139
21034	21034	10140
21035	21035	10141
21036	21036	10142
21037	21037	10143
21038	21038	10144
21039	21039	10145
21040	21040	10146
21041	21041	10147
21042	21042	10148
21043	21043	10149
21044	21044	10150
21045	21045	10151
21046	21046	10152
21047	21047	10153
21048	21048	10154
21049	21049	10155
21050	21050	10156
21051	21051	10157
21052	21052	10158
21053	21053	10159
21054	21054	10160
21055	21055	10161
21056	21056	10162
21057	21057	10163 SB224 INTRODUCED
21058	21058	Page 364
21059	21059	For purposes of this chapter, the following words and
21060	21060	phrases shall have the respective meanings ascribed by this
21061	21061	section:
21062	21062	(1) APPRENTICE. A person who has met the requirements
21063	21063	of Section 34-14-7 and may engage in the practice of fitting
21064	21064	and dealing in hearing instruments only under the direct
21065	21065	supervision of a hearing aid dispenser or hearing aid
21066	21066	specialist when designated by the sponsoring dispenser.
21067	21067	(2) APPRENTICE PERMIT. A permit issued while the
21068	21068	applicant is in training to become a licensed hearing aid
21069	21069	specialist.
21070	21070	(3) BOARD. The Board of Hearing Instrument Dealers.
21071	21071	(4) DIRECT SUPERVISION. On site and close contact
21072	21072	whereby a supervisor is able to respond quickly to the needs
21073	21073	of the patient or client receiving care or the supervisee.
21074	21074	(5) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
21075	21075	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
21076	21076	in Section 25-2B-1.
21077	21077	(5)(6) HEARING AID DISPENSER. Any trained person who
21078	21078	has met all requirements of this chapter for licensure and who
21079	21079	may engage in the practice of fitting and dealing in hearing
21080	21080	instruments without the direct supervision of any person.
21081	21081	(6)(7) HEARING AID or HEARING INSTRUMENT. Any wearable
21082	21082	instrument or device designed for or offered for the purpose
21083	21083	of aiding or compensating for impaired human hearing.
21084	21084	(7)(8) HEARING AID SPECIALIST. A trained, licensed
21085	21085	person who may engage in the practice of fitting and dealing
21086	21086	in hearing instruments under the indirect supervision of a
21087	21087	hearing aid dispenser.
21088	21088	10164
21089	21089	10165
21090	21090	10166
21091	21091	10167
21092	21092	10168
21093	21093	10169
21094	21094	10170
21095	21095	10171
21096	21096	10172
21097	21097	10173
21098	21098	10174
21099	21099	10175
21100	21100	10176
21101	21101	10177
21102	21102	10178
21103	21103	10179
21104	21104	10180
21105	21105	10181
21106	21106	10182
21107	21107	10183
21108	21108	10184
21109	21109	10185
21110	21110	10186
21111	21111	10187
21112	21112	10188
21113	21113	10189
21114	21114	10190
21115	21115	10191 SB224 INTRODUCED
21116	21116	Page 365
21117	21117	hearing aid dispenser.
21118	21118	(8)(9) INDIRECT SUPERVISION. Frequent and close contact
21119	21119	whereby a supervisor is able to respond quickly to the needs
21120	21120	of the patient or client receiving care or the supervisee.
21121	21121	(9)(10) LICENSE. A license issued by the board under
21122	21122	this chapter to a hearing aid specialist or hearing aid
21123	21123	dispenser.
21124	21124	(10)(11) PRACTICE OF FITTING AND DEALING IN HEARING
21125	21125	INSTRUMENTS. The measurement of human hearing by means of an
21126	21126	audiometer or by other means approved by the board solely for
21127	21127	the purpose of making selections, adaptations, or sale of
21128	21128	hearing instruments. The term also includes the making of
21129	21129	impressions for earmolds. A licensee or permit holder, at the
21130	21130	request of a physician or a member of related professions, may
21131	21131	make audiograms for the professional's use in consultation
21132	21132	with the hard-of-hearing.
21133	21133	(11)(12) SELL or SALE. Any transfer of title or of the
21134	21134	right to use by lease, bailment, or any other contract,
21135	21135	excluding wholesale transactions with distributors or dealers.
21136	21136	(12)(13) TELEPRACTICE. The practice as provided by rule
21137	21137	of the board pursuant to subdivision (10)."
21138	21138	"§34-14-2
21139	21139	(a) No person shall engage in the sale of or practice
21140	21140	of fitting hearing instruments or display a sign or in any
21141	21141	other way advertise or represent himself or herself as a
21142	21142	person who practices the fitting and sale of hearing
21143	21143	instruments unless the person holds a license or permit issued
21144	21144	by the board as provided in this chapter. The license or
21145	21145	permit shall be conspicuously posted in his or her office or
21146	21146	10192
21147	21147	10193
21148	21148	10194
21149	21149	10195
21150	21150	10196
21151	21151	10197
21152	21152	10198
21153	21153	10199
21154	21154	10200
21155	21155	10201
21156	21156	10202
21157	21157	10203
21158	21158	10204
21159	21159	10205
21160	21160	10206
21161	21161	10207
21162	21162	10208
21163	21163	10209
21164	21164	10210
21165	21165	10211
21166	21166	10212
21167	21167	10213
21168	21168	10214
21169	21169	10215
21170	21170	10216
21171	21171	10217
21172	21172	10218
21173	21173	10219 SB224 INTRODUCED
21174	21174	Page 366
21175	21175	permit shall be conspicuously posted in his or her office or
21176	21176	place of business. Duplicate licenses or permits may be issued
21177	21177	by the board to valid license holders operating more than one
21178	21178	office, upon additional payment determined by the board
21179	21179	executive director for each additional office. A license under
21180	21180	this chapter shall confer upon the holder the right to select,
21181	21181	fit, and sell hearing instruments.
21182	21182	(b) Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit a
21183	21183	corporation, partnership, trust, association, or other like
21184	21184	organization maintaining an established business address from
21185	21185	engaging in the business of selling or offering for sale
21186	21186	hearing instruments at retail without a license; provided,
21187	21187	that it employs only properly licensed or permitted natural
21188	21188	persons and that it shall have at least one licensed Alabama
21189	21189	dispenser on its staff to provide direct supervision of any
21190	21190	licensed hearing aid specialists or apprentices employed in
21191	21191	the direct sale and fitting of such products. Such
21192	21192	corporations, partnerships, trusts, associations, or other
21193	21193	like organizations shall file annually with the board a list
21194	21194	of all licensed hearing aid dispensers, hearing aid
21195	21195	specialists, and apprentices directly or indirectly employed
21196	21196	by them. Such organizations shall also file with the board a
21197	21197	statement on a form approved by the board that they submit
21198	21198	themselves to the rules and regulations of the board and the
21199	21199	applicable provisions of this chapter.
21200	21200	(c) Nothing in this chapter shall apply to physicians
21201	21201	licensed to practice medicine in this state or employees under
21202	21202	the supervision of a physician licensed to practice medicine,
21203	21203	or to the professional corporation or professional association
21204	21204	10220
21205	21205	10221
21206	21206	10222
21207	21207	10223
21208	21208	10224
21209	21209	10225
21210	21210	10226
21211	21211	10227
21212	21212	10228
21213	21213	10229
21214	21214	10230
21215	21215	10231
21216	21216	10232
21217	21217	10233
21218	21218	10234
21219	21219	10235
21220	21220	10236
21221	21221	10237
21222	21222	10238
21223	21223	10239
21224	21224	10240
21225	21225	10241
21226	21226	10242
21227	21227	10243
21228	21228	10244
21229	21229	10245
21230	21230	10246
21231	21231	10247 SB224 INTRODUCED
21232	21232	Page 367
21233	21233	or to the professional corporation or professional association
21234	21234	of such physicians.
21235	21235	(d) Nothing in this chapter shall apply to speech
21236	21236	pathologists or to audiologists licensed in this state."
21237	21237	"§34-14-3
21238	21238	(a) The board shall register each applicant without
21239	21239	discrimination who pays an examination fee as prescribed by
21240	21240	rule of the board the executive director and who
21241	21241	satisfactorily passes an examination as provided in Section
21242	21242	34-14-4, and upon the applicant's payment of the application
21243	21243	fee, shall issue to the applicant a license signed by the
21244	21244	board. The license shall be effective until January 30 of the
21245	21245	year following the year in which issued.
21246	21246	(b) An applicant who fulfills the requirements
21247	21247	regarding age, character, education, and health, as set forth
21248	21248	in subsection (a) of Section 34-14-4, and who shall provide
21249	21249	proof of having met all state qualifying examination
21250	21250	requirements and requirements of certification as a national
21251	21251	board certified hearing aid specialist shall be issued a
21252	21252	dispenser's license.
21253	21253	(c) An applicant for licensure by reciprocity shall
21254	21254	submit to the board, in form and content satisfactory to the
21255	21255	board, written proof of all of the following:
21256	21256	(1) That the applicant is currently licensed as a
21257	21257	hearing aid specialist, hearing aid dispenser, or hearing aid
21258	21258	dealer under the laws of another state or the District of
21259	21259	Columbia.
21260	21260	(2) That the requirements for the license are
21261	21261	equivalent to or greater than those required in this state.
21262	21262	10248
21263	21263	10249
21264	21264	10250
21265	21265	10251
21266	21266	10252
21267	21267	10253
21268	21268	10254
21269	21269	10255
21270	21270	10256
21271	21271	10257
21272	21272	10258
21273	21273	10259
21274	21274	10260
21275	21275	10261
21276	21276	10262
21277	21277	10263
21278	21278	10264
21279	21279	10265
21280	21280	10266
21281	21281	10267
21282	21282	10268
21283	21283	10269
21284	21284	10270
21285	21285	10271
21286	21286	10272
21287	21287	10273
21288	21288	10274
21289	21289	10275 SB224 INTRODUCED
21290	21290	Page 368
21291	21291	equivalent to or greater than those required in this state.
21292	21292	Minimum acceptable tests shall be approved by the board and
21293	21293	shall be at or above the standards set by the National
21294	21294	Institute of Hearing Instrument Studies examination. Scores
21295	21295	from the licensing authority shall be mailed from that
21296	21296	authority directly to the board and the test shall have been
21297	21297	taken within the past 12 months.
21298	21298	(3) That the licensee is in good standing and his or
21299	21299	her license has not been suspended or revoked.
21300	21300	(4) That verification of all licenses that have been
21301	21301	issued are on file with the board.
21302	21302	(5) That the state that issued the license has a
21303	21303	current reciprocity agreement on file with the board.
21304	21304	(d) An applicant who has a complaint pending against
21305	21305	him or her in another state may not be granted an Alabama
21306	21306	license until the complaint is resolved and resolution
21307	21307	validated by the licensing agency of that state.
21308	21308	(e) Any person making application for licensure under
21309	21309	this section shall be required to pass the Alabama law written
21310	21310	test and all areas of the practical examination.
21311	21311	(f) The holder of a certificate of endorsement shall be
21312	21312	registered in the same manner as a licensee. The fee for an
21313	21313	initial certificate of endorsement shall be the same as the
21314	21314	fee for an initial license. Fees, grounds for renewal, and
21315	21315	procedures for the suspension and revocation of a certificate
21316	21316	of endorsement shall be the same as the fees, grounds for
21317	21317	renewal, and procedures for the suspension of a license."
21318	21318	"§34-14-4
21319	21319	(a) Applicants may obtain a license by successfully
21320	21320	10276
21321	21321	10277
21322	21322	10278
21323	21323	10279
21324	21324	10280
21325	21325	10281
21326	21326	10282
21327	21327	10283
21328	21328	10284
21329	21329	10285
21330	21330	10286
21331	21331	10287
21332	21332	10288
21333	21333	10289
21334	21334	10290
21335	21335	10291
21336	21336	10292
21337	21337	10293
21338	21338	10294
21339	21339	10295
21340	21340	10296
21341	21341	10297
21342	21342	10298
21343	21343	10299
21344	21344	10300
21345	21345	10301
21346	21346	10302
21347	21347	10303 SB224 INTRODUCED
21348	21348	Page 369
21349	21349	(a) Applicants may obtain a license by successfully
21350	21350	passing a qualifying examination; provided, that the
21351	21351	applicant:
21352	21352	(1) Is at least 19 years of age;
21353	21353	(2) Is of good moral character;
21354	21354	(3) Has an education equivalent to a four-year course
21355	21355	in an accredited high school;
21356	21356	(4) Is free of contagious or infectious disease; and
21357	21357	(5) Is a citizen of the United States or, if not a
21358	21358	citizen of the United States, a person who is legally present
21359	21359	in the United States with appropriate documentation from the
21360	21360	federal government.
21361	21361	(b) An applicant who meets the qualifications of
21362	21362	subsection (a) as determined by the board who applies for
21363	21363	license by examination shall appear at a time , and place,
21364	21364	determined by the executive director and before such persons
21365	21365	as the board may designate to be examined by means of written
21366	21366	and practical tests in order to demonstrate that he or she is
21367	21367	qualified to practice the fitting and sale of hearing
21368	21368	instruments.
21369	21369	(c) The board shall give examinations at least three
21370	21370	times each year. "
21371	21371	"§34-14-6
21372	21372	(a) Each person who engages in the fitting and sale of
21373	21373	hearing instruments shall annually, on or before January 30,
21374	21374	pay to the board a fee as prescribed by rule of the board the
21375	21375	executive director for renewal of his or her license and shall
21376	21376	keep such certificate conspicuously posted in his or her
21377	21377	office or place of business at all times. Where more than one
21378	21378	10304
21379	21379	10305
21380	21380	10306
21381	21381	10307
21382	21382	10308
21383	21383	10309
21384	21384	10310
21385	21385	10311
21386	21386	10312
21387	21387	10313
21388	21388	10314
21389	21389	10315
21390	21390	10316
21391	21391	10317
21392	21392	10318
21393	21393	10319
21394	21394	10320
21395	21395	10321
21396	21396	10322
21397	21397	10323
21398	21398	10324
21399	21399	10325
21400	21400	10326
21401	21401	10327
21402	21402	10328
21403	21403	10329
21404	21404	10330
21405	21405	10331 SB224 INTRODUCED
21406	21406	Page 370
21407	21407	office or place of business at all times. Where more than one
21408	21408	office is operated by the licensee, duplicate certificates
21409	21409	shall be issued by the board for posting in each location upon
21410	21410	payment of the fee prescribed by rule of the board. A license
21411	21411	may be reinstated and renewed within two years the executive
21412	21412	director. The board may renew such expired certificates upon
21413	21413	payment of a reinstatement fee as prescribed by the board
21414	21414	executive director , in addition to the license renewal fee, to
21415	21415	the board. No person who applies for renewal, whose license
21416	21416	has expired, shall be required to submit to any examination as
21417	21417	a condition to renewal; provided, that such renewal
21418	21418	application is made within two years from the date of such
21419	21419	expiration.
21420	21420	(b) All fees collected by the board shall be set by
21421	21421	rule of the board. For calendar year 2016, no single fee shall
21422	21422	exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250). For any calendar year
21423	21423	thereafter, no single fee may be increased by more than 20
21424	21424	percent per year the executive director .
21425	21425	(c) The board shall maintain a program of continuing
21426	21426	education for its licensees. No licensee shall have his or her
21427	21427	active license renewed unless, in addition to any other
21428	21428	requirements of this chapter, the minimum continuing annual
21429	21429	education requirements are met."
21430	21430	"§34-14-7
21431	21431	(a) An applicant who fulfills the requirements
21432	21432	regarding age, character, education, and health, as set forth
21433	21433	in subsection (a) of Section 34-14-4, may obtain an apprentice
21434	21434	permit upon application to the board and payment of any
21435	21435	required application and permit fees as prescribed by rule of
21436	21436	10332
21437	21437	10333
21438	21438	10334
21439	21439	10335
21440	21440	10336
21441	21441	10337
21442	21442	10338
21443	21443	10339
21444	21444	10340
21445	21445	10341
21446	21446	10342
21447	21447	10343
21448	21448	10344
21449	21449	10345
21450	21450	10346
21451	21451	10347
21452	21452	10348
21453	21453	10349
21454	21454	10350
21455	21455	10351
21456	21456	10352
21457	21457	10353
21458	21458	10354
21459	21459	10355
21460	21460	10356
21461	21461	10357
21462	21462	10358
21463	21463	10359 SB224 INTRODUCED
21464	21464	Page 371
21465	21465	required application and permit fees as prescribed by rule of
21466	21466	the board the executive director .
21467	21467	(b) Upon receiving an application as provided under
21468	21468	this section and accompanied by the required fees, the board
21469	21469	shall issue an apprentice permit which shall entitle the
21470	21470	applicant to engage in the fitting and sale of hearing
21471	21471	instruments for a period of one year under the direct
21472	21472	supervision of a person holding a valid Alabama dispenser
21473	21473	license or hearing aid specialist license, when designated by
21474	21474	the sponsor, provided the apprentice has successfully
21475	21475	completed the International Institute for Hearing Instrument
21476	21476	Studies distance learning program. A sponsoring dispenser is
21477	21477	responsible for the actions and training of the apprentice. An
21478	21478	apprentice permit may be renewed for an additional year, upon
21479	21479	terms and conditions established by the board. An applicant
21480	21480	may not be issued a second permit within a five-year period
21481	21481	following the expiration date of the initial permit.
21482	21482	(c) An apprentice or applicant who successfully
21483	21483	completes the hearing aid specialist examination may obtain a
21484	21484	hearing aid specialist license upon application to the board,
21485	21485	and payment of the required fees, which shall entitle the
21486	21486	applicant to engage in the sale or fitting of hearing
21487	21487	instruments until January 30th of the following year under the
21488	21488	direct supervision of a person holding a current Alabama
21489	21489	hearing aid dispenser's license. The licensed dispenser shall
21490	21490	be totally responsible for the supervision of all activities
21491	21491	of the hearing aid specialist pertaining to the sale and
21492	21492	fitting of hearing instruments.
21493	21493	(d) The dispenser who is responsible for the
21494	21494	10360
21495	21495	10361
21496	21496	10362
21497	21497	10363
21498	21498	10364
21499	21499	10365
21500	21500	10366
21501	21501	10367
21502	21502	10368
21503	21503	10369
21504	21504	10370
21505	21505	10371
21506	21506	10372
21507	21507	10373
21508	21508	10374
21509	21509	10375
21510	21510	10376
21511	21511	10377
21512	21512	10378
21513	21513	10379
21514	21514	10380
21515	21515	10381
21516	21516	10382
21517	21517	10383
21518	21518	10384
21519	21519	10385
21520	21520	10386
21521	21521	10387 SB224 INTRODUCED
21522	21522	Page 372
21523	21523	(d) The dispenser who is responsible for the
21524	21524	supervision and training of an apprentice shall not have more
21525	21525	than four apprentices under his or her supervision at any
21526	21526	time. There shall be no limitations on the number of hearing
21527	21527	aid specialists a dispenser may have under his or her
21528	21528	supervision at any given time.
21529	21529	(e) The dispenser responsible for the supervision and
21530	21530	training of any apprentice or hearing aid specialist shall be
21531	21531	subject to administrative actions with respect to licensure
21532	21532	and to civil liability for all actions of an apprentice or
21533	21533	hearing aid specialist under his or her supervision when the
21534	21534	apprentice or hearing aid specialist engages in unethical,
21535	21535	prohibited, fraudulent, deceptive, and misleading conduct
21536	21536	involving the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments."
21537	21537	"§34-14-11
21538	21538	(a) The board shall perform the following duties:
21539	21539	(1) Authorize all disbursements necessary to carry out
21540	21540	the provisions of this chapter;
21541	21541	(2)(1) Register persons who apply to the board who are
21542	21542	qualified to engage in the fitting and sale of hearing
21543	21543	instruments;
21544	21544	(3)(2) Administer, coordinate, and enforce this
21545	21545	chapter, evaluate the qualifications and supervise the
21546	21546	examinations of applicants for licensure under this chapter,
21547	21547	issue and renew licenses and permits under this chapter, and
21548	21548	investigate allegations of violations of this chapter;
21549	21549	(4)(3) Promulgate rules and regulations necessary to
21550	21550	carry out the provisions of this chapter and to establish
21551	21551	consumer protection provisions, provisions for prohibited
21552	21552	10388
21553	21553	10389
21554	21554	10390
21555	21555	10391
21556	21556	10392
21557	21557	10393
21558	21558	10394
21559	21559	10395
21560	21560	10396
21561	21561	10397
21562	21562	10398
21563	21563	10399
21564	21564	10400
21565	21565	10401
21566	21566	10402
21567	21567	10403
21568	21568	10404
21569	21569	10405
21570	21570	10406
21571	21571	10407
21572	21572	10408
21573	21573	10409
21574	21574	10410
21575	21575	10411
21576	21576	10412
21577	21577	10413
21578	21578	10414
21579	21579	10415 SB224 INTRODUCED
21580	21580	Page 373
21581	21581	consumer protection provisions, provisions for prohibited
21582	21582	practices, and requirements for businesses;
21583	21583	(5)(4) Issue and renew a dispenser's license to sell
21584	21584	and fit hearing instruments to any person who is duly licensed
21585	21585	under the laws of this state as an audiologist; and
21586	21586	(6)(5) Furnish a list of persons licensed under this
21587	21587	chapter, upon request and payment of the required fee.
21588	21588	(b) The board shall be authorized to review individual
21589	21589	appeals for exemption from required certification for a
21590	21590	dispenser's license.
21591	21591	(c) The board may subpoena witness's testimony and
21592	21592	records for any official hearing or proceeding of the board."
21593	21593	"§34-14-30
21594	21594	(a) There is established a Board of Hearing Instrument
21595	21595	Dealers which shall administer this chapter. Commencing on
21596	21596	October 1, 2026, the board shall be subject to the leadership,
21597	21597	support, and oversight of the Executive Director of the Office
21598	21598	of Occupational and Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter
21599	21599	2B of Title 25.
21600	21600	(b) Members of the board shall be citizens and
21601	21601	residents of the state and appointed by the Governor. The
21602	21602	membership of the board shall be inclusive and reflect the
21603	21603	racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic
21604	21604	diversity of the state. The board shall consist of eight
21605	21605	members as follows: Five licensees, one of whom may be a
21606	21606	hearing aid specialist, one physician who specializes in
21607	21607	diseases of the ear, one audiologist, and one consumer member.
21608	21608	The consumer member shall have the same powers as other board
21609	21609	members, except that the consumer member shall have no voting
21610	21610	10416
21611	21611	10417
21612	21612	10418
21613	21613	10419
21614	21614	10420
21615	21615	10421
21616	21616	10422
21617	21617	10423
21618	21618	10424
21619	21619	10425
21620	21620	10426
21621	21621	10427
21622	21622	10428
21623	21623	10429
21624	21624	10430
21625	21625	10431
21626	21626	10432
21627	21627	10433
21628	21628	10434
21629	21629	10435
21630	21630	10436
21631	21631	10437
21632	21632	10438
21633	21633	10439
21634	21634	10440
21635	21635	10441
21636	21636	10442
21637	21637	10443 SB224 INTRODUCED
21638	21638	Page 374
21639	21639	members, except that the consumer member shall have no voting
21640	21640	powers in matters of issuing, suspending, or revoking
21641	21641	licenses, and neither the consumer member, nor his or her
21642	21642	spouse, shall be a hearing aid specialist or hearing aid
21643	21643	dispenser. Each hearing aid specialist or hearing aid
21644	21644	dispenser on the board shall have no less than three years of
21645	21645	experience and shall hold a valid license as a hearing aid
21646	21646	specialist or hearing aid dispenser, as provided under this
21647	21647	chapter. No member of the board shall be from the same
21648	21648	business or firm of another board member, and no member shall
21649	21649	be the spouse or immediate family member of another board
21650	21650	member.
21651	21651	(c) All members of the board shall be appointed by the
21652	21652	Governor from a list of qualified persons nominated by the
21653	21653	Alabama Society for Hearing Healthcare Providers. The term of
21654	21654	office of each member shall be for four years. Before a
21655	21655	member's term expires, the Governor shall appoint a successor
21656	21656	to assume his or her duties upon the expiration of his or her
21657	21657	predecessor's term. A vacancy in the office of a member shall
21658	21658	be filled by appointment for the unexpired term. The members
21659	21659	of the board shall annually designate one member to serve as
21660	21660	chair, another to serve as vice chair, and such other officers
21661	21661	the board deems necessary, including a complaints chair.
21662	21662	(d) No member of the board who has served two or more
21663	21663	full terms may be reappointed to the board until at least one
21664	21664	year after the expiration of his or her most recent full term
21665	21665	of office.
21666	21666	(e) Members of the board shall receive for each day
21667	21667	actually engaged in the duties of the office a per diem amount
21668	21668	10444
21669	21669	10445
21670	21670	10446
21671	21671	10447
21672	21672	10448
21673	21673	10449
21674	21674	10450
21675	21675	10451
21676	21676	10452
21677	21677	10453
21678	21678	10454
21679	21679	10455
21680	21680	10456
21681	21681	10457
21682	21682	10458
21683	21683	10459
21684	21684	10460
21685	21685	10461
21686	21686	10462
21687	21687	10463
21688	21688	10464
21689	21689	10465
21690	21690	10466
21691	21691	10467
21692	21692	10468
21693	21693	10469
21694	21694	10470
21695	21695	10471 SB224 INTRODUCED
21696	21696	Page 375
21697	21697	actually engaged in the duties of the office a per diem amount
21698	21698	of twenty-five dollars ($25), not to exceed the sum of one
21699	21699	thousand dollars ($1,000) per year, and reimbursement for
21700	21700	traveling expenses as provided in Article 2 of Chapter 7 of
21701	21701	Title 36, and other expenses, the remuneration and
21702	21702	reimbursement to be paid from appropriations made for this
21703	21703	purpose.
21704	21704	(f)(e) The Governor may remove any member for neglect
21705	21705	of duty, incompetency, or unprofessional conduct. The board
21706	21706	may employ, and at its pleasure discharge, an executive
21707	21707	secretary and such officers and employees as may be necessary,
21708	21708	and the board shall fix their compensation. "
21709	21709	"§34-14-32
21710	21710	The board shall meet not less than twice each year at a
21711	21711	place, day, and hour determined by the board . The board shall
21712	21712	also meet at such other times and places as may be requested
21713	21713	by the state board."
21714	21714	"§34-14-33
21715	21715	(a) Within a week of receiving funds, the board shall
21716	21716	pay into the State Treasury all moneys received by it under
21717	21717	this chapter during the preceding calendar month. The State
21718	21718	Treasury shall credit the moneys to the Board of Hearing
21719	21719	Instrument Dealers Account, which account is hereby created.
21720	21720	(b) The moneys in the Board of Hearing Instrument
21721	21721	Dealers Account shall remain, and the board may use funds in
21722	21722	the account for the purpose of paying the expenses of
21723	21723	administering and enforcing the provisions of this chapter.
21724	21724	All fees and other monies received by the board shall
21725	21725	be deposited into the Occupational and Professional Licensing
21726	21726	10472
21727	21727	10473
21728	21728	10474
21729	21729	10475
21730	21730	10476
21731	21731	10477
21732	21732	10478
21733	21733	10479
21734	21734	10480
21735	21735	10481
21736	21736	10482
21737	21737	10483
21738	21738	10484
21739	21739	10485
21740	21740	10486
21741	21741	10487
21742	21742	10488
21743	21743	10489
21744	21744	10490
21745	21745	10491
21746	21746	10492
21747	21747	10493
21748	21748	10494
21749	21749	10495
21750	21750	10496
21751	21751	10497
21752	21752	10498
21753	21753	10499 SB224 INTRODUCED
21754	21754	Page 376
21755	21755	be deposited into the Occupational and Professional Licensing
21756	21756	Fund."
21757	21757	"§34-14-34
21758	21758	(a) The board executive director shall establish fees
21759	21759	by rule adopted pursuant to the Alabama Administrative
21760	21760	Procedure Act. The board executive director may impose fees of
21761	21761	not less than twenty-five dollars ($25) nor more than one
21762	21762	thousand dollars ($1,000) for each of the following:
21763	21763	(1) Initial application fee for an apprentice permit,
21764	21764	hearing aid specialist license, and hearing aid dispenser
21765	21765	license.
21766	21766	(2) License fee for a hearing aid specialist license
21767	21767	and for a hearing aid dispenser license.
21768	21768	(3) Renewal fee for the renewal of a hearing aid
21769	21769	specialist license and the renewal of a hearing aid dispenser
21770	21770	license.
21771	21771	(4) Permit fee for an apprentice permit.
21772	21772	(5) Renewal fee for an apprentice permit.
21773	21773	(6) Qualifying examination and retest examination fees.
21774	21774	(7) Late filing fee for a business statement of
21775	21775	compliance.
21776	21776	(8) Late renewal fee.
21777	21777	(9) Reinstatement license fee.
21778	21778	(10) Duplicate license, certificate, or permit fee.
21779	21779	(11) Replacement license, certificate, or permit fee.
21780	21780	(12) Verification of license fee.
21781	21781	(13) Mailing list fee.
21782	21782	(14) Returned check fee.
21783	21783	(15) Special assessment fee.
21784	21784	10500
21785	21785	10501
21786	21786	10502
21787	21787	10503
21788	21788	10504
21789	21789	10505
21790	21790	10506
21791	21791	10507
21792	21792	10508
21793	21793	10509
21794	21794	10510
21795	21795	10511
21796	21796	10512
21797	21797	10513
21798	21798	10514
21799	21799	10515
21800	21800	10516
21801	21801	10517
21802	21802	10518
21803	21803	10519
21804	21804	10520
21805	21805	10521
21806	21806	10522
21807	21807	10523
21808	21808	10524
21809	21809	10525
21810	21810	10526
21811	21811	10527 SB224 INTRODUCED
21812	21812	Page 377
21813	21813	(15) Special assessment fee.
21814	21814	(b) A fee may not be refunded to an applicant or
21815	21815	licensee under any circumstances."
21816	21816	Section 30. Relating to the Board of Examiners of
21817	21817	Nursing Home Administrators; to amend Sections 34-20-1,
21818	21818	34-20-2, 34-20-4, 34-20-7, 34-20-9, 34-20-10, 34-20-11,
21819	21819	34-20-12, 34-20-13, and 34-20-14 of the Code of Alabama 1975,
21820	21820	to read as follows:
21821	21821	"§34-20-1
21822	21822	For purposes of this chapter, the following words and
21823	21823	phrases shall have the respective meanings ascribed by this
21824	21824	section:
21825	21825	(1) BOARD. The Board of Examiners of Nursing Home
21826	21826	Administrators of the State of Alabama.
21827	21827	(2) EXAMINER. A member of the Board of Examiners of
21828	21828	Nursing Home Administrators of the State of Alabama.
21829	21829	(3) SECRETARY. The Secretary of the Board of Examiners
21830	21830	of Nursing Home Administrators of the State of Alabama.
21831	21831	(3) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
21832	21832	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
21833	21833	in Section 25-2B-1.
21834	21834	(4) NURSING HOME ADMINISTRATOR. Any individual who is
21835	21835	charged with the general administration of a nursing home,
21836	21836	whether or not such individual has an ownership interest in
21837	21837	such home and whether or not his or her functions and duties
21838	21838	are shared with one or more other individuals.
21839	21839	(5) PROVISIONAL LICENSE. A temporary license issued to
21840	21840	a provisional nursing home administrator by the Board of
21841	21841	Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators.
21842	21842	10528
21843	21843	10529
21844	21844	10530
21845	21845	10531
21846	21846	10532
21847	21847	10533
21848	21848	10534
21849	21849	10535
21850	21850	10536
21851	21851	10537
21852	21852	10538
21853	21853	10539
21854	21854	10540
21855	21855	10541
21856	21856	10542
21857	21857	10543
21858	21858	10544
21859	21859	10545
21860	21860	10546
21861	21861	10547
21862	21862	10548
21863	21863	10549
21864	21864	10550
21865	21865	10551
21866	21866	10552
21867	21867	10553
21868	21868	10554
21869	21869	10555 SB224 INTRODUCED
21870	21870	Page 378
21871	21871	Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators.
21872	21872	(6) PROVISIONAL NURSING HOME ADMINISTRATOR. An
21873	21873	individual who has been issued a provisional license by the
21874	21874	Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators of the State
21875	21875	of Alabama.
21876	21876	(7)(5) PRACTICE OF NURSING HOME ADMINISTRATION. The
21877	21877	planning, organizing, directing, and control of the operation
21878	21878	of a nursing home.
21879	21879	(8)(6) NURSING HOME. Any institution or facility
21880	21880	defined as such for licensing purposes under state law."
21881	21881	"§34-20-2
21882	21882	No nursing home in the state may operate unless it is
21883	21883	under the supervision of an administrator who holds a
21884	21884	currently valid nursing home administrator's license , or
21885	21885	provisional license, issued by the Board of Examiners of
21886	21886	Nursing Home Administrators. No person shall practice or offer
21887	21887	to practice nursing home administration in this state or use
21888	21888	any title, sign, card, or device to indicate that he or she is
21889	21889	a nursing home administrator unless such person shall have
21890	21890	been duly licensed as a nursing home administrator or as a
21891	21891	provisional nursing home administrator . In the event a nursing
21892	21892	home administrator dies, unexpectedly resigns, becomes
21893	21893	incapacitated, or has his or her license revoked, the person
21894	21894	or persons then responsible for the management of the nursing
21895	21895	home shall immediately notify the Board of Examiners of
21896	21896	Nursing Home Administrators and the agency issuing the nursing
21897	21897	home license and shall be allowed a reasonable period of time,
21898	21898	in accordance with policies adopted by the board, to be
21899	21899	established by the agency issuing the nursing home license,
21900	21900	10556
21901	21901	10557
21902	21902	10558
21903	21903	10559
21904	21904	10560
21905	21905	10561
21906	21906	10562
21907	21907	10563
21908	21908	10564
21909	21909	10565
21910	21910	10566
21911	21911	10567
21912	21912	10568
21913	21913	10569
21914	21914	10570
21915	21915	10571
21916	21916	10572
21917	21917	10573
21918	21918	10574
21919	21919	10575
21920	21920	10576
21921	21921	10577
21922	21922	10578
21923	21923	10579
21924	21924	10580
21925	21925	10581
21926	21926	10582
21927	21927	10583 SB224 INTRODUCED
21928	21928	Page 379
21929	21929	established by the agency issuing the nursing home license,
21930	21930	not to exceed 180 days from the date of the death, unexpected
21931	21931	resignation, incapacitation, or revocation of the license of
21932	21932	the nursing home administrator in which to replace the
21933	21933	administrator. During the reasonable period of time, the board
21934	21934	may issue an emergency permit to a person performing the
21935	21935	functions of administrator in such nursing home without being
21936	21936	in violation of the provisions of this chapter."
21937	21937	"§34-20-4
21938	21938	(a)(1) There is created a Board of Examiners of Nursing
21939	21939	Home Administrators . Commencing on October 1, 2026, the board
21940	21940	shall be subject to the leadership, support, and oversight of
21941	21941	the Executive Director of the Office of Occupational and
21942	21942	Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25.
21943	21943	(2) The board shall be composed of seven members, six
21944	21944	original members as set out in this subsection, and an
21945	21945	additional consumer member as set out in subsection (b). The
21946	21946	membership of the board shall be inclusive and reflect the
21947	21947	racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic
21948	21948	diversity of the state. The six original members shall be
21949	21949	composed as follows: Three members shall be nursing home
21950	21950	administrators duly licensed and registered under this
21951	21951	chapter; one member shall be a physician, licensed under the
21952	21952	laws of the State of Alabama, who is actively concerned in a
21953	21953	practice with the care of chronically ill and infirm, aged
21954	21954	patients; one member shall be a hospital administrator; and
21955	21955	one member shall be a registered nurse, licensed in Alabama,
21956	21956	who has five years' experience as a geriatric nurse and who is
21957	21957	actively serving as a director of nursing in a geriatric
21958	21958	10584
21959	21959	10585
21960	21960	10586
21961	21961	10587
21962	21962	10588
21963	21963	10589
21964	21964	10590
21965	21965	10591
21966	21966	10592
21967	21967	10593
21968	21968	10594
21969	21969	10595
21970	21970	10596
21971	21971	10597
21972	21972	10598
21973	21973	10599
21974	21974	10600
21975	21975	10601
21976	21976	10602
21977	21977	10603
21978	21978	10604
21979	21979	10605
21980	21980	10606
21981	21981	10607
21982	21982	10608
21983	21983	10609
21984	21984	10610
21985	21985	10611 SB224 INTRODUCED
21986	21986	Page 380
21987	21987	actively serving as a director of nursing in a geriatric
21988	21988	facility.
21989	21989	(b) Within 30 days following April 6, 1993, the
21990	21990	Governor shall appoint an additional consumer member of the
21991	21991	board for a term that is the same as the term of the member
21992	21992	who is a licensed registered nurse. The consumer member shall
21993	21993	vote in all matters. No consumer member, or a spouse or
21994	21994	immediate family member of a consumer member, shall be a
21995	21995	licensee of the board or be employed in the nursing home
21996	21996	profession.
21997	21997	(c) All members of the board shall be citizens of the
21998	21998	United States and shall be residents of the state. Not more
21999	21999	than one board member from any United States Congressional
22000	22000	District may be appointed to serve at the same time, unless
22001	22001	necessary to ensure diversity on the board or to satisfy other
22002	22002	board member qualification requirements of this section.
22003	22003	(d) The three members who are licensed nursing home
22004	22004	administrators whose terms expire after April 6, 1993, shall
22005	22005	each serve a one-year term of office. Successor members shall
22006	22006	serve three-year terms and no board member shall serve, in
22007	22007	addition to the one-year term provided in this subsection,
22008	22008	more than two consecutive full three-year terms. All members
22009	22009	shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed by the
22010	22010	Governor.
22011	22011	(e) Appointments to the board for those positions to be
22012	22012	held by nursing home administrators shall be made by the
22013	22013	Governor from a list of three nominees for each position to be
22014	22014	submitted to the Governor by the Alabama Nursing Home
22015	22015	Association. The appointment to the board of the member for
22016	22016	10612
22017	22017	10613
22018	22018	10614
22019	22019	10615
22020	22020	10616
22021	22021	10617
22022	22022	10618
22023	22023	10619
22024	22024	10620
22025	22025	10621
22026	22026	10622
22027	22027	10623
22028	22028	10624
22029	22029	10625
22030	22030	10626
22031	22031	10627
22032	22032	10628
22033	22033	10629
22034	22034	10630
22035	22035	10631
22036	22036	10632
22037	22037	10633
22038	22038	10634
22039	22039	10635
22040	22040	10636
22041	22041	10637
22042	22042	10638
22043	22043	10639 SB224 INTRODUCED
22044	22044	Page 381
22045	22045	Association. The appointment to the board of the member for
22046	22046	the position to be held by a physician shall be made by the
22047	22047	Governor from a list of three nominees to be submitted by the
22048	22048	Medical Association of the State of Alabama. The appointment
22049	22049	to the board of the member for the position to be held by a
22050	22050	hospital administrator shall be made by the Governor from a
22051	22051	list of three nominees to be submitted to him or her by the
22052	22052	Alabama Hospital Association. The appointment to the board of
22053	22053	the member for the position to be held by a licensed
22054	22054	registered nurse shall be made by the Governor from a list of
22055	22055	three nominees to be submitted to him or her by the Alabama
22056	22056	State Nurses Association. In the event the nominating entities
22057	22057	and the Governor are unable to nominate or appoint members to
22058	22058	the board so that diversity and other requirements of this
22059	22059	section are satisfied, the board may submit a substitute list
22060	22060	of three nominees to the Governor for appointment who are
22061	22061	selected from the state at-large and otherwise qualify for
22062	22062	appointment.
22063	22063	(f) The Governor may remove any board member for
22064	22064	misconduct, incapacity, incompetence, or neglect of duty after
22065	22065	the board member so charged has been served with a written
22066	22066	statement of charges and has been given an opportunity to be
22067	22067	heard. Absence from any three consecutive meetings of the
22068	22068	board within a calendar year, without cause acceptable to the
22069	22069	Governor and the board, shall be deemed cause for removal.
22070	22070	(g) Any vacancy created by the death, resignation, or
22071	22071	removal of any board member shall be filled by the Governor
22072	22072	for the unexpired term in the same manner as required by this
22073	22073	chapter to make appointments.
22074	22074	10640
22075	22075	10641
22076	22076	10642
22077	22077	10643
22078	22078	10644
22079	22079	10645
22080	22080	10646
22081	22081	10647
22082	22082	10648
22083	22083	10649
22084	22084	10650
22085	22085	10651
22086	22086	10652
22087	22087	10653
22088	22088	10654
22089	22089	10655
22090	22090	10656
22091	22091	10657
22092	22092	10658
22093	22093	10659
22094	22094	10660
22095	22095	10661
22096	22096	10662
22097	22097	10663
22098	22098	10664
22099	22099	10665
22100	22100	10666
22101	22101	10667 SB224 INTRODUCED
22102	22102	Page 382
22103	22103	chapter to make appointments.
22104	22104	(h) Each member of the board shall receive a per diem
22105	22105	fee of not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than one
22106	22106	hundred dollars ($100) to be determined by the board for the
22107	22107	time spent in the performance of official duties. Each member
22108	22108	shall be reimbursed for all necessary and proper travel and
22109	22109	incidental expenses incurred in implementing this chapter as
22110	22110	is provided to state employees by the laws of the State of
22111	22111	Alabama and regulations of the State Personnel Director. In
22112	22112	setting the per diem fee, the board shall give due
22113	22113	consideration to funds which are available for that purpose.
22114	22114	(i)(h) The board shall hold four or more meetings a
22115	22115	year. A majority of the members of the board shall constitute
22116	22116	a quorum at any meeting except as provided in Section
22117	22117	34-20-14. A majority vote of the members present shall be
22118	22118	sufficient to transact the business of the board except as
22119	22119	provided in Section 34-20-14. Meetings may be called by the
22120	22120	chair or by a majority of the members of the board. Members
22121	22121	shall be given seven days' written notice of all meetings.
22122	22122	(j)(i) The board shall annually elect from its members
22123	22123	a chair and a vice chair, at the first meeting of the board
22124	22124	held after October 1 of each year, and each shall serve until
22125	22125	the first meeting held after October 1 of the following year.
22126	22126	In the event of the death, resignation, or removal of the
22127	22127	chair from the board, the vice chair shall succeed as chair
22128	22128	for the remainder of the unexpired term. In the event of the
22129	22129	death, resignation, removal, or succession to the office of
22130	22130	chair of a vice chair, a successor shall be elected by the
22131	22131	board to fill the remainder of the unexpired term as vice
22132	22132	10668
22133	22133	10669
22134	22134	10670
22135	22135	10671
22136	22136	10672
22137	22137	10673
22138	22138	10674
22139	22139	10675
22140	22140	10676
22141	22141	10677
22142	22142	10678
22143	22143	10679
22144	22144	10680
22145	22145	10681
22146	22146	10682
22147	22147	10683
22148	22148	10684
22149	22149	10685
22150	22150	10686
22151	22151	10687
22152	22152	10688
22153	22153	10689
22154	22154	10690
22155	22155	10691
22156	22156	10692
22157	22157	10693
22158	22158	10694
22159	22159	10695 SB224 INTRODUCED
22160	22160	Page 383
22161	22161	board to fill the remainder of the unexpired term as vice
22162	22162	chair. The chair, or in the absence of the chair, the vice
22163	22163	chair, shall preside at all meetings of the board. The chair
22164	22164	of the board may appoint a secretary to the board, with the
22165	22165	consent of the members of the board, who shall serve at the
22166	22166	pleasure of the board. The salary of the secretary shall be
22167	22167	fixed by the board. The secretary shall be the executive
22168	22168	officer to the board but shall not be a member of the board.
22169	22169	The secretary executive director shall have those powers and
22170	22170	shall perform those duties as are prescribed by law and the
22171	22171	rules and regulations of the board. A clerk and sufficient
22172	22172	deputy clerks to adequately assist the board and secretary in
22173	22173	the keeping of the records and in the performance of their
22174	22174	duties may be appointed by the board subject to the Merit
22175	22175	System."
22176	22176	"§34-20-7
22177	22177	The Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators
22178	22178	is hereby authorized to receive and expend, in carrying out
22179	22179	the purposes of this chapter, all sums paid by applicants and
22180	22180	registrants as provided in this chapter, and all sums which
22181	22181	might be appropriated for such purposes, and are also
22182	22182	authorized to receive and expend any funds available for such
22183	22183	purposes from the federal government. An annual financial
22184	22184	audit shall be conducted of all receipts and expenditures, and
22185	22185	a written report of the audit shall be given to each board
22186	22186	member All fees and monies received by the board shall be
22187	22187	deposited into the Occupational and Professional Licensing
22188	22188	Fund."
22189	22189	"§34-20-9
22190	22190	10696
22191	22191	10697
22192	22192	10698
22193	22193	10699
22194	22194	10700
22195	22195	10701
22196	22196	10702
22197	22197	10703
22198	22198	10704
22199	22199	10705
22200	22200	10706
22201	22201	10707
22202	22202	10708
22203	22203	10709
22204	22204	10710
22205	22205	10711
22206	22206	10712
22207	22207	10713
22208	22208	10714
22209	22209	10715
22210	22210	10716
22211	22211	10717
22212	22212	10718
22213	22213	10719
22214	22214	10720
22215	22215	10721
22216	22216	10722
22217	22217	10723 SB224 INTRODUCED
22218	22218	Page 384
22219	22219	"§34-20-9
22220	22220	(a) The board shall admit to examination for licensure
22221	22221	as a nursing home administrator any candidate who submits
22222	22222	evidence of good moral character and suitability prescribed by
22223	22223	the board and who submits evidence to the board that he or she
22224	22224	is at least 19 years of age, a citizen of the United States,
22225	22225	or, if not a citizen of the United States, a person who is
22226	22226	legally present in the United States with appropriate
22227	22227	documentation from the federal government, that he or she is a
22228	22228	high school graduate or has completed an educational program
22229	22229	equivalent thereto, and that he or she has completed any
22230	22230	additional educational requirements prescribed by the board.
22231	22231	Each candidate shall also be required, prior to admission to
22232	22232	the examination, to pay an examination fee established by the
22233	22233	board pursuant to its rule-making authority executive
22234	22234	director.
22235	22235	(b) The board executive director may establish an
22236	22236	application fee for the internship or administrator in
22237	22237	training (AIT) program and a fee for preceptor, certification,
22238	22238	and recertification of the administrator in training (AIT)
22239	22239	program pursuant to its rule-making authority ."
22240	22240	"§34-20-10
22241	22241	(a) The board shall determine the subjects of
22242	22242	examinations for applicants for licensure, and the scope,
22243	22243	content, and format of the examinations, which in any
22244	22244	examination shall be the same for all candidates. The
22245	22245	examinations shall include examination of the applicant to
22246	22246	demonstrate his or her proficiency in the rules and
22247	22247	regulations of health and safety. The examination may consist
22248	22248	10724
22249	22249	10725
22250	22250	10726
22251	22251	10727
22252	22252	10728
22253	22253	10729
22254	22254	10730
22255	22255	10731
22256	22256	10732
22257	22257	10733
22258	22258	10734
22259	22259	10735
22260	22260	10736
22261	22261	10737
22262	22262	10738
22263	22263	10739
22264	22264	10740
22265	22265	10741
22266	22266	10742
22267	22267	10743
22268	22268	10744
22269	22269	10745
22270	22270	10746
22271	22271	10747
22272	22272	10748
22273	22273	10749
22274	22274	10750
22275	22275	10751 SB224 INTRODUCED
22276	22276	Page 385
22277	22277	regulations of health and safety. The examination may consist
22278	22278	of written or oral questions, or both.
22279	22279	(b) Examinations shall be held at least four times each
22280	22280	year, at times and places designated by the board. "
22281	22281	"§34-20-11
22282	22282	(a) An applicant for a license as a nursing home
22283	22283	administrator who has:
22284	22284	(1) Successfully complied with the educational and
22285	22285	training requirements of this chapter and of the rules and
22286	22286	regulations of the board promulgated under this chapter; and
22287	22287	(2) Has paid an application fee established by the
22288	22288	board pursuant to its rule-making authority for all applicants
22289	22289	executive director ; and
22290	22290	(3) Qualified for and passed the examination provided
22291	22291	for in this chapter; shall be issued a license on a form
22292	22292	provided for that purpose by the board, certifying that the
22293	22293	applicant has met the requirements of the laws, rules, and
22294	22294	regulations entitling him or her to serve, act, practice, and
22295	22295	otherwise hold himself or herself out as a duly licensed
22296	22296	nursing home administrator and has paid a fee established by
22297	22297	the board pursuant to its rule-making authority for original
22298	22298	licensure executive director .
22299	22299	(b) The board may collect a fee established by the
22300	22300	board pursuant to its rule-making authority executive director
22301	22301	for the issuance of a temporary emergency permit issued
22302	22302	pursuant to Section 34-20-2."
22303	22303	"§34-20-12
22304	22304	The board may, subject to this chapter and the rules
22305	22305	and regulations of the board prescribing the qualifications
22306	22306	10752
22307	22307	10753
22308	22308	10754
22309	22309	10755
22310	22310	10756
22311	22311	10757
22312	22312	10758
22313	22313	10759
22314	22314	10760
22315	22315	10761
22316	22316	10762
22317	22317	10763
22318	22318	10764
22319	22319	10765
22320	22320	10766
22321	22321	10767
22322	22322	10768
22323	22323	10769
22324	22324	10770
22325	22325	10771
22326	22326	10772
22327	22327	10773
22328	22328	10774
22329	22329	10775
22330	22330	10776
22331	22331	10777
22332	22332	10778
22333	22333	10779 SB224 INTRODUCED
22334	22334	Page 386
22335	22335	and regulations of the board prescribing the qualifications
22336	22336	for a nursing home administrator license, may issue a license
22337	22337	to a nursing home administrator who has been issued a license
22338	22338	by the proper authorities of any other state or issued a
22339	22339	certificate of qualification by any national organization,
22340	22340	upon complying with the provisions of licensure, payment of a
22341	22341	fee established by the board pursuant to its rule-making
22342	22342	authority executive director , and upon submission of evidence
22343	22343	satisfactory to the board:
22344	22344	(1) That the other state or national organization
22345	22345	maintained a system and standards of qualification and
22346	22346	examinations for a nursing home administrator license or
22347	22347	certificate which were substantially equivalent to those
22348	22348	required in this state at the time the other license or
22349	22349	certificate was issued by the other state or national
22350	22350	organization; and
22351	22351	(2) That the other state gives similar recognition and
22352	22352	endorsement to nursing home administrator licenses of this
22353	22353	state. The board executive director may charge a fee for
22354	22354	completion of a reciprocity questionnaire , pursuant to its
22355	22355	rule-making authority ."
22356	22356	"§34-20-13
22357	22357	(a) Every individual who holds a valid current license
22358	22358	as a nursing home administrator issued by the board under this
22359	22359	chapter shall immediately upon issuance have the right and
22360	22360	privilege of acting and serving as a nursing home
22361	22361	administrator and of using the abbreviation "N.H.A." after
22362	22362	their name. Thereafter, the individual shall annually at a
22363	22363	time determined by the executive director be required to make
22364	22364	10780
22365	22365	10781
22366	22366	10782
22367	22367	10783
22368	22368	10784
22369	22369	10785
22370	22370	10786
22371	22371	10787
22372	22372	10788
22373	22373	10789
22374	22374	10790
22375	22375	10791
22376	22376	10792
22377	22377	10793
22378	22378	10794
22379	22379	10795
22380	22380	10796
22381	22381	10797
22382	22382	10798
22383	22383	10799
22384	22384	10800
22385	22385	10801
22386	22386	10802
22387	22387	10803
22388	22388	10804
22389	22389	10805
22390	22390	10806
22391	22391	10807 SB224 INTRODUCED
22392	22392	Page 387
22393	22393	time determined by the executive director be required to make
22394	22394	application to the board for a renewal of license and to
22395	22395	report any facts requested by the board on forms provided for
22396	22396	that purpose.
22397	22397	(b) Upon making application for a renewal of license,
22398	22398	the individual shall pay an annual a license fee established
22399	22399	as determined by the board pursuant to the rule-making
22400	22400	authority executive director , and, at the same time, shall
22401	22401	submit evidence satisfactory to the board that during the year
22402	22402	license period immediately preceding application for renewal
22403	22403	he or she has complied with the requirements of the board
22404	22404	concerning the continuation of education of nursing home
22405	22405	administrators.
22406	22406	(c) Upon receipt of the application for renewal of
22407	22407	license, the renewal fee, and the evidence with respect to
22408	22408	continuing education, the board shall issue a license renewal
22409	22409	to the nursing home administrator.
22410	22410	(d)(1) Failure to secure an annual renewal of a
22411	22411	license, based on a failure to meet the continuing education
22412	22412	requirements, shall result in the expiration of the license.
22413	22413	An expired license may not be "reactivated." All persons
22414	22414	holding an expired license shall be required to submit a new
22415	22415	application and follow all procedures for licensure of a new
22416	22416	applicant.
22417	22417	(2) A licensee who complies with the continuing
22418	22418	education requirements but who does not renew within 90 days
22419	22419	following its due date a period established by the executive
22420	22420	director shall be deemed delinquent and may renew within the
22421	22421	90-day a period established by the executive director by
22422	22422	10808
22423	22423	10809
22424	22424	10810
22425	22425	10811
22426	22426	10812
22427	22427	10813
22428	22428	10814
22429	22429	10815
22430	22430	10816
22431	22431	10817
22432	22432	10818
22433	22433	10819
22434	22434	10820
22435	22435	10821
22436	22436	10822
22437	22437	10823
22438	22438	10824
22439	22439	10825
22440	22440	10826
22441	22441	10827
22442	22442	10828
22443	22443	10829
22444	22444	10830
22445	22445	10831
22446	22446	10832
22447	22447	10833
22448	22448	10834
22449	22449	10835 SB224 INTRODUCED
22450	22450	Page 388
22451	22451	90-day a period established by the executive director by
22452	22452	paying a late renewal fee established by the board pursuant to
22453	22453	its rule-making authority executive director . A license that
22454	22454	is not renewed within the 90-day the period established by the
22455	22455	executive director shall be deemed expired, and is subject to
22456	22456	reapplication as provided in subdivision (1).
22457	22457	(e) A licensee who holds a current license and who is
22458	22458	not practicing as a nursing home administrator may place that
22459	22459	license into an "inactive status" upon written application to
22460	22460	the board. Any licensee whose license has been placed on
22461	22461	inactive status may not engage in the practice of nursing home
22462	22462	administration.
22463	22463	(f) A licensee whose license is on an inactive status
22464	22464	who wishes to "reactivate" that license may do so by making
22465	22465	application to the board. The applicant shall attach proof of
22466	22466	having completed 24 hours of approved continuing education
22467	22467	credits within one year of making application for license
22468	22468	reactivation, and shall pay a reactivation fee established by
22469	22469	the board pursuant to its rule-making authority executive
22470	22470	director. A licensee may not have his or her license in
22471	22471	inactive status for more than five years. After five years in
22472	22472	inactive status, the license automatically becomes expired.
22473	22473	(g) The board shall maintain a file of all applications
22474	22474	for licensure that includes the following information on each
22475	22475	applicant: Residence, name, age, the name and address of his
22476	22476	or her employer or business connection, the date of
22477	22477	application, educational and experience qualifications, action
22478	22478	taken by the board, serial numbers of licenses issued to the
22479	22479	applicant, and the date on which the board acted on or
22480	22480	10836
22481	22481	10837
22482	22482	10838
22483	22483	10839
22484	22484	10840
22485	22485	10841
22486	22486	10842
22487	22487	10843
22488	22488	10844
22489	22489	10845
22490	22490	10846
22491	22491	10847
22492	22492	10848
22493	22493	10849
22494	22494	10850
22495	22495	10851
22496	22496	10852
22497	22497	10853
22498	22498	10854
22499	22499	10855
22500	22500	10856
22501	22501	10857
22502	22502	10858
22503	22503	10859
22504	22504	10860
22505	22505	10861
22506	22506	10862
22507	22507	10863 SB224 INTRODUCED
22508	22508	Page 389
22509	22509	applicant, and the date on which the board acted on or
22510	22510	reviewed the application.
22511	22511	(h) The board shall maintain a list of current
22512	22512	licensees of the board, and shall furnish the list on demand
22513	22513	to any person who pays a fee established by the board pursuant
22514	22514	to its rule-making authority.
22515	22515	(i) The board shall adopt a program for continuing
22516	22516	education for its licensees by October 1, 1991. After that
22517	22517	date, successful completion of the continuing education
22518	22518	program by board licensees shall be required in order to
22519	22519	obtain a renewal license.
22520	22520	(j) Continuing education shall not result in a passing
22521	22521	or failing grade."
22522	22522	"§34-20-14
22523	22523	(a) The board is hereby authorized to discipline its
22524	22524	licensees by the adoption and collection of administrative
22525	22525	fines, not to exceed $1,000 per violation and is authorized to
22526	22526	institute any legal proceedings necessary to effect compliance
22527	22527	with this chapter.
22528	22528	(b) The license of any person practicing or offering to
22529	22529	practice nursing home administration or the license of a
22530	22530	provisional nursing home administrator may be revoked or
22531	22531	suspended by the board, or such person may be reprimanded,
22532	22532	censured, or otherwise disciplined in accordance with the
22533	22533	provisions of this section upon decision and after due hearing
22534	22534	in any of the following cases:
22535	22535	(1) Upon proof that such person has willfully or
22536	22536	repeatedly violated any of the provisions of this chapter or
22537	22537	the rules enacted in accordance therewith; or willfully or
22538	22538	10864
22539	22539	10865
22540	22540	10866
22541	22541	10867
22542	22542	10868
22543	22543	10869
22544	22544	10870
22545	22545	10871
22546	22546	10872
22547	22547	10873
22548	22548	10874
22549	22549	10875
22550	22550	10876
22551	22551	10877
22552	22552	10878
22553	22553	10879
22554	22554	10880
22555	22555	10881
22556	22556	10882
22557	22557	10883
22558	22558	10884
22559	22559	10885
22560	22560	10886
22561	22561	10887
22562	22562	10888
22563	22563	10889
22564	22564	10890
22565	22565	10891 SB224 INTRODUCED
22566	22566	Page 390
22567	22567	the rules enacted in accordance therewith; or willfully or
22568	22568	repeatedly acted in a manner inconsistent with the health and
22569	22569	safety of the patients of the home in which he or she is
22570	22570	administrator;
22571	22571	(2) Upon proof that such person's conduct is immoral,
22572	22572	unprofessional, or dishonorable;
22573	22573	(3) Upon proof that such person is guilty of fraud or
22574	22574	deceit in the practice of nursing home administration or in
22575	22575	his or her admission to such practice; or
22576	22576	(4) Upon proof that such person has been convicted in a
22577	22577	court of competent jurisdiction, either within or without the
22578	22578	state, of a crime involving moral turpitude.
22579	22579	(c) The board shall have the jurisdiction to hear all
22580	22580	charges brought under the provisions of this section against
22581	22581	any person having been issued a license as a nursing home
22582	22582	administrator or having been issued a license as a provisional
22583	22583	nursing home administrator ; and upon such hearings shall
22584	22584	determine the charges upon their merits. If the board
22585	22585	determines that disciplinary measure should be taken, the
22586	22586	board may revoke his or her license, suspend him or her from
22587	22587	practice or reprimand, censure, or otherwise discipline such
22588	22588	person.
22589	22589	(d) All proceedings under this section shall be heard
22590	22590	by the board with at least two thirds of its members present,
22591	22591	and decisions to discipline any licensee shall require a vote
22592	22592	of two thirds of the membership of the entire board; provided,
22593	22593	that the board may designate three or more of its members to
22594	22594	comprise a hearing committee for the purpose of determining
22595	22595	whether charges brought justify a hearing by the board, and
22596	22596	10892
22597	22597	10893
22598	22598	10894
22599	22599	10895
22600	22600	10896
22601	22601	10897
22602	22602	10898
22603	22603	10899
22604	22604	10900
22605	22605	10901
22606	22606	10902
22607	22607	10903
22608	22608	10904
22609	22609	10905
22610	22610	10906
22611	22611	10907
22612	22612	10908
22613	22613	10909
22614	22614	10910
22615	22615	10911
22616	22616	10912
22617	22617	10913
22618	22618	10914
22619	22619	10915
22620	22620	10916
22621	22621	10917
22622	22622	10918
22623	22623	10919 SB224 INTRODUCED
22624	22624	Page 391
22625	22625	whether charges brought justify a hearing by the board, and
22626	22626	with the authority to dismiss frivolous or unfounded charges.
22627	22627	(e) At any hearing under this chapter, the person
22628	22628	charged shall have the right to appear either personally or by
22629	22629	counsel or both to produce witnesses and evidence in his or
22630	22630	her own behalf and to cross-examine witnesses. The board or
22631	22631	hearing committee shall have the authority to issue subpoenas,
22632	22632	compel the attendance of witnesses, administer oaths, and take
22633	22633	testimony concerning all matters within the jurisdiction of
22634	22634	the board. The circuit court of the county wherein the hearing
22635	22635	is to take place shall have authority, on application of the
22636	22636	board, to enforce obedience to the subpoenas and orders of the
22637	22637	board concerning such testimony."
22638	22638	Section 31. Relating to the Alabama State Board of
22639	22639	Occupational Therapy; to amend Sections 34-39-3, 34-39-6,
22640	22640	34-39-7, 34-39-9, 34-39-13, and 34-39-14 of the Code of
22641	22641	Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
22642	22642	"§34-39-3
22643	22643	In this chapter, the following terms shall have the
22644	22644	respective meanings provided in this section unless the
22645	22645	context clearly requires a different meaning:
22646	22646	(1) ASSOCIATION. The Alabama Occupational Therapy
22647	22647	Association.
22648	22648	(2) BOARD. The Alabama State Board of Occupational
22649	22649	Therapy.
22650	22650	(3) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
22651	22651	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
22652	22652	in Section 25-2B-1.
22653	22653	(3)(4) IMPAIRED. The inability of an occupational
22654	22654	10920
22655	22655	10921
22656	22656	10922
22657	22657	10923
22658	22658	10924
22659	22659	10925
22660	22660	10926
22661	22661	10927
22662	22662	10928
22663	22663	10929
22664	22664	10930
22665	22665	10931
22666	22666	10932
22667	22667	10933
22668	22668	10934
22669	22669	10935
22670	22670	10936
22671	22671	10937
22672	22672	10938
22673	22673	10939
22674	22674	10940
22675	22675	10941
22676	22676	10942
22677	22677	10943
22678	22678	10944
22679	22679	10945
22680	22680	10946
22681	22681	10947 SB224 INTRODUCED
22682	22682	Page 392
22683	22683	(3)(4) IMPAIRED. The inability of an occupational
22684	22684	therapist or occupational therapy assistant to practice
22685	22685	occupational therapy with reasonable skill and safety to
22686	22686	patients by reason of illness, inebriation, excessive use of
22687	22687	drugs, narcotics, alcohol, chemicals, or other substances, or
22688	22688	as a result of any physical or mental condition.
22689	22689	(4)(5) LICENSE. A valid and current certificate of
22690	22690	registration issued by the board.
22691	22691	(5)(6) OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY.
22692	22692	a. The practice of occupational therapy means the
22693	22693	therapeutic use of occupations, including everyday life
22694	22694	activities with individuals, groups, populations, or
22695	22695	organizations to support participation, performance, and
22696	22696	function in roles and situations in home, school, workplace,
22697	22697	community, and other settings. Occupational therapy services
22698	22698	are provided for habilitation, rehabilitation, and the
22699	22699	promotion of health and wellness to those who have or are at
22700	22700	risk for developing an illness, injury, disease, disorder,
22701	22701	condition, impairment, disability, activity limitation, or
22702	22702	participation restriction. Occupational therapy addresses the
22703	22703	physical, cognitive, psychosocial, sensory-perceptual, and
22704	22704	other aspects of performance in a variety of contexts and
22705	22705	environments to support engagement in occupations that affect
22706	22706	physical and mental health, well-being, and quality of life.
22707	22707	The practice of occupational therapy includes:
22708	22708	1. Evaluation of factors affecting activities of daily
22709	22709	living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL),
22710	22710	rest and sleep, education, work, play, leisure, and social
22711	22711	participation including all of the following:
22712	22712	10948
22713	22713	10949
22714	22714	10950
22715	22715	10951
22716	22716	10952
22717	22717	10953
22718	22718	10954
22719	22719	10955
22720	22720	10956
22721	22721	10957
22722	22722	10958
22723	22723	10959
22724	22724	10960
22725	22725	10961
22726	22726	10962
22727	22727	10963
22728	22728	10964
22729	22729	10965
22730	22730	10966
22731	22731	10967
22732	22732	10968
22733	22733	10969
22734	22734	10970
22735	22735	10971
22736	22736	10972
22737	22737	10973
22738	22738	10974
22739	22739	10975 SB224 INTRODUCED
22740	22740	Page 393
22741	22741	participation including all of the following:
22742	22742	(i) Client factors, including body functions, such as
22743	22743	neuromusculoskeletal, sensory-perceptual, visual, mental,
22744	22744	cognitive, and pain factors; body structures such as
22745	22745	cardiovascular, digestive, nervous, integumentary,
22746	22746	genitourinary systems, and structures related to movement;
22747	22747	values, beliefs, and spirituality.
22748	22748	(ii) Habits, routines, roles, rituals, and behavior
22749	22749	patterns.
22750	22750	(iii) Physical and social environments, cultural,
22751	22751	personal, temporal, and virtual contexts, and activity demands
22752	22752	that affect performance.
22753	22753	(iv) Performance skills, including motor and praxis,
22754	22754	sensory-perceptual, emotional regulation, cognitive,
22755	22755	communication, and social skills.
22756	22756	2. Methods or approaches selected to direct the process
22757	22757	of interventions such as:
22758	22758	(i) Establishment, remediation, or restoration of a
22759	22759	skill or ability that has not yet developed, is impaired, or
22760	22760	is in decline.
22761	22761	(ii) Compensation, modification, or adaptation of
22762	22762	activity or environment to enhance performance, or to prevent
22763	22763	injuries, disorders, or other conditions.
22764	22764	(iii) Retention and enhancement of skills or abilities
22765	22765	without which performance in everyday life activities would
22766	22766	decline.
22767	22767	(iv) Promotion of health and wellness, including the
22768	22768	use of self-management strategies, to enable or enhance
22769	22769	performance in everyday life activities.
22770	22770	10976
22771	22771	10977
22772	22772	10978
22773	22773	10979
22774	22774	10980
22775	22775	10981
22776	22776	10982
22777	22777	10983
22778	22778	10984
22779	22779	10985
22780	22780	10986
22781	22781	10987
22782	22782	10988
22783	22783	10989
22784	22784	10990
22785	22785	10991
22786	22786	10992
22787	22787	10993
22788	22788	10994
22789	22789	10995
22790	22790	10996
22791	22791	10997
22792	22792	10998
22793	22793	10999
22794	22794	11000
22795	22795	11001
22796	22796	11002
22797	22797	11003 SB224 INTRODUCED
22798	22798	Page 394
22799	22799	performance in everyday life activities.
22800	22800	(v) Prevention of barriers to performance and
22801	22801	participation, including injury and disability prevention.
22802	22802	3. Interventions and procedures to promote or enhance
22803	22803	safety and performance in activities of daily living (ADL),
22804	22804	instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), rest and
22805	22805	sleep, education, work, play, leisure, and social
22806	22806	participation including all of the following:
22807	22807	(i) Therapeutic use of occupations, exercises, and
22808	22808	activities.
22809	22809	(ii) Training in self-care, self-management, health
22810	22810	management and maintenance, home management, community/work
22811	22811	reintegration, and school activities and work performance.
22812	22812	(iii) Development, remediation, or compensation of
22813	22813	neuromusculoskeletal, sensory-perceptual, visual, mental, and
22814	22814	cognitive functions, pain tolerance and management, and
22815	22815	behavioral skills.
22816	22816	(iv) Therapeutic use of self, including one's
22817	22817	personality, insights, perceptions, and judgments, as part of
22818	22818	the therapeutic process.
22819	22819	(v) Education and training of individuals, including
22820	22820	family members, caregivers, groups, populations, and others.
22821	22821	(vi) Care coordination, case management, and transition
22822	22822	services.
22823	22823	(vii) Consultative services to groups, programs,
22824	22824	organizations, or communities.
22825	22825	(viii) Modification of environments, including home,
22826	22826	work, school, or community, and adaptation of processes,
22827	22827	including the application of ergonomic principles.
22828	22828	11004
22829	22829	11005
22830	22830	11006
22831	22831	11007
22832	22832	11008
22833	22833	11009
22834	22834	11010
22835	22835	11011
22836	22836	11012
22837	22837	11013
22838	22838	11014
22839	22839	11015
22840	22840	11016
22841	22841	11017
22842	22842	11018
22843	22843	11019
22844	22844	11020
22845	22845	11021
22846	22846	11022
22847	22847	11023
22848	22848	11024
22849	22849	11025
22850	22850	11026
22851	22851	11027
22852	22852	11028
22853	22853	11029
22854	22854	11030
22855	22855	11031 SB224 INTRODUCED
22856	22856	Page 395
22857	22857	including the application of ergonomic principles.
22858	22858	(ix) Assessment, design, fabrication, application,
22859	22859	fitting, and training in seating and positioning, assistive
22860	22860	technology, adaptive devices, training in the use of
22861	22861	prosthetic devices, orthotic devices, and the design,
22862	22862	fabrication, and application of selected splints or orthotics.
22863	22863	(x) Assessment, recommendation, and training in
22864	22864	techniques to enhance functional mobility, including
22865	22865	management of wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
22866	22866	(xi) Low vision rehabilitation when the patient or
22867	22867	client is referred by a licensed optometrist, a licensed
22868	22868	ophthalmologist, a licensed physician, a licensed assistant to
22869	22869	physician acting pursuant to a valid supervisory agreement, or
22870	22870	a licensed certified registered nurse practitioner in a
22871	22871	collaborative practice agreement with a licensed physician.
22872	22872	(xii) Driver rehabilitation and community mobility.
22873	22873	(xiii) Management of feeding, eating, and swallowing to
22874	22874	enable eating and feeding performance.
22875	22875	(xiv) Application of physical agent modalities, and use
22876	22876	of a range of specific therapeutic procedures such as wound
22877	22877	care management, interventions to enhance sensory-perceptual
22878	22878	and cognitive processing, and manual therapy, all to enhance
22879	22879	performance skills.
22880	22880	(xv) Facilitating the occupational performance of
22881	22881	groups, populations, or organizations through the modification
22882	22882	of environments and the adaptation of processes.
22883	22883	b. An occupational therapist or occupational therapy
22884	22884	assistant is qualified to perform the above activities for
22885	22885	which they have received training and any other activities for
22886	22886	11032
22887	22887	11033
22888	22888	11034
22889	22889	11035
22890	22890	11036
22891	22891	11037
22892	22892	11038
22893	22893	11039
22894	22894	11040
22895	22895	11041
22896	22896	11042
22897	22897	11043
22898	22898	11044
22899	22899	11045
22900	22900	11046
22901	22901	11047
22902	22902	11048
22903	22903	11049
22904	22904	11050
22905	22905	11051
22906	22906	11052
22907	22907	11053
22908	22908	11054
22909	22909	11055
22910	22910	11056
22911	22911	11057
22912	22912	11058
22913	22913	11059 SB224 INTRODUCED
22914	22914	Page 396
22915	22915	which they have received training and any other activities for
22916	22916	which appropriate training or education, or both, has been
22917	22917	received. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter,
22918	22918	no occupational therapy treatment programs to be rendered by
22919	22919	an occupational therapist, occupational therapy assistant, or
22920	22920	occupational therapy aide shall be initiated without the
22921	22921	referral of a licensed physician, a licensed chiropractor, a
22922	22922	licensed optometrist, a licensed assistant to a physician
22923	22923	acting pursuant to a valid supervisory agreement, a licensed
22924	22924	certified registered nurse practitioner in a collaborative
22925	22925	practice agreement with a licensed physician, a licensed
22926	22926	psychologist, or a licensed dentist who shall establish a
22927	22927	diagnosis of the condition for which the individual will
22928	22928	receive occupational therapy services. In cases of long-term
22929	22929	or chronic disease, disability, or dysfunction, or any
22930	22930	combination of the foregoing, requiring continued occupational
22931	22931	therapy services, the person receiving occupational therapy
22932	22932	services shall be reevaluated by a licensed physician, a
22933	22933	licensed chiropractor, a licensed optometrist, a licensed
22934	22934	assistant to a physician acting pursuant to a valid
22935	22935	supervisory agreement, a licensed certified registered nurse
22936	22936	practitioner in a collaborative practice agreement with a
22937	22937	licensed physician, a licensed psychologist, or a licensed
22938	22938	dentist at least annually for confirmation or modification of
22939	22939	the diagnosis. Occupational therapists performing services
22940	22940	that are not related to injury, disease, or illness that are
22941	22941	performed in a wellness or community setting for the purposes
22942	22942	of enhancing performance in everyday activities are exempt
22943	22943	from this referral requirement. Occupational therapists
22944	22944	11060
22945	22945	11061
22946	22946	11062
22947	22947	11063
22948	22948	11064
22949	22949	11065
22950	22950	11066
22951	22951	11067
22952	22952	11068
22953	22953	11069
22954	22954	11070
22955	22955	11071
22956	22956	11072
22957	22957	11073
22958	22958	11074
22959	22959	11075
22960	22960	11076
22961	22961	11077
22962	22962	11078
22963	22963	11079
22964	22964	11080
22965	22965	11081
22966	22966	11082
22967	22967	11083
22968	22968	11084
22969	22969	11085
22970	22970	11086
22971	22971	11087 SB224 INTRODUCED
22972	22972	Page 397
22973	22973	from this referral requirement. Occupational therapists
22974	22974	employed by state agencies and those employed by the public
22975	22975	schools and colleges of this state who provide screening and
22976	22976	rehabilitation services for the educationally related needs of
22977	22977	the students are exempt from this referral requirement.
22978	22978	c. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as giving
22979	22979	occupational therapists the authority to examine or diagnose
22980	22980	patients or clients for departures from the normal of human
22981	22981	eyes, visual systems or their adjacent structures, or to
22982	22982	prescribe or modify ophthalmic materials including, but not
22983	22983	limited to, spectacles, contacts, or spectacle-mounted low
22984	22984	vision devices.
22985	22985	(6)(7) OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST. A person licensed to
22986	22986	practice occupational therapy whose license is in good
22987	22987	standing.
22988	22988	(7)(8) OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT. A person
22989	22989	licensed to assist in the practices of occupational therapy
22990	22990	under the supervision of, or with the consultation of, a
22991	22991	licensed occupational therapist whose license is in good
22992	22992	standing.
22993	22993	(8)(9) OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AIDE. A person who assists
22994	22994	in the delivery of occupational therapy, who works under
22995	22995	direct on-site supervision of an occupational therapist or
22996	22996	occupational therapy assistant, or both, and whose activities
22997	22997	require an understanding of occupational therapy but do not
22998	22998	require professional or advanced training in the basic
22999	22999	anatomical, biological, psychological, and social sciences
23000	23000	involved in the practice of occupational therapy. No activity
23001	23001	listed under paragraph (5)a. may be performed by an
23002	23002	11088
23003	23003	11089
23004	23004	11090
23005	23005	11091
23006	23006	11092
23007	23007	11093
23008	23008	11094
23009	23009	11095
23010	23010	11096
23011	23011	11097
23012	23012	11098
23013	23013	11099
23014	23014	11100
23015	23015	11101
23016	23016	11102
23017	23017	11103
23018	23018	11104
23019	23019	11105
23020	23020	11106
23021	23021	11107
23022	23022	11108
23023	23023	11109
23024	23024	11110
23025	23025	11111
23026	23026	11112
23027	23027	11113
23028	23028	11114
23029	23029	11115 SB224 INTRODUCED
23030	23030	Page 398
23031	23031	listed under paragraph (5)a. may be performed by an
23032	23032	occupational therapy aide.
23033	23033	(9)(10) PERSON. A human person only, not a legal
23034	23034	entity.
23035	23035	(10)(11) WITH THE CONSULTATION OF. The collaboration of
23036	23036	two or more persons on a regularly scheduled basis for the
23037	23037	purpose of planning, review, or evaluation of occupational
23038	23038	therapy services."
23039	23039	"§34-39-6
23040	23040	(a) There is established the Alabama State Board of
23041	23041	Occupational Therapy. Commencing on October 1, 2026, the board
23042	23042	shall be subject to the leadership, support, and oversight of
23043	23043	the Executive Director of the Office of Occupational and
23044	23044	Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25.
23045	23045	(1) The board shall consist of five members, four of
23046	23046	whom shall be involved in the practice of occupational
23047	23047	therapy, of which one shall be an occupational therapy
23048	23048	assistant. The remaining member shall be a member of another
23049	23049	health profession or a member of the public with an interest
23050	23050	in the rights or the concerns of health services. Each member
23051	23051	of the board shall be a citizen of this state. The
23052	23052	occupational therapy board members shall be appointed by the
23053	23053	Governor from a list submitted by the Alabama Occupational
23054	23054	Therapy Association. In appointing members to the board, the
23055	23055	association and the Governor, to the extent possible, shall
23056	23056	select those persons whose appointments ensure that the
23057	23057	membership of the board is inclusive and reflects the racial,
23058	23058	gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the
23059	23059	state. Those board members who are occupational therapists, of
23060	23060	11116
23061	23061	11117
23062	23062	11118
23063	23063	11119
23064	23064	11120
23065	23065	11121
23066	23066	11122
23067	23067	11123
23068	23068	11124
23069	23069	11125
23070	23070	11126
23071	23071	11127
23072	23072	11128
23073	23073	11129
23074	23074	11130
23075	23075	11131
23076	23076	11132
23077	23077	11133
23078	23078	11134
23079	23079	11135
23080	23080	11136
23081	23081	11137
23082	23082	11138
23083	23083	11139
23084	23084	11140
23085	23085	11141
23086	23086	11142
23087	23087	11143 SB224 INTRODUCED
23088	23088	Page 399
23089	23089	state. Those board members who are occupational therapists, of
23090	23090	which one shall be a minority, and occupational therapy
23091	23091	assistants shall have been engaged in rendering services to
23092	23092	the public, teaching, or research in occupational therapy for
23093	23093	at least three years, and shall at all times be holders of
23094	23094	valid licenses for the practice of occupational therapy in
23095	23095	Alabama. Except for the members in the initial board, all
23096	23096	members who are occupational therapists and occupational
23097	23097	therapy assistants shall fulfill the requirements for
23098	23098	licensure pursuant to this chapter. Terms of appointment for
23099	23099	the initial board members shall be as follows: Two members
23100	23100	shall serve a one-year term; two members shall serve a
23101	23101	two-year term; and one member shall serve a three-year term.
23102	23102	(2) The board shall, within 90 days after April 17,
23103	23103	1990, be selected as provided in subdivision (1). At the
23104	23104	expiration of the initial terms, board members shall be
23105	23105	appointed in the same manner as initial appointments, each for
23106	23106	a period of three years. No person shall be appointed to serve
23107	23107	more than three consecutive terms.
23108	23108	(3) Terms shall begin on the first day of the calendar
23109	23109	year and end on the last day of the calendar year, or until
23110	23110	successors are appointed, except for the initial members who
23111	23111	shall serve through the last calendar day of the year in which
23112	23112	they are appointed before the commencement of the terms
23113	23113	prescribed by subdivision (1).
23114	23114	(4) Within 45 days after April 17, 1990, and annually
23115	23115	thereafter, the association shall submit two or three names
23116	23116	for each position on the board to be filled. In the event of a
23117	23117	midterm vacancy in one of the positions on the board, the
23118	23118	11144
23119	23119	11145
23120	23120	11146
23121	23121	11147
23122	23122	11148
23123	23123	11149
23124	23124	11150
23125	23125	11151
23126	23126	11152
23127	23127	11153
23128	23128	11154
23129	23129	11155
23130	23130	11156
23131	23131	11157
23132	23132	11158
23133	23133	11159
23134	23134	11160
23135	23135	11161
23136	23136	11162
23137	23137	11163
23138	23138	11164
23139	23139	11165
23140	23140	11166
23141	23141	11167
23142	23142	11168
23143	23143	11169
23144	23144	11170
23145	23145	11171 SB224 INTRODUCED
23146	23146	Page 400
23147	23147	midterm vacancy in one of the positions on the board, the
23148	23148	Governor shall appoint a member to fill the unexpired term
23149	23149	from a list submitted by the association in the same manner as
23150	23150	provided in subdivision (1).
23151	23151	(5) The Governor, after notice and opportunity for
23152	23152	hearing by the board, may remove any member of the board for
23153	23153	neglect of duty, incompetence, revocation or suspension of the
23154	23154	license of the member, or other dishonorable conduct. After
23155	23155	removal, the Governor shall appoint a successor to the
23156	23156	unexpired term from a list of two or three names submitted by
23157	23157	the association.
23158	23158	(6) The board shall elect from its membership a
23159	23159	chairperson, a secretary, and a treasurer. A majority of the
23160	23160	members of the board shall constitute a quorum. The board
23161	23161	shall meet during the first month of the calendar year to
23162	23162	select officers. No board member may hold the same position as
23163	23163	an officer of the board for more than two consecutive years.
23164	23164	At least one additional meeting shall be held before the end
23165	23165	of the calendar year. Further meetings may be convened at the
23166	23166	call of the chairperson, or on the request of any three board
23167	23167	members.
23168	23168	(7) Members may be reimbursed for all reasonable and
23169	23169	necessary expenses actually incurred in the performance of
23170	23170	their duties in accordance with the laws of the State of
23171	23171	Alabama and regulations of the State Personnel Director.
23172	23172	(b) There is established a separate special revenue
23173	23173	fund in the State Treasury known as the Alabama State Board of
23174	23174	Occupational Therapy Fund. All receipts collected by the board
23175	23175	pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited in this fund and
23176	23176	11172
23177	23177	11173
23178	23178	11174
23179	23179	11175
23180	23180	11176
23181	23181	11177
23182	23182	11178
23183	23183	11179
23184	23184	11180
23185	23185	11181
23186	23186	11182
23187	23187	11183
23188	23188	11184
23189	23189	11185
23190	23190	11186
23191	23191	11187
23192	23192	11188
23193	23193	11189
23194	23194	11190
23195	23195	11191
23196	23196	11192
23197	23197	11193
23198	23198	11194
23199	23199	11195
23200	23200	11196
23201	23201	11197
23202	23202	11198
23203	23203	11199 SB224 INTRODUCED
23204	23204	Page 401
23205	23205	pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited in this fund and
23206	23206	used only to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
23207	23207	Receipts shall be disbursed only by warrant of the state
23208	23208	Comptroller upon the State Treasurer, upon itemized vouchers
23209	23209	approved by the chairperson. No funds shall be withdrawn or
23210	23210	expended except as budgeted and allotted according to the
23211	23211	provisions of Sections 41-4-80 to 41-4-96, inclusive, and
23212	23212	Sections 41-19-1 to 41-19-12, inclusive, and only in amounts
23213	23213	as stipulated in the general appropriations bill or other
23214	23214	appropriation bills into the Occupational and Professional
23215	23215	Licensing Fund."
23216	23216	"§34-39-7
23217	23217	(a) The board shall administer, coordinate, and enforce
23218	23218	this chapter.
23219	23219	(b) The board, within 90 days of the time at which it
23220	23220	is appointed, shall notify all current practitioners of
23221	23221	occupational therapy in the state, as identified by the
23222	23222	American Occupational Therapy Certification Board, of the
23223	23223	enactment of this chapter and its otherwise becoming a law.
23224	23224	(c) The board shall adopt and publish rules relating to
23225	23225	the professional conduct to carry out the policies of this
23226	23226	chapter, including, but not limited to, rules relating to
23227	23227	professional licensure, registration, and the establishment of
23228	23228	ethical standards of practice. The State Board of Medical
23229	23229	Examiners and the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy
23230	23230	shall jointly approve any rule or policy that interprets,
23231	23231	explains, or enumerates the permissible acts, functions, or
23232	23232	services rendered by an occupational therapist, occupational
23233	23233	therapy assistant, or occupational therapy aide as those acts,
23234	23234	11200
23235	23235	11201
23236	23236	11202
23237	23237	11203
23238	23238	11204
23239	23239	11205
23240	23240	11206
23241	23241	11207
23242	23242	11208
23243	23243	11209
23244	23244	11210
23245	23245	11211
23246	23246	11212
23247	23247	11213
23248	23248	11214
23249	23249	11215
23250	23250	11216
23251	23251	11217
23252	23252	11218
23253	23253	11219
23254	23254	11220
23255	23255	11221
23256	23256	11222
23257	23257	11223
23258	23258	11224
23259	23259	11225
23260	23260	11226
23261	23261	11227 SB224 INTRODUCED
23262	23262	Page 402
23263	23263	therapy assistant, or occupational therapy aide as those acts,
23264	23264	functions, and services are defined in Section 34-39-3. Any
23265	23265	rule or policy adopted in violation of this requirement is
23266	23266	invalid.
23267	23267	(d) The board shall evaluate the qualifications of all
23268	23268	applicants for licensure under this chapter and shall maintain
23269	23269	a register of all persons holding a license and a record of
23270	23270	all inspections made.
23271	23271	(e) The board shall approve all examinations of
23272	23272	applicants for licensure at least twice a year, shall
23273	23273	determine the qualifications and authorize the issuance of
23274	23274	licenses to qualified occupational therapists and occupational
23275	23275	therapy assistants, and shall renew, suspend, or revoke the
23276	23276	licenses in the manner provided.
23277	23277	(f) The board may investigate complaints and
23278	23278	allegations concerning the violation of this chapter and may
23279	23279	examine witnesses, issue subpoenas, and administer oaths in
23280	23280	connection with these investigations. Hearings may be
23281	23281	conducted, provided reasonable public notice is given and
23282	23282	records and minutes are kept in accordance with the rules of
23283	23283	the board.
23284	23284	(g) The board shall make an annual report to the
23285	23285	Governor which shall contain an account of duties performed,
23286	23286	actions taken, and appropriate recommendations.
23287	23287	(h) The board shall establish a budget in accordance
23288	23288	with the requirements of the state.
23289	23289	(i) The board may establish and publish reasonable fees
23290	23290	as established in Section 34-39-14.
23291	23291	(j) The board may employ and discharge an executive
23292	23292	11228
23293	23293	11229
23294	23294	11230
23295	23295	11231
23296	23296	11232
23297	23297	11233
23298	23298	11234
23299	23299	11235
23300	23300	11236
23301	23301	11237
23302	23302	11238
23303	23303	11239
23304	23304	11240
23305	23305	11241
23306	23306	11242
23307	23307	11243
23308	23308	11244
23309	23309	11245
23310	23310	11246
23311	23311	11247
23312	23312	11248
23313	23313	11249
23314	23314	11250
23315	23315	11251
23316	23316	11252
23317	23317	11253
23318	23318	11254
23319	23319	11255 SB224 INTRODUCED
23320	23320	Page 403
23321	23321	(j) The board may employ and discharge an executive
23322	23322	director and any officers and employees as may be necessary,
23323	23323	and shall determine their duties and fix their compensation in
23324	23324	accordance with applicable state statutes. The board shall
23325	23325	hire and establish the responsibilities and salary of all
23326	23326	employees.
23327	23327	(k)(h) The board shall establish an impaired
23328	23328	practitioner program beginning January 1, 2022, pursuant to
23329	23329	Section 34-39-12.1."
23330	23330	"§34-39-9
23331	23331	(a) A person applying for licensure under this chapter
23332	23332	shall demonstrate his/her his or her eligibility in accordance
23333	23333	with the requirements of Section 34-39-8, and shall make
23334	23334	application for examination upon a form and in such a manner
23335	23335	as the board executive director shall prescribe. A person who
23336	23336	fails an examination may make reapplication for reexamination
23337	23337	accompanied by the established fee.
23338	23338	(b) Each applicant for licensure under this chapter
23339	23339	shall be examined by written examination to test his or her
23340	23340	knowledge of the basic clinical sciences relating to
23341	23341	occupational therapy, and occupational therapy theory and
23342	23342	practice, the applicant's professional skills and judgment in
23343	23343	the utilization of occupational therapy techniques and
23344	23344	methods, and such other subjects as the board may deem useful
23345	23345	to determine the applicant's fitness to practice. The board
23346	23346	shall establish standards for acceptable performance by the
23347	23347	applicant.
23348	23348	(c) Applicants for licensure shall be examined at a
23349	23349	time and place and under such supervision as the board
23350	23350	11256
23351	23351	11257
23352	23352	11258
23353	23353	11259
23354	23354	11260
23355	23355	11261
23356	23356	11262
23357	23357	11263
23358	23358	11264
23359	23359	11265
23360	23360	11266
23361	23361	11267
23362	23362	11268
23363	23363	11269
23364	23364	11270
23365	23365	11271
23366	23366	11272
23367	23367	11273
23368	23368	11274
23369	23369	11275
23370	23370	11276
23371	23371	11277
23372	23372	11278
23373	23373	11279
23374	23374	11280
23375	23375	11281
23376	23376	11282
23377	23377	11283 SB224 INTRODUCED
23378	23378	Page 404
23379	23379	time and place and under such supervision as the board
23380	23380	executive director may require. Examinations shall be given at
23381	23381	least twice each year at such places as the board may
23382	23382	determine. The board executive director shall give reasonable
23383	23383	public notice of these examinations in accordance with its
23384	23384	rules and regulations.
23385	23385	(d) Applicants may obtain their examination scores in
23386	23386	accordance with such rules and regulations as the board may
23387	23387	establish.
23388	23388	(e) Foreign trained occupational therapists and
23389	23389	occupational therapy assistants shall satisfy the examination
23390	23390	requirements of Section 34-39-8(3). The board shall require
23391	23391	foreign trained applicants to complete educational and
23392	23392	supervised fieldwork requirements, substantially equal to
23393	23393	those contained in Section 34-39-8, before taking the
23394	23394	examination."
23395	23395	"§34-39-13
23396	23396	(a) All licenses under this chapter shall be subject to
23397	23397	renewal and shall expire unless renewed in the manner
23398	23398	prescribed by the rules and regulations of the board executive
23399	23399	director upon the payment of a renewal fee. The board may set
23400	23400	a required number of continuing education units for license
23401	23401	renewal. The board executive director may provide for a late
23402	23402	renewal of license upon payment of a late renewal fee. Any
23403	23403	license which has not been restored within three years the
23404	23404	time prescribed by the executive director following its
23405	23405	expiration may not be renewed, restored, or reissued
23406	23406	thereafter. The holder of such an expired license may apply
23407	23407	for and obtain a valid license only upon compliance with all
23408	23408	11284
23409	23409	11285
23410	23410	11286
23411	23411	11287
23412	23412	11288
23413	23413	11289
23414	23414	11290
23415	23415	11291
23416	23416	11292
23417	23417	11293
23418	23418	11294
23419	23419	11295
23420	23420	11296
23421	23421	11297
23422	23422	11298
23423	23423	11299
23424	23424	11300
23425	23425	11301
23426	23426	11302
23427	23427	11303
23428	23428	11304
23429	23429	11305
23430	23430	11306
23431	23431	11307
23432	23432	11308
23433	23433	11309
23434	23434	11310
23435	23435	11311 SB224 INTRODUCED
23436	23436	Page 405
23437	23437	for and obtain a valid license only upon compliance with all
23438	23438	relevant requirements for issuance of a new license.
23439	23439	(b) A suspended license is subject to expiration and
23440	23440	may be renewed as provided in this section, but such renewal
23441	23441	shall not entitle the licensee, while the license remains
23442	23442	suspended and until it is reinstated, to engage in the
23443	23443	licensed activity or in other conduct or activity in violation
23444	23444	of the license revoked on disciplinary grounds is reinstated,
23445	23445	the licensee, as a condition of reinstatement, shall pay the
23446	23446	reorder or judgment by which the license was suspended. If a
23447	23447	license revoked on disciplinary grounds is reinstated, the
23448	23448	licensee, as a condition of reinstatement, shall pay the
23449	23449	renewal fee and any late fee that may be applicable."
23450	23450	"§34-39-14
23451	23451	The board is empowered to establish, publish, and may
23452	23452	collect reasonable fees and costs in amounts determined by the
23453	23453	board executive director for the following purposes:
23454	23454	(1) Application for examination;
23455	23455	(2) Limited permit fee;
23456	23456	(3) Initial license fee;
23457	23457	(4) Renewal of license fee;
23458	23458	(5) Late renewal fee; and
23459	23459	(6) The costs of conducting a hearing of any person
23460	23460	whose license or certificate of qualification is suspended,
23461	23461	revoked, or refused as a result of such hearing."
23462	23462	Section 32. Relating to the Alabama Onsite Wastewater
23463	23463	Board; to amend Sections 34-21A-2, 34-21A-3, 34-21A-4,
23464	23464	34-21A-5, 34-21A-6, 34-21A-7, 34-21A-11, 34-21A-12, 34-21A-13,
23465	23465	34-21A-15. and 34-21A-18 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to read
23466	23466	11312
23467	23467	11313
23468	23468	11314
23469	23469	11315
23470	23470	11316
23471	23471	11317
23472	23472	11318
23473	23473	11319
23474	23474	11320
23475	23475	11321
23476	23476	11322
23477	23477	11323
23478	23478	11324
23479	23479	11325
23480	23480	11326
23481	23481	11327
23482	23482	11328
23483	23483	11329
23484	23484	11330
23485	23485	11331
23486	23486	11332
23487	23487	11333
23488	23488	11334
23489	23489	11335
23490	23490	11336
23491	23491	11337
23492	23492	11338
23493	23493	11339 SB224 INTRODUCED
23494	23494	Page 406
23495	23495	34-21A-15. and 34-21A-18 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to read
23496	23496	as follows:
23497	23497	"§34-21A-2
23498	23498	The following terms shall have the meanings
23499	23499	respectively ascribed to them as used in this chapter unless
23500	23500	the context requires a different meaning:
23501	23501	(1) BOARD. The Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board.
23502	23502	(2) CONVENTIONAL ONSITE SEWAGE SYSTEM. An onsite sewage
23503	23503	system consisting of a septic tank, or an Alabama Department
23504	23504	of Public Health approved pretreatment device, with effluent
23505	23505	discharging into a subsurface effluent disposal medium, where
23506	23506	all portions of the effluent disposal field sidewalls are
23507	23507	installed below the elevation of undisturbed native soil,
23508	23508	including a conventional onsite sewage system as defined by
23509	23509	the Alabama Department of Public Health regulations.
23510	23510	(3) ENGINEERED ONSITE SEWAGE SYSTEM. An onsite sewage
23511	23511	system that varies from conventional onsite sewage system
23512	23512	equipment, methods, processes, and installation procedures in
23513	23513	accordance with the rules and regulations of the Alabama
23514	23514	Department of Public Health.
23515	23515	(4) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
23516	23516	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
23517	23517	in Section 25-2B-1.
23518	23518	(4)(5) GOOD STANDING WITH LOCAL HEALTH AUTHORITIES OR
23519	23519	OFFICIALS. A person in good standing with local health
23520	23520	authorities or officials shall have had no substantiated
23521	23521	complaints filed against him or her with the local health
23522	23522	authorities or officials regarding the work of the person in
23523	23523	the onsite sewage industry, and shall be known by the local
23524	23524	11340
23525	23525	11341
23526	23526	11342
23527	23527	11343
23528	23528	11344
23529	23529	11345
23530	23530	11346
23531	23531	11347
23532	23532	11348
23533	23533	11349
23534	23534	11350
23535	23535	11351
23536	23536	11352
23537	23537	11353
23538	23538	11354
23539	23539	11355
23540	23540	11356
23541	23541	11357
23542	23542	11358
23543	23543	11359
23544	23544	11360
23545	23545	11361
23546	23546	11362
23547	23547	11363
23548	23548	11364
23549	23549	11365
23550	23550	11366
23551	23551	11367 SB224 INTRODUCED
23552	23552	Page 407
23553	23553	the onsite sewage industry, and shall be known by the local
23554	23554	health authorities or officials to be a person who abides by
23555	23555	the rules and regulations of the Alabama Department of Public
23556	23556	Health.
23557	23557	(5)(6) GREASE TRAP. A receptacle containing nontoxic,
23558	23558	nonhazardous liquid waste generated by a commercial food
23559	23559	operation or institutional food preparation facility
23560	23560	including, without limitation, fats, oil, grease, and food
23561	23561	scraps, whether connected to a city sewer or not, to include a
23562	23562	sewage tank, as defined by the Alabama Department of Public
23563	23563	Health rules.
23564	23564	(6)(7) INDIVIDUAL. A human person.
23565	23565	(7)(8) INSTALLATION. The act of installing a
23566	23566	conventional or engineered onsite sewage system.
23567	23567	(8)(9) LICENSE. A valid and current certificate of
23568	23568	qualification issued by the board which shall give the named
23569	23569	person to whom it is issued authority to engage in the
23570	23570	specialized area and level of qualification described on the
23571	23571	certificate.
23572	23572	(9)(10) LICENSEE. A qualified individual holding a
23573	23573	license issued by the board.
23574	23574	(10)(11) LICENSING PROCEDURE. The process of testing at
23575	23575	the state level to determine the knowledge and skill of an
23576	23576	individual with respect to onsite sewage systems, and the
23577	23577	issuing of licenses to indicate that an individual has passed
23578	23578	the examinations and met all other board-established
23579	23579	qualifications for licensure.
23580	23580	(11)(12) LOCAL HEALTH AUTHORITY OR OFFICIALS. The
23581	23581	county health department in the county or counties in which a
23582	23582	11368
23583	23583	11369
23584	23584	11370
23585	23585	11371
23586	23586	11372
23587	23587	11373
23588	23588	11374
23589	23589	11375
23590	23590	11376
23591	23591	11377
23592	23592	11378
23593	23593	11379
23594	23594	11380
23595	23595	11381
23596	23596	11382
23597	23597	11383
23598	23598	11384
23599	23599	11385
23600	23600	11386
23601	23601	11387
23602	23602	11388
23603	23603	11389
23604	23604	11390
23605	23605	11391
23606	23606	11392
23607	23607	11393
23608	23608	11394
23609	23609	11395 SB224 INTRODUCED
23610	23610	Page 408
23611	23611	county health department in the county or counties in which a
23612	23612	licensee performs work in or is engaged in the manufacture,
23613	23613	installation, cleaning, servicing, or maintenance of onsite
23614	23614	sewage systems or equipment.
23615	23615	(12)(13) MANUFACTURER. Person engaged in the production
23616	23616	of septic tanks or receptacle equipment used in onsite sewage
23617	23617	systems.
23618	23618	(13)(14) ONSITE SEWAGE SYSTEM. Any system of piping,
23619	23619	treatment devices, pumps, alarms, or other facilities or
23620	23620	devices that carry or convey, store, treat, or dispose of
23621	23621	sewage (human waste) where the system is not connected to a
23622	23622	public sewer, including an onsite sewage treatment and
23623	23623	disposal system onsite septic system (OSS) as defined by the
23624	23624	Alabama Department of Public Health rules.
23625	23625	(14)(15) RESPONSIBLE CHARGE. The person in responsible
23626	23626	charge must direct the projects involving the installation or
23627	23627	service and repair of an onsite sewage system under Alabama
23628	23628	law. The person in responsible charge must be a full-time
23629	23629	employee, owner, partner, or a corporate officer of the
23630	23630	partnership, corporation, business trust, or other legal
23631	23631	entity. The person in responsible charge must possess the
23632	23632	required skill, knowledge, and experience and have the
23633	23633	responsibility to supervise, direct, manage, and control the
23634	23634	installation, service, or repair activities of the business
23635	23635	entity with which he or she is affiliated. The board may
23636	23636	examine the technical and personal qualifications of the
23637	23637	person in responsible charge and may investigate and examine
23638	23638	the person's qualifications.
23639	23639	(15)(16) SERVICING. The act of cleaning, maintaining,
23640	23640	11396
23641	23641	11397
23642	23642	11398
23643	23643	11399
23644	23644	11400
23645	23645	11401
23646	23646	11402
23647	23647	11403
23648	23648	11404
23649	23649	11405
23650	23650	11406
23651	23651	11407
23652	23652	11408
23653	23653	11409
23654	23654	11410
23655	23655	11411
23656	23656	11412
23657	23657	11413
23658	23658	11414
23659	23659	11415
23660	23660	11416
23661	23661	11417
23662	23662	11418
23663	23663	11419
23664	23664	11420
23665	23665	11421
23666	23666	11422
23667	23667	11423 SB224 INTRODUCED
23668	23668	Page 409
23669	23669	(15)(16) SERVICING. The act of cleaning, maintaining,
23670	23670	or repairing an installed onsite sewage system."
23671	23671	"§34-21A-3
23672	23672	(a)(1) There is established the Alabama Onsite
23673	23673	Wastewater Board. Commencing on October 1, 2026, the board
23674	23674	shall be subject to the leadership, support, and oversight of
23675	23675	the Executive Director of the Office of Occupational and
23676	23676	Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25.
23677	23677	(2) The board shall consist of nine members who shall,
23678	23678	at the time of appointment and during the entire time for
23679	23679	which appointed, be residents and citizens of Alabama. The
23680	23680	initial appointments to the board shall be effective October
23681	23681	1, 1999, with required licensing beginning January 2000, or as
23682	23682	soon as possible thereafter. Of the nine members of the board,
23683	23683	three members shall be appointed by the Governor, three
23684	23684	members shall be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, and
23685	23685	three members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House
23686	23686	of Representatives of the Alabama Legislature.
23687	23687	(b) Of the three members appointed by the Governor, one
23688	23688	shall be actively engaged in the business of installing onsite
23689	23689	sewage systems and shall serve an initial term of two years.
23690	23690	One member appointed by the Governor shall be actively engaged
23691	23691	in the business of manufacturing septic tanks and shall serve
23692	23692	an initial term of two years. One member appointed by the
23693	23693	Governor shall be actively engaged in the business of pumping,
23694	23694	servicing, or maintaining onsite sewage equipment and shall
23695	23695	serve an initial term of three years. Appointees to these
23696	23696	positions on the board shall be licensees of the board or have
23697	23697	ownership in a business employing a designated licensee in a
23698	23698	11424
23699	23699	11425
23700	23700	11426
23701	23701	11427
23702	23702	11428
23703	23703	11429
23704	23704	11430
23705	23705	11431
23706	23706	11432
23707	23707	11433
23708	23708	11434
23709	23709	11435
23710	23710	11436
23711	23711	11437
23712	23712	11438
23713	23713	11439
23714	23714	11440
23715	23715	11441
23716	23716	11442
23717	23717	11443
23718	23718	11444
23719	23719	11445
23720	23720	11446
23721	23721	11447
23722	23722	11448
23723	23723	11449
23724	23724	11450
23725	23725	11451 SB224 INTRODUCED
23726	23726	Page 410
23727	23727	ownership in a business employing a designated licensee in a
23728	23728	position of responsible charge. The appointments and successor
23729	23729	appointments by the Governor shall be made from a list of
23730	23730	recommendations submitted by the governing board of the
23731	23731	Alabama Onsite Wastewater Association, which list of
23732	23732	recommendations shall include three individuals recommended
23733	23733	for each board position.
23734	23734	(c)(1) Of the three members appointed by the Lieutenant
23735	23735	Governor, one member shall be actively engaged in the business
23736	23736	of manufacturing septic tanks and shall serve an initial term
23737	23737	of four years, and one member shall be actively engaged in the
23738	23738	business of installing onsite sewage systems and shall serve
23739	23739	an initial term of four years. Appointees to these positions
23740	23740	on the board shall be licensees of the board or have ownership
23741	23741	in a business employing a designated licensee in a position of
23742	23742	responsible charge. These two appointments by the Lieutenant
23743	23743	Governor shall be made from a list of recommendations
23744	23744	submitted by the governing board of the Alabama Onsite
23745	23745	Wastewater Association, which list of recommendations shall
23746	23746	include three individuals for each board position.
23747	23747	At the end of the term of the board member serving in
23748	23748	the septic tank manufacturing position following June 1, 2010,
23749	23749	subsequent appointments to that position shall be to either a
23750	23750	person licensed by the board or a person having ownership of a
23751	23751	business employing a person who meets all of the following
23752	23752	requirements that he or she: Is in a position of responsible
23753	23753	charge, provides or rents onsite toilet systems or portable
23754	23754	toilet systems, is licensed by the board, has been involved in
23755	23755	his or her respective business for five consecutive years, is
23756	23756	11452
23757	23757	11453
23758	23758	11454
23759	23759	11455
23760	23760	11456
23761	23761	11457
23762	23762	11458
23763	23763	11459
23764	23764	11460
23765	23765	11461
23766	23766	11462
23767	23767	11463
23768	23768	11464
23769	23769	11465
23770	23770	11466
23771	23771	11467
23772	23772	11468
23773	23773	11469
23774	23774	11470
23775	23775	11471
23776	23776	11472
23777	23777	11473
23778	23778	11474
23779	23779	11475
23780	23780	11476
23781	23781	11477
23782	23782	11478
23783	23783	11479 SB224 INTRODUCED
23784	23784	Page 411
23785	23785	his or her respective business for five consecutive years, is
23786	23786	in good standing with the local health authorities and the
23787	23787	Alabama Department of Public Health.
23788	23788	Subsequent appointees to the onsite system installer
23789	23789	position shall be either a licensee of the board or a person
23790	23790	having ownership in a business employing a designated licensee
23791	23791	in a position of responsible charge.
23792	23792	(2) The Lieutenant Governor shall also appoint a member
23793	23793	actively engaged in the development of a training or
23794	23794	educational program or instruction in environmental
23795	23795	protection, preferably experienced in the area of the sewage
23796	23796	industry, and this member shall serve an initial term of three
23797	23797	years. This member shall: Have a minimum of six years'
23798	23798	experience in the stated area of educational expertise, be in
23799	23799	good standing with his or her professional or regulating
23800	23800	boards, and possess a reputation of high standards within the
23801	23801	academic community.
23802	23802	(d)(1) Of the three members appointed by the Speaker of
23803	23803	the Alabama House of Representatives, one member shall be an
23804	23804	environmental engineer with training in the onsite sewage
23805	23805	industry, be experienced in and have an understanding of the
23806	23806	design and construction of onsite sewage systems, and be in
23807	23807	good standing with the Alabama Board of Licensure for
23808	23808	Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. This member shall
23809	23809	serve an initial term of four years and shall be appointed
23810	23810	from a list of three recommendations provided by the Alabama
23811	23811	Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land
23812	23812	Surveyors.
23813	23813	(2) The Speaker of the House shall also appoint one
23814	23814	11480
23815	23815	11481
23816	23816	11482
23817	23817	11483
23818	23818	11484
23819	23819	11485
23820	23820	11486
23821	23821	11487
23822	23822	11488
23823	23823	11489
23824	23824	11490
23825	23825	11491
23826	23826	11492
23827	23827	11493
23828	23828	11494
23829	23829	11495
23830	23830	11496
23831	23831	11497
23832	23832	11498
23833	23833	11499
23834	23834	11500
23835	23835	11501
23836	23836	11502
23837	23837	11503
23838	23838	11504
23839	23839	11505
23840	23840	11506
23841	23841	11507 SB224 INTRODUCED
23842	23842	Page 412
23843	23843	(2) The Speaker of the House shall also appoint one
23844	23844	member who has been actively involved for a minimum of three
23845	23845	years in the onsite sewage inspection process and the
23846	23846	regulation of onsite sewage systems and is employed by a local
23847	23847	county health department or the Alabama Department of Public
23848	23848	Health. This member shall serve an initial term of four years.
23849	23849	(3) The Speaker of the House shall also appoint a
23850	23850	member who is a consumer who will represent the public at
23851	23851	large and who has an interest in the onsite sewage industry.
23852	23852	The consumer member may not be engaged in or otherwise
23853	23853	connected with any person or firm or corporation or business
23854	23854	dealing with the onsite sewage industry and shall serve an
23855	23855	initial term of four years.
23856	23856	(e) Upon the expiration of the initial terms of office,
23857	23857	and thereafter, all members appointed to the board shall serve
23858	23858	four-year terms, or until their successors are appointed.
23859	23859	Their successors, who shall be appointed by the same
23860	23860	respective appointing authorities and shall possess the same
23861	23861	respective qualifications as required for the initial
23862	23862	appointees, shall each serve not more than two consecutive
23863	23863	terms of office. The membership of the board shall be
23864	23864	inclusive and the appointing authorities shall consider the
23865	23865	racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic
23866	23866	diversity of the state in making their appointments.
23867	23867	(f) If an appointment of a member to the board is to be
23868	23868	made from a list of recommendations from an association,
23869	23869	organization, or other board, the list of recommendations
23870	23870	shall be submitted to the appointing authority at least 30
23871	23871	days prior to the expiration of the current term of the
23872	23872	11508
23873	23873	11509
23874	23874	11510
23875	23875	11511
23876	23876	11512
23877	23877	11513
23878	23878	11514
23879	23879	11515
23880	23880	11516
23881	23881	11517
23882	23882	11518
23883	23883	11519
23884	23884	11520
23885	23885	11521
23886	23886	11522
23887	23887	11523
23888	23888	11524
23889	23889	11525
23890	23890	11526
23891	23891	11527
23892	23892	11528
23893	23893	11529
23894	23894	11530
23895	23895	11531
23896	23896	11532
23897	23897	11533
23898	23898	11534
23899	23899	11535 SB224 INTRODUCED
23900	23900	Page 413
23901	23901	days prior to the expiration of the current term of the
23902	23902	vacating board member.
23903	23903	(g) An appointing authority may rescind any appointment
23904	23904	and replace any board member who is unable or unwilling to
23905	23905	fulfill his or her duties to the citizens of Alabama through
23906	23906	service on the board and who has not tendered his or her
23907	23907	resignation."
23908	23908	"§34-21A-4
23909	23909	(a) Within 30 days after annual appointment of new
23910	23910	members, the board shall meet for the purpose of organizing,
23911	23911	electing new officers, and transacting such business as deemed
23912	23912	necessary. This organizational meeting shall not be considered
23913	23913	a regular quarterly meeting of the board.
23914	23914	(b) The board shall meet at least four times a year on
23915	23915	a quarterly basis with the board designating the months of the
23916	23916	meetings for the coming year at its annual organizational
23917	23917	meeting. Regular meetings shall be called by the chair who
23918	23918	shall designate the time and place of each regular meeting.
23919	23919	The chair or a majority of the members of the board may also
23920	23920	call a special meeting of the board.
23921	23921	(c) Board members shall be given at least 10 days'
23922	23922	notice of regular meetings and a minimum of five days' notice
23923	23923	for special meetings. The executive director shall give notice
23924	23924	of any meeting to the media as considered appropriate under
23925	23925	the circumstances.
23926	23926	(d) A quorum of the board shall consist of not less
23927	23927	than five of the duly appointed members.
23928	23928	(e) Any motion passed by the board requires a majority
23929	23929	of those members present.
23930	23930	11536
23931	23931	11537
23932	23932	11538
23933	23933	11539
23934	23934	11540
23935	23935	11541
23936	23936	11542
23937	23937	11543
23938	23938	11544
23939	23939	11545
23940	23940	11546
23941	23941	11547
23942	23942	11548
23943	23943	11549
23944	23944	11550
23945	23945	11551
23946	23946	11552
23947	23947	11553
23948	23948	11554
23949	23949	11555
23950	23950	11556
23951	23951	11557
23952	23952	11558
23953	23953	11559
23954	23954	11560
23955	23955	11561
23956	23956	11562
23957	23957	11563 SB224 INTRODUCED
23958	23958	Page 414
23959	23959	of those members present.
23960	23960	(f) The members of the board shall receive one hundred
23961	23961	dollars ($100) per day for board meetings and a per diem as
23962	23962	recommended by the board consistent with applicable state laws
23963	23963	for attending sessions of the board and for time spent in
23964	23964	necessary travel to attend meetings of the board. In addition,
23965	23965	each member shall be reimbursed for related travel expenses at
23966	23966	the same rate as state employees receive, all to be paid from
23967	23967	fees collected and deposited in the board fund. "
23968	23968	"§34-21A-5
23969	23969	(a) At its annual organizational meeting, the board
23970	23970	shall elect from its members a chair, vice-chair, and a
23971	23971	secretary/treasurer for a one-year term of office. No board
23972	23972	member shall serve more than three consecutive one-year terms
23973	23973	in any one office. The chair shall exercise general
23974	23974	supervision of the board's affairs, preside at all meetings,
23975	23975	appoint committees, and perform all duties pertaining to the
23976	23976	office. The vice-chair, in the absence of the chair, shall
23977	23977	perform the duties of the chair. The secretary/treasurer shall
23978	23978	perform duties as designated by the board.
23979	23979	(b) The board shall select and employ an executive
23980	23980	director who shall serve at the pleasure of the board and who
23981	23981	shall be responsible for the administration of board policies.
23982	23982	The executive director shall be responsible for employing and
23983	23983	supervising other support personnel as directed by the board.
23984	23984	The executive director shall be designated as the agent for
23985	23985	the board for service of legal process upon the board, act as
23986	23986	its recording and corresponding secretary, have custody of and
23987	23987	safeguard and keep in good order all property and records of
23988	23988	11564
23989	23989	11565
23990	23990	11566
23991	23991	11567
23992	23992	11568
23993	23993	11569
23994	23994	11570
23995	23995	11571
23996	23996	11572
23997	23997	11573
23998	23998	11574
23999	23999	11575
24000	24000	11576
24001	24001	11577
24002	24002	11578
24003	24003	11579
24004	24004	11580
24005	24005	11581
24006	24006	11582
24007	24007	11583
24008	24008	11584
24009	24009	11585
24010	24010	11586
24011	24011	11587
24012	24012	11588
24013	24013	11589
24014	24014	11590
24015	24015	11591 SB224 INTRODUCED
24016	24016	Page 415
24017	24017	safeguard and keep in good order all property and records of
24018	24018	the board, sign all instruments and matters that require
24019	24019	approval of the board, and perform all duties as the board may
24020	24020	assign or delegate.
24021	24021	(c) The records maintained by the board shall include,
24022	24022	without limitation, all of the following:
24023	24023	(1) A permanent record of all license applications,
24024	24024	whether accepted or rejected, and supporting documentation and
24025	24025	information.
24026	24026	(2) A permanent record of all examination results.
24027	24027	(3) A permanent record of all licenses issued; a
24028	24028	permanent record of all investigative, enforcement, and
24029	24029	disciplinary actions taken by the board.
24030	24030	(4) All other evidence of the important business of the
24031	24031	board.
24032	24032	(d) The executive director may issue a license in
24033	24033	accordance with the standards established by the board.
24034	24034	(e) All correspondence to the board, including
24035	24035	submission of applications for licenses and requests for
24036	24036	information should be made to the executive director at the
24037	24037	board's office in Montgomery, Alabama .
24038	24038	(f) The board may employ other full-time or part-time
24039	24039	administrative staff, including an administrative assistant
24040	24040	and clerical support or others who shall work under the
24041	24041	direction and supervision of the executive director.
24042	24042	(g) All board administrative staff, including the
24043	24043	executive director, shall be entitled to reimbursement for
24044	24044	authorized travel and travel related expenses at the same rate
24045	24045	state employees receive for in-state and out-of-state travel.
24046	24046	11592
24047	24047	11593
24048	24048	11594
24049	24049	11595
24050	24050	11596
24051	24051	11597
24052	24052	11598
24053	24053	11599
24054	24054	11600
24055	24055	11601
24056	24056	11602
24057	24057	11603
24058	24058	11604
24059	24059	11605
24060	24060	11606
24061	24061	11607
24062	24062	11608
24063	24063	11609
24064	24064	11610
24065	24065	11611
24066	24066	11612
24067	24067	11613
24068	24068	11614
24069	24069	11615
24070	24070	11616
24071	24071	11617
24072	24072	11618
24073	24073	11619 SB224 INTRODUCED
24074	24074	Page 416
24075	24075	state employees receive for in-state and out-of-state travel.
24076	24076	Authorized travel in a board employee's personal automobile
24077	24077	shall be reimbursed at the same rate per mile as paid to state
24078	24078	employees.
24079	24079	(h) The chair and executive director shall, before
24080	24080	entering the duties of their offices, make and file with the
24081	24081	Secretary of State an official bond in the sum of five
24082	24082	thousand dollars ($5,000) unless covered by the state blanket
24083	24083	bond. The appropriate premiums on the bonds shall be paid out
24084	24084	of the funds of the board. The bonds shall be executed by an
24085	24085	approved bonding fidelity or guaranty company qualified to do
24086	24086	business in Alabama and acceptable to the Secretary of State. "
24087	24087	"§34-21A-6
24088	24088	(a) There is hereby established a separate special fund
24089	24089	in the State Treasury to be known as the "Alabama Onsite
24090	24090	Wastewater Board Fund." All receipts and monies collected
24091	24091	under this chapter shall be deposited in the fund and used
24092	24092	only to carry out the provisions of this chapter. The fund
24093	24093	shall be disbursed only by warrant of the state Comptroller
24094	24094	upon the State Treasury upon itemized vouchers approved by the
24095	24095	executive director. No funds shall be withdrawn or expended
24096	24096	except as budgeted and allotted according to Sections 41-4-80
24097	24097	to 41-4-96, inclusive, and 41-19-1 to 41-19-12, inclusive, and
24098	24098	only in amounts as stipulated in the general appropriation
24099	24099	bill or other appropriation bills into the Occupational and
24100	24100	Professional Licensing Fund .
24101	24101	(b) Any funds unspent and unencumbered at the end of
24102	24102	each fiscal year that exceed 25 percent of the board's budget
24103	24103	for the previous fiscal year shall be transferred to the State
24104	24104	11620
24105	24105	11621
24106	24106	11622
24107	24107	11623
24108	24108	11624
24109	24109	11625
24110	24110	11626
24111	24111	11627
24112	24112	11628
24113	24113	11629
24114	24114	11630
24115	24115	11631
24116	24116	11632
24117	24117	11633
24118	24118	11634
24119	24119	11635
24120	24120	11636
24121	24121	11637
24122	24122	11638
24123	24123	11639
24124	24124	11640
24125	24125	11641
24126	24126	11642
24127	24127	11643
24128	24128	11644
24129	24129	11645
24130	24130	11646
24131	24131	11647 SB224 INTRODUCED
24132	24132	Page 417
24133	24133	for the previous fiscal year shall be transferred to the State
24134	24134	General Fund."
24135	24135	"§34-21A-7
24136	24136	The duties of this board shall include, but not be
24137	24137	limited to the following:
24138	24138	(1) Establish procedures and qualifications for the
24139	24139	licensure of individuals engaged in the manufacture,
24140	24140	installation, servicing, repair, or maintenance of onsite
24141	24141	sewage systems and equipment installed in Alabama and issue
24142	24142	such licenses to those individuals who qualify for licensure.
24143	24143	(2) Approve all training required for any license or
24144	24144	license renewal under this chapter and approve and administer
24145	24145	any examination required for specialized areas and levels of
24146	24146	qualification of licensing under this chapter.
24147	24147	(3) Establish the dates, times, and locations for all
24148	24148	license examinations, including at least three examination
24149	24149	dates each year.
24150	24150	(4)(3) Accept and process applications from individuals
24151	24151	meeting the board-established qualifications for licenses and
24152	24152	the renewal of licenses and collect necessary fees according
24153	24153	to the schedule of fees established by the board executive
24154	24154	director.
24155	24155	(5)(4) Provide written notification to a candidate of
24156	24156	the candidate's examination results and provide information
24157	24157	regarding the procedures required to complete the license
24158	24158	process, including bond information and local health
24159	24159	department fees.
24160	24160	(6)(5) Accept annual license renewal applications and
24161	24161	approve required continuing education and required
24162	24162	11648
24163	24163	11649
24164	24164	11650
24165	24165	11651
24166	24166	11652
24167	24167	11653
24168	24168	11654
24169	24169	11655
24170	24170	11656
24171	24171	11657
24172	24172	11658
24173	24173	11659
24174	24174	11660
24175	24175	11661
24176	24176	11662
24177	24177	11663
24178	24178	11664
24179	24179	11665
24180	24180	11666
24181	24181	11667
24182	24182	11668
24183	24183	11669
24184	24184	11670
24185	24185	11671
24186	24186	11672
24187	24187	11673
24188	24188	11674
24189	24189	11675 SB224 INTRODUCED
24190	24190	Page 418
24191	24191	approve required continuing education and required
24192	24192	documentation for license renewal.
24193	24193	(7)(6) Maintain a complete up-to-date roster of
24194	24194	licensees.
24195	24195	(8)(7) Establish a complaint process and the
24196	24196	confidential procedures to investigate alleged violations as
24197	24197	set forth in this chapter; establish disciplinary procedures
24198	24198	including suspension or revocation of licenses; establish an
24199	24199	appeals process; and notify the Alabama Department of Public
24200	24200	Health and the appropriate local health departments of any
24201	24201	disciplinary action taken by the board. Any member of the
24202	24202	board or duly appointed representative designated by the board
24203	24203	may administer oaths and take testimony concerning all matters
24204	24204	within the jurisdiction of the board.
24205	24205	(9)(8) Reinstate a revoked or suspended license if the
24206	24206	holder of the revoked or suspended license meets specific
24207	24207	requirements established by the board and the reinstatement is
24208	24208	approved by a majority of the board.
24209	24209	(10)(9) Oversee all financial, business, and
24210	24210	administrative matters necessary to carry out the operation of
24211	24211	this board including, but not limited to, accepting fees,
24212	24212	paying bills, salaries, expenses, and refunds, and any other
24213	24213	action deemed appropriate to conduct business pertinent to its
24214	24214	operation.
24215	24215	(11) Hire and set compensation for an executive
24216	24216	director who shall be responsible for the administrative
24217	24217	functions of the board.
24218	24218	(12)(10) Adopt a seal for its use containing the words
24219	24219	"Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board.""
24220	24220	11676
24221	24221	11677
24222	24222	11678
24223	24223	11679
24224	24224	11680
24225	24225	11681
24226	24226	11682
24227	24227	11683
24228	24228	11684
24229	24229	11685
24230	24230	11686
24231	24231	11687
24232	24232	11688
24233	24233	11689
24234	24234	11690
24235	24235	11691
24236	24236	11692
24237	24237	11693
24238	24238	11694
24239	24239	11695
24240	24240	11696
24241	24241	11697
24242	24242	11698
24243	24243	11699
24244	24244	11700
24245	24245	11701
24246	24246	11702
24247	24247	11703 SB224 INTRODUCED
24248	24248	Page 419
24249	24249	"Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board.""
24250	24250	"§34-21A-11
24251	24251	The board executive director may establish and charge
24252	24252	reasonable fees for the processing of all applications,
24253	24253	administration of examinations, issuance of all active and
24254	24254	inactive licenses, license renewals, license restoration and
24255	24255	replacement, supplying information to applicants, licensees,
24256	24256	and the general public, and any and all other required board
24257	24257	procedures and related activities. A fee schedule shall be
24258	24258	developed by the board and adopted as a rule, and all fees
24259	24259	shall be commensurate with the cost of fulfilling the duties
24260	24260	of the board as defined in this chapter. "
24261	24261	"§34-21A-12
24262	24262	(a) The board shall establish the following types of
24263	24263	licenses:
24264	24264	(1) A basic level installer license.
24265	24265	(2) An advanced level I installer license.
24266	24266	(3) An advanced level II installer license.
24267	24267	(4) A manufacturer's license.
24268	24268	(5) A pumper license.
24269	24269	(6) A portable toilet license.
24270	24270	(b) A person shall first obtain a basic level installer
24271	24271	license before qualifying for an advanced level installer
24272	24272	license. Additional areas of qualification and license levels
24273	24273	may be established by the board based on future evaluations of
24274	24274	industry needs and technology advancements.
24275	24275	(c) Licenses issued by the board shall be recognized as
24276	24276	evidence of qualification and knowledge of the licensee by the
24277	24277	Alabama Department of Public Health and county or local health
24278	24278	11704
24279	24279	11705
24280	24280	11706
24281	24281	11707
24282	24282	11708
24283	24283	11709
24284	24284	11710
24285	24285	11711
24286	24286	11712
24287	24287	11713
24288	24288	11714
24289	24289	11715
24290	24290	11716
24291	24291	11717
24292	24292	11718
24293	24293	11719
24294	24294	11720
24295	24295	11721
24296	24296	11722
24297	24297	11723
24298	24298	11724
24299	24299	11725
24300	24300	11726
24301	24301	11727
24302	24302	11728
24303	24303	11729
24304	24304	11730
24305	24305	11731 SB224 INTRODUCED
24306	24306	Page 420
24307	24307	Alabama Department of Public Health and county or local health
24308	24308	authorities, and no other additional level of qualification or
24309	24309	certification or other requirement shall be required by the
24310	24310	Alabama Department of Public Health or any county or local
24311	24311	health authorities for those persons engaged in the
24312	24312	manufacture, installation, or servicing of onsite sewage
24313	24313	systems.
24314	24314	(d) A license shall be issued for the current calendar
24315	24315	year and the license shall be valid only for that calendar
24316	24316	year. All licenses shall expire on December 31 of each
24317	24317	calendar year.
24318	24318	(e)(d) No individual, business, partnership, or
24319	24319	corporation shall engage in the manufacture, installation,
24320	24320	servicing, cleaning, or maintenance of an onsite sewage system
24321	24321	installed in the State of Alabama unless the individual, or
24322	24322	the person in responsible charge for the business,
24323	24323	partnership, or corporation, has received the required
24324	24324	specific license from the board. Persons engaged in the
24325	24325	installation or servicing of onsite sewage systems shall
24326	24326	obtain a basic level installer license for conventional onsite
24327	24327	sewage systems or an advanced level installer license for
24328	24328	engineered onsite sewage systems. All manufacturers of onsite
24329	24329	sewage septic tanks or receptacles for onsite sewage systems
24330	24330	shall qualify and obtain a manufacturer's license. Licenses
24331	24331	issued under this chapter shall be granted to individuals
24332	24332	meeting the criteria for qualification as established by this
24333	24333	board. The licensee shall perform no work outside the level of
24334	24334	competency stated on the certificate of license. An individual
24335	24335	may be licensed in all areas of eligibility.
24336	24336	11732
24337	24337	11733
24338	24338	11734
24339	24339	11735
24340	24340	11736
24341	24341	11737
24342	24342	11738
24343	24343	11739
24344	24344	11740
24345	24345	11741
24346	24346	11742
24347	24347	11743
24348	24348	11744
24349	24349	11745
24350	24350	11746
24351	24351	11747
24352	24352	11748
24353	24353	11749
24354	24354	11750
24355	24355	11751
24356	24356	11752
24357	24357	11753
24358	24358	11754
24359	24359	11755
24360	24360	11756
24361	24361	11757
24362	24362	11758
24363	24363	11759 SB224 INTRODUCED
24364	24364	Page 421
24365	24365	may be licensed in all areas of eligibility.
24366	24366	(f)(e) No individual, business, partnership, or
24367	24367	corporation shall advertise, solicit, bid, obtain permit,
24368	24368	conduct business, or perform the function of manufacturing,
24369	24369	installing, cleaning, servicing, repairing, or maintaining
24370	24370	onsite sewage equipment or systems in Alabama unless the
24371	24371	person or persons in responsible charge are licensed as
24372	24372	defined in this chapter.
24373	24373	(g)(f) No official charged with the duty of issuing
24374	24374	business licenses to any individual, partnership, corporation,
24375	24375	or other business entity to operate a business performing the
24376	24376	function of manufacturing, installing, cleaning, servicing,
24377	24377	repairing, or maintaining onsite sewage equipment or systems
24378	24378	in Alabama shall issue such a business license unless there is
24379	24379	presented for inspection a license certificate as provided
24380	24380	herein issued by the board to the individual or to some person
24381	24381	in responsible charge with the partnership, corporation, or
24382	24382	business entity.
24383	24383	(h)(g) No license shall be issued except to an
24384	24384	individual. A firm, partnership, association, or corporation
24385	24385	shall not be licensed. Partnerships, corporations, or other
24386	24386	business entities shall designate the licensed individual in
24387	24387	responsible charge under whose name its business is to operate
24388	24388	to the local business licensing authority, the board, and the
24389	24389	local health officials. If that designated person ceases to be
24390	24390	employed by the business entity, notice shall be made
24391	24391	immediately to the board and the local health officials. The
24392	24392	partnership or corporation shall then have 45 days to
24393	24393	re-designate a licensed individual responsible for work
24394	24394	11760
24395	24395	11761
24396	24396	11762
24397	24397	11763
24398	24398	11764
24399	24399	11765
24400	24400	11766
24401	24401	11767
24402	24402	11768
24403	24403	11769
24404	24404	11770
24405	24405	11771
24406	24406	11772
24407	24407	11773
24408	24408	11774
24409	24409	11775
24410	24410	11776
24411	24411	11777
24412	24412	11778
24413	24413	11779
24414	24414	11780
24415	24415	11781
24416	24416	11782
24417	24417	11783
24418	24418	11784
24419	24419	11785
24420	24420	11786
24421	24421	11787 SB224 INTRODUCED
24422	24422	Page 422
24423	24423	re-designate a licensed individual responsible for work
24424	24424	performed by the business entity. During this 45-day period,
24425	24425	no work shall be initiated by the business entity without the
24426	24426	knowledge and approval of local health officials. Any work
24427	24427	performed during this time shall be inspected by local health
24428	24428	officials and approved by the officials before being
24429	24429	considered complete and put into operation. Under special
24430	24430	circumstances, a business entity engaged in the manufacture of
24431	24431	septic tanks can petition the board for an extension of time
24432	24432	beyond the 45-day period to re-designate a licensed individual
24433	24433	in a position of responsible charge under whose manufacturer's
24434	24434	license the business is to operate. Under no condition may
24435	24435	this extension of time extend more than three weeks past the
24436	24436	date of the next examination offered by the board for a
24437	24437	manufacturer's license.
24438	24438	(i)(h) License certificates suitable for framing,
24439	24439	bearing the licensee's name, level and type of license,
24440	24440	license number, and the calendar year in time period for which
24441	24441	the license is valid shall be issued to all qualified
24442	24442	licensees. Every licensee holding a license issued by the
24443	24443	board shall display it in a conspicuous manner at his or her
24444	24444	principal place of business.
24445	24445	(j)(i) All licensees shall abide by all federal, state,
24446	24446	and local laws and ordinances. No license issued by the board
24447	24447	may be sold or transferred. Any license misused may be revoked
24448	24448	by the board.
24449	24449	(k)(j) Every licensee shall notify the board of the
24450	24450	address of his or her place of business, the counties in which
24451	24451	he or she does business or performs work, and the name under
24452	24452	11788
24453	24453	11789
24454	24454	11790
24455	24455	11791
24456	24456	11792
24457	24457	11793
24458	24458	11794
24459	24459	11795
24460	24460	11796
24461	24461	11797
24462	24462	11798
24463	24463	11799
24464	24464	11800
24465	24465	11801
24466	24466	11802
24467	24467	11803
24468	24468	11804
24469	24469	11805
24470	24470	11806
24471	24471	11807
24472	24472	11808
24473	24473	11809
24474	24474	11810
24475	24475	11811
24476	24476	11812
24477	24477	11813
24478	24478	11814
24479	24479	11815 SB224 INTRODUCED
24480	24480	Page 423
24481	24481	he or she does business or performs work, and the name under
24482	24482	which the business is carried on. Licensees shall give
24483	24483	immediate notice to the board of any change in this
24484	24484	information. Service of any process shall be achieved by
24485	24485	mailing notice of such information by first class postage,
24486	24486	U.S. Postal Service, to the address of record. No further
24487	24487	service of process shall be required."
24488	24488	"§34-21A-13
24489	24489	(a) All applicants for licenses, examinations, or
24490	24490	license renewals shall be required to complete specific
24491	24491	application forms developed and provided by the board
24492	24492	executive director . Information required to be provided on
24493	24493	license application forms shall include, but not be limited
24494	24494	to, the following:
24495	24495	(1) The applicant's name, date of birth, Social
24496	24496	Security number, residence address, telephone number, and
24497	24497	county of residence.
24498	24498	(2) The name of the applicant's employer, or the name
24499	24499	of the applicant's business, including the business address
24500	24500	and telephone number of the employer or applicant's business.
24501	24501	(3) Details of the applicant's business experience,
24502	24502	details of the applicant's work experience, and classroom
24503	24503	training in the areas of requested licensing.
24504	24504	(4) A signed statement from an official from the
24505	24505	applicant's county health department stating that the
24506	24506	applicant is in good standing with the local or county health
24507	24507	department.
24508	24508	(b) Application forms may also require any information
24509	24509	deemed by the board to be significant in evaluating the
24510	24510	11816
24511	24511	11817
24512	24512	11818
24513	24513	11819
24514	24514	11820
24515	24515	11821
24516	24516	11822
24517	24517	11823
24518	24518	11824
24519	24519	11825
24520	24520	11826
24521	24521	11827
24522	24522	11828
24523	24523	11829
24524	24524	11830
24525	24525	11831
24526	24526	11832
24527	24527	11833
24528	24528	11834
24529	24529	11835
24530	24530	11836
24531	24531	11837
24532	24532	11838
24533	24533	11839
24534	24534	11840
24535	24535	11841
24536	24536	11842
24537	24537	11843 SB224 INTRODUCED
24538	24538	Page 424
24539	24539	deemed by the board to be significant in evaluating the
24540	24540	qualifications of an applicant for license, examination, or
24541	24541	license renewal.
24542	24542	(c) All required fees and documentation shall accompany
24543	24543	any application form filed with the board.
24544	24544	(d) The board shall approve through its executive
24545	24545	director the issuing of a license to each applicant meeting
24546	24546	the qualifications as set forth by the board, or deny a
24547	24547	license to each applicant not meeting the qualifications as
24548	24548	set forth by the board."
24549	24549	"§34-21A-15
24550	24550	(a) No license shall be issued by the board without
24551	24551	examination of the applicant for the purpose of ascertaining
24552	24552	his or her qualifications for such work, except those licenses
24553	24553	issued pursuant to Section 34-21A-17. No examination shall be
24554	24554	required for the timely annual renewal of a current license.
24555	24555	(b) The board shall offer and provide examinations
24556	24556	which test the knowledge, skill, and qualifications of the
24557	24557	applicants.
24558	24558	(c) The board executive director may charge each
24559	24559	applicant a reasonable fee for the examination based on the
24560	24560	actual costs of administering the examinations .
24561	24561	(d) The board shall establish dates and locations for a
24562	24562	minimum of three separate examinations each calendar year.
24563	24563	(e)(d) The board shall establish the minimum
24564	24564	examination grade necessary for successful completion of an
24565	24565	examination.
24566	24566	(f)(e) The board shall develop or approve two separate
24567	24567	and specific examinations to test the knowledge and
24568	24568	11844
24569	24569	11845
24570	24570	11846
24571	24571	11847
24572	24572	11848
24573	24573	11849
24574	24574	11850
24575	24575	11851
24576	24576	11852
24577	24577	11853
24578	24578	11854
24579	24579	11855
24580	24580	11856
24581	24581	11857
24582	24582	11858
24583	24583	11859
24584	24584	11860
24585	24585	11861
24586	24586	11862
24587	24587	11863
24588	24588	11864
24589	24589	11865
24590	24590	11866
24591	24591	11867
24592	24592	11868
24593	24593	11869
24594	24594	11870
24595	24595	11871 SB224 INTRODUCED
24596	24596	Page 425
24597	24597	and specific examinations to test the knowledge and
24598	24598	qualifications of those applicants for basic level license and
24599	24599	advanced level licenses as follows:
24600	24600	(1) The basic installer level license examination shall
24601	24601	test the knowledge and qualifications of applicants seeking a
24602	24602	license to install, clean, service, repair, or maintain
24603	24603	conventional onsite sewage systems.
24604	24604	(2) The advanced level installer license examination
24605	24605	shall test the knowledge and qualifications of applicants
24606	24606	seeking a license to install, clean, service, repair, or
24607	24607	maintain engineered onsite sewage systems.
24608	24608	(g)(f) A person shall first obtain a basic level
24609	24609	installer license before qualifying to take the examination
24610	24610	for an advanced level installer license.
24611	24611	(h)(g) The board shall develop a specialized
24612	24612	examination to test the qualifications of those applicants
24613	24613	seeking a manufacturer's license.
24614	24614	(i)(h) The board shall develop or approve any other
24615	24615	additional examinations as may be necessary for additional
24616	24616	areas of qualification and license levels as may be
24617	24617	established by the board to meet industry requirements and
24618	24618	technological advancements in the onsite sewage industry.
24619	24619	(j)(i) Examinations shall be administered by the
24620	24620	executive director or persons designated by the board . Any
24621	24621	national standardized examination which the board may approve,
24622	24622	or any other examination developed under the direction of the
24623	24623	board, or any combination thereof, may be administered to
24624	24624	applicants to test their knowledge and qualifications. The
24625	24625	board shall establish the level of achievement as shall be
24626	24626	11872
24627	24627	11873
24628	24628	11874
24629	24629	11875
24630	24630	11876
24631	24631	11877
24632	24632	11878
24633	24633	11879
24634	24634	11880
24635	24635	11881
24636	24636	11882
24637	24637	11883
24638	24638	11884
24639	24639	11885
24640	24640	11886
24641	24641	11887
24642	24642	11888
24643	24643	11889
24644	24644	11890
24645	24645	11891
24646	24646	11892
24647	24647	11893
24648	24648	11894
24649	24649	11895
24650	24650	11896
24651	24651	11897
24652	24652	11898
24653	24653	11899 SB224 INTRODUCED
24654	24654	Page 426
24655	24655	board shall establish the level of achievement as shall be
24656	24656	required for a passing grade for examinations.
24657	24657	(k)(j) Written examination results shall be provided
24658	24658	within 14 days of taking the examination. Successful
24659	24659	candidates shall also be informed of the procedures required
24660	24660	to complete the license process. Any person who fails an
24661	24661	examination may, upon reapplication and payment of required
24662	24662	fees, take the examination when offered by the board.
24663	24663	(l)(k) The executive director shall provide to the
24664	24664	Alabama Department of Public Health and the appropriate local
24665	24665	health authorities a list of all candidates who successfully
24666	24666	qualify for a license within 14 days following the date the
24667	24667	license is issued by the board."
24668	24668	"§34-21A-18
24669	24669	(a) A license is only valid during the calendar year
24670	24670	time period indicated on the license. At the end of that
24671	24671	calendar year time period, the license will expire unless it
24672	24672	is renewed by the licensee. All licensees shall make
24673	24673	application for license renewal at least 30 days prior to the
24674	24674	expiration of a current license.
24675	24675	(b) Specific license renewal application forms and
24676	24676	license renewal requirements shall be developed by the board
24677	24677	executive director . License renewal requirements shall
24678	24678	include, but not be limited to, continuing education and
24679	24679	training requirements for each level and type of license and
24680	24680	evidence of adequate bond. The license renewal application
24681	24681	form shall be accompanied by all required documentation and
24682	24682	renewal fees. The board shall verify that the renewal
24683	24683	applicant is a current licensee who is eligible for renewal
24684	24684	11900
24685	24685	11901
24686	24686	11902
24687	24687	11903
24688	24688	11904
24689	24689	11905
24690	24690	11906
24691	24691	11907
24692	24692	11908
24693	24693	11909
24694	24694	11910
24695	24695	11911
24696	24696	11912
24697	24697	11913
24698	24698	11914
24699	24699	11915
24700	24700	11916
24701	24701	11917
24702	24702	11918
24703	24703	11919
24704	24704	11920
24705	24705	11921
24706	24706	11922
24707	24707	11923
24708	24708	11924
24709	24709	11925
24710	24710	11926
24711	24711	11927 SB224 INTRODUCED
24712	24712	Page 427
24713	24713	applicant is a current licensee who is eligible for renewal
24714	24714	before issuing a new license.
24715	24715	(c) Failure to meet renewal requirements shall result
24716	24716	in expiration and revocation of a license. Upon expiration of
24717	24717	a license, the licensee's name will be removed from the
24718	24718	board's official list and the Alabama Department of Public
24719	24719	Health and the appropriate local health authorities will be
24720	24720	notified of the license expiration. A license which has
24721	24721	expired for failure to renew may only be restored within one
24722	24722	year from the date of expiration after application and payment
24723	24723	of the license restoration fee established by the board
24724	24724	executive director . Any license which has not been restored
24725	24725	within one year following its expiration may not be renewed,
24726	24726	restored, or reissued, and the holder may apply for and obtain
24727	24727	a new license only upon compliance with all qualifications and
24728	24728	requirements for the issuance of a new license."
24729	24729	Section 33. Relating to the Board of Physical Therapy;
24730	24730	to amend Sections 34-24-191,34-24-192, 34-24-193, 34-24-195,
24731	24731	34-24-211, 34-24-212, 34-24-214, 34-24-215, and 34-24-216 of
24732	24732	the Code of Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
24733	24733	"§34-24-191
24734	24734	(a) For the purposes of this article, the following
24735	24735	words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively
24736	24736	ascribed by this section:
24737	24737	(1) BOARD. The Board of Physical Therapy established by
24738	24738	Section 34-24-192.
24739	24739	(2) COMMISSION. The Physical Therapy Compact
24740	24740	Commission, the national administrative body whose membership
24741	24741	consists of all states that have enacted the interstate
24742	24742	11928
24743	24743	11929
24744	24744	11930
24745	24745	11931
24746	24746	11932
24747	24747	11933
24748	24748	11934
24749	24749	11935
24750	24750	11936
24751	24751	11937
24752	24752	11938
24753	24753	11939
24754	24754	11940
24755	24755	11941
24756	24756	11942
24757	24757	11943
24758	24758	11944
24759	24759	11945
24760	24760	11946
24761	24761	11947
24762	24762	11948
24763	24763	11949
24764	24764	11950
24765	24765	11951
24766	24766	11952
24767	24767	11953
24768	24768	11954
24769	24769	11955 SB224 INTRODUCED
24770	24770	Page 428
24771	24771	consists of all states that have enacted the interstate
24772	24772	compact.
24773	24773	(3) COMPACT PRIVILEGE. The authorization granted by a
24774	24774	remote state to allow a licensee from another state to
24775	24775	practice as a physical therapist or work as a physical
24776	24776	therapist assistant in the remote state under its laws and
24777	24777	rules. The practice of physical therapy occurs in the state
24778	24778	where the patient/client is located at the time of the
24779	24779	patient/client encounter.
24780	24780	(4) COMPACT PRIVILEGE HOLDER. An individual licensed as
24781	24781	a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in a
24782	24782	compact state who has been granted a compact privilege by the
24783	24783	commission.
24784	24784	(5) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
24785	24785	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
24786	24786	in Section 25-2B-1.
24787	24787	(5)(6) FOREIGN EDUCATED PHYSICAL THERAPIST. A person
24788	24788	trained or educated in the practice of physical therapy
24789	24789	outside of the United States or any of its territorial
24790	24790	possessions.
24791	24791	(6)(7) IMPAIRED. The inability of a physical therapy
24792	24792	licensee to practice physical therapy with reasonable skill
24793	24793	and safety to patients by reason of illness, inebriation,
24794	24794	excessive use of drugs, narcotics, alcohol, chemicals, or
24795	24795	other substances, or as a result of any physical or mental
24796	24796	condition.
24797	24797	(7)(8) PHYSICAL THERAPIST. A person who practices
24798	24798	physical therapy.
24799	24799	(8)(9) PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT. A person who
24800	24800	11956
24801	24801	11957
24802	24802	11958
24803	24803	11959
24804	24804	11960
24805	24805	11961
24806	24806	11962
24807	24807	11963
24808	24808	11964
24809	24809	11965
24810	24810	11966
24811	24811	11967
24812	24812	11968
24813	24813	11969
24814	24814	11970
24815	24815	11971
24816	24816	11972
24817	24817	11973
24818	24818	11974
24819	24819	11975
24820	24820	11976
24821	24821	11977
24822	24822	11978
24823	24823	11979
24824	24824	11980
24825	24825	11981
24826	24826	11982
24827	24827	11983 SB224 INTRODUCED
24828	24828	Page 429
24829	24829	(8)(9) PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT. A person who
24830	24830	assists in the practice of physical therapy and whose
24831	24831	activities require an understanding of physical therapy but do
24832	24832	not require professional or advanced training in the
24833	24833	anatomical, biological, and physical sciences involved in the
24834	24834	practice of physical therapy. The physical therapist assistant
24835	24835	shall practice only under the direction of a licensed physical
24836	24836	therapist.
24837	24837	(9)(10) PHYSICAL THERAPY. The treatment of a human
24838	24838	being by the use of exercise, massage, heat, cold, water,
24839	24839	radiant energy, electricity, or sound for the purpose of
24840	24840	correcting or alleviating any physical or mental condition or
24841	24841	preventing the development of any physical or mental
24842	24842	disability, or the performance of neuromuscular-skeletal tests
24843	24843	and measurements to determine the existence and extent of body
24844	24844	malfunction; provided, that physical therapy shall be
24845	24845	practiced only upon the referral of a physician licensed to
24846	24846	practice medicine or surgery, a dentist licensed to practice
24847	24847	dentistry, a licensed chiropractor, a licensed assistant to a
24848	24848	physician acting pursuant to a valid supervisory agreement, or
24849	24849	a licensed certified registered nurse practitioner in a
24850	24850	collaborative practice agreement with a licensed physician,
24851	24851	except as otherwise provided in this chapter. Physical therapy
24852	24852	does not include radiology or electrosurgery.
24853	24853	(10)(11) PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDE. A person trained under
24854	24854	the direction of a physical therapist who performs designated
24855	24855	and supervised routine tasks related to physical therapy
24856	24856	services.
24857	24857	(11)(12) PHYSICAL THERAPY LICENSEE. A physical
24858	24858	11984
24859	24859	11985
24860	24860	11986
24861	24861	11987
24862	24862	11988
24863	24863	11989
24864	24864	11990
24865	24865	11991
24866	24866	11992
24867	24867	11993
24868	24868	11994
24869	24869	11995
24870	24870	11996
24871	24871	11997
24872	24872	11998
24873	24873	11999
24874	24874	12000
24875	24875	12001
24876	24876	12002
24877	24877	12003
24878	24878	12004
24879	24879	12005
24880	24880	12006
24881	24881	12007
24882	24882	12008
24883	24883	12009
24884	24884	12010
24885	24885	12011 SB224 INTRODUCED
24886	24886	Page 430
24887	24887	(11)(12) PHYSICAL THERAPY LICENSEE. A physical
24888	24888	therapist or physical therapist assistant who is licensed
24889	24889	under this article.
24890	24890	(12)(13) PHYSIOTHERAPIST. Synonymous with the term
24891	24891	"physical therapist," and the term shall be used to identify
24892	24892	only those persons licensed under this article. The physical
24893	24893	therapist may use the letters "P.T." or "R.P.T." in connection
24894	24894	with his or her name or place of business to denote his or her
24895	24895	registration hereunder.
24896	24896	(13)(14) RESTRICTED LICENSE.
24897	24897	a. For a physical therapist, a license on which the
24898	24898	board has placed restrictions or conditions, or both, as to
24899	24899	the scope of practice, place of practice, supervision of
24900	24900	practice, duration of licensed status, or type or condition of
24901	24901	patient to whom the physical therapist may provide services.
24902	24902	b. For a physical therapist assistant, a license on
24903	24903	which the board has placed any restriction.
24904	24904	(b) Words importing the masculine gender shall include
24905	24905	the feminine."
24906	24906	"§34-24-192
24907	24907	(a)(1) Composition; appointment and terms of members.
24908	24908	The There is created the Board of Physical Therapy . Commencing
24909	24909	on October 1, 2026, the board shall be subject to the
24910	24910	leadership, support, and oversight of the Executive Director
24911	24911	of the Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing
24912	24912	pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25.
24913	24913	(2) The board shall consist of seven members. Four
24914	24914	members shall be physical therapists, two members shall be
24915	24915	physical therapist assistants, and one member shall be a
24916	24916	12012
24917	24917	12013
24918	24918	12014
24919	24919	12015
24920	24920	12016
24921	24921	12017
24922	24922	12018
24923	24923	12019
24924	24924	12020
24925	24925	12021
24926	24926	12022
24927	24927	12023
24928	24928	12024
24929	24929	12025
24930	24930	12026
24931	24931	12027
24932	24932	12028
24933	24933	12029
24934	24934	12030
24935	24935	12031
24936	24936	12032
24937	24937	12033
24938	24938	12034
24939	24939	12035
24940	24940	12036
24941	24941	12037
24942	24942	12038
24943	24943	12039 SB224 INTRODUCED
24944	24944	Page 431
24945	24945	physical therapist assistants, and one member shall be a
24946	24946	consumer. The members shall be appointed by the Governor from
24947	24947	a list of five persons nominated for each place on the board
24948	24948	by the current licensees and certified to him or her by the
24949	24949	board. The four physical therapist members shall be nominated
24950	24950	from the congressional districts. The physical therapist
24951	24951	assistant members shall be nominated from the northern and
24952	24952	southern areas of the state. The consumer member shall be
24953	24953	nominated from the state at large. For the purpose of
24954	24954	preparing the list of five names for each position on the
24955	24955	board, the board shall request nominations from vacant or
24956	24956	potentially vacant congressional districts. In the event that
24957	24957	five names are not received, the board shall request
24958	24958	nominations from the state at large. The board shall conduct
24959	24959	an annual meeting at which all physical therapists and
24960	24960	physical therapist assistants holding a current license as
24961	24961	identified under this article shall have the right to attend,
24962	24962	nominate, and vote. The board may regulate and prescribe the
24963	24963	date, hour, and place of the meeting, the method of
24964	24964	nomination, and the manner of voting. At least 30 days prior
24965	24965	to the meeting the board shall mail notices to each current
24966	24966	licensee, at the address shown on his or her current
24967	24967	registration, notifying him or her of the exact date, hour,
24968	24968	and place of the meeting, the purpose of the meeting, and of
24969	24969	his or her right to attend and vote. The membership of the
24970	24970	board shall be inclusive and reflect the racial, gender,
24971	24971	geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the state.
24972	24972	Whenever possible, a congressional district shall not be
24973	24973	represented by two physical therapists. The board members
24974	24974	12040
24975	24975	12041
24976	24976	12042
24977	24977	12043
24978	24978	12044
24979	24979	12045
24980	24980	12046
24981	24981	12047
24982	24982	12048
24983	24983	12049
24984	24984	12050
24985	24985	12051
24986	24986	12052
24987	24987	12053
24988	24988	12054
24989	24989	12055
24990	24990	12056
24991	24991	12057
24992	24992	12058
24993	24993	12059
24994	24994	12060
24995	24995	12061
24996	24996	12062
24997	24997	12063
24998	24998	12064
24999	24999	12065
25000	25000	12066
25001	25001	12067 SB224 INTRODUCED
25002	25002	Page 432
25003	25003	represented by two physical therapists. The board members
25004	25004	shall be appointed for staggered terms of five years each, so
25005	25005	that at least one member's term expires each year. As each
25006	25006	member's term expires, the board shall provide a method of
25007	25007	nominating members to the board so that each congressional
25008	25008	district in the state is potentially represented on the board
25009	25009	whenever possible. No person shall be appointed for more than
25010	25010	two consecutive terms.
25011	25011	(b) Qualifications of members. Each physical therapist
25012	25012	or physical therapist assistant board member shall possess all
25013	25013	the following qualifications:
25014	25014	(1) Be a resident and citizen of this state.
25015	25015	(2) Have practiced physical therapy, or acted as a
25016	25016	physical therapist assistant, within the State of Alabama for
25017	25017	the three years preceding his or her appointment.
25018	25018	(3) Have no disciplinary action against his or her
25019	25019	license for the three years preceding his or her appointment.
25020	25020	(c) Vacancies. In the event of a vacancy within one
25021	25021	year of the annual meeting at which the list containing his or
25022	25022	her name was compiled, the Governor shall fill the vacancy by
25023	25023	selecting another name from the remaining names on the list
25024	25024	prepared pursuant to subsection (a). Any vacancy, other than
25025	25025	one occurring prior to the next annual meeting after the
25026	25026	initial appointment is made, shall be filled by appointment of
25027	25027	the Governor from a list of five nominees submitted by the
25028	25028	current licensees of the board.
25029	25029	(d) Officers; compensation and expenses of members. The
25030	25030	board shall designate one of its members as chair, one as
25031	25031	secretary, and one as treasurer. Members of the board shall
25032	25032	12068
25033	25033	12069
25034	25034	12070
25035	25035	12071
25036	25036	12072
25037	25037	12073
25038	25038	12074
25039	25039	12075
25040	25040	12076
25041	25041	12077
25042	25042	12078
25043	25043	12079
25044	25044	12080
25045	25045	12081
25046	25046	12082
25047	25047	12083
25048	25048	12084
25049	25049	12085
25050	25050	12086
25051	25051	12087
25052	25052	12088
25053	25053	12089
25054	25054	12090
25055	25055	12091
25056	25056	12092
25057	25057	12093
25058	25058	12094
25059	25059	12095 SB224 INTRODUCED
25060	25060	Page 433
25061	25061	secretary, and one as treasurer. Members of the board shall
25062	25062	receive a fee for every day actually spent in the performance
25063	25063	of their duties and in addition thereto shall be reimbursed
25064	25064	according to the state travel policy for their other expenses
25065	25065	in the same amounts and under the same conditions as state
25066	25066	employees are reimbursed. The exact amount of the
25067	25067	above-mentioned fee shall be fixed by the board. "
25068	25068	"§34-24-193
25069	25069	(a) The board shall have the following duties:
25070	25070	(1) To pass upon the qualifications of applicants for
25071	25071	licensing as physical therapists or physical therapist
25072	25072	assistants.
25073	25073	(2) To conduct examinations.
25074	25074	(3) To issue licenses and license renewals to physical
25075	25075	therapists and physical therapist assistants qualifying under
25076	25076	this article.
25077	25077	(4) To suspend or revoke as necessary the license or
25078	25078	compact privilege of such individuals.
25079	25079	(b) The board shall adopt rules not inconsistent with
25080	25080	law as it may deem necessary for the performance of its
25081	25081	duties, however the board shall not adopt any rules that
25082	25082	require a physical therapist assistant to be within sight of a
25083	25083	consulting physical therapist or a physical therapist
25084	25084	supervisor while working under the direction of that physical
25085	25085	therapist, or adopt any rules or issue any orders inconsistent
25086	25086	with Section 34-24-217(b). The board shall maintain a listing
25087	25087	of the name of every living physical therapist and physical
25088	25088	therapist assistant licensed or granted a compact privilege in
25089	25089	this state, his or her last known place of business and last
25090	25090	12096
25091	25091	12097
25092	25092	12098
25093	25093	12099
25094	25094	12100
25095	25095	12101
25096	25096	12102
25097	25097	12103
25098	25098	12104
25099	25099	12105
25100	25100	12106
25101	25101	12107
25102	25102	12108
25103	25103	12109
25104	25104	12110
25105	25105	12111
25106	25106	12112
25107	25107	12113
25108	25108	12114
25109	25109	12115
25110	25110	12116
25111	25111	12117
25112	25112	12118
25113	25113	12119
25114	25114	12120
25115	25115	12121
25116	25116	12122
25117	25117	12123 SB224 INTRODUCED
25118	25118	Page 434
25119	25119	this state, his or her last known place of business and last
25120	25120	known place of residence, and the date and number of his or
25121	25121	her license.
25122	25122	(c) The board shall compile a list of physical
25123	25123	therapists and physical therapist assistants licensed to
25124	25124	practice or granted a compact privilege in this state, and the
25125	25125	list shall be available to any person upon application to the
25126	25126	board and the payment of a fee as may be fixed by the board.
25127	25127	(d) The board executive director may establish and
25128	25128	collect a fee for the issuance of a compact privilege.
25129	25129	(e) Subject to the provisions of Section 34-24-195, the
25130	25130	board may make such expenditures and employ such personnel as
25131	25131	it may deem necessary for the administration of this article.
25132	25132	(f) The board shall hire and establish the
25133	25133	responsibilities and salary of an executive director.
25134	25134	(g)(e) The board executive director may establish and
25135	25135	collect a fee for certifying to other boards or entities that
25136	25136	a licensee is a member in good standing with the Alabama
25137	25137	board.
25138	25138	(h)(f) The board may collect a fee from providers of
25139	25139	continuing education programs.
25140	25140	(i)(g) The board may discipline its licensees and
25141	25141	compact privilege holders by the adoption and collection of
25142	25142	administrative fines, not to exceed one thousand dollars
25143	25143	($1,000) per violation, and may institute any legal
25144	25144	proceedings necessary to effect compliance with this chapter.
25145	25145	(j)(h)(1) The board shall provide for an impaired
25146	25146	practitioner program beginning January 1, 2014 .
25147	25147	(2) The board shall promote the early identification,
25148	25148	12124
25149	25149	12125
25150	25150	12126
25151	25151	12127
25152	25152	12128
25153	25153	12129
25154	25154	12130
25155	25155	12131
25156	25156	12132
25157	25157	12133
25158	25158	12134
25159	25159	12135
25160	25160	12136
25161	25161	12137
25162	25162	12138
25163	25163	12139
25164	25164	12140
25165	25165	12141
25166	25166	12142
25167	25167	12143
25168	25168	12144
25169	25169	12145
25170	25170	12146
25171	25171	12147
25172	25172	12148
25173	25173	12149
25174	25174	12150
25175	25175	12151 SB224 INTRODUCED
25176	25176	Page 435
25177	25177	(2) The board shall promote the early identification,
25178	25178	intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical
25179	25179	therapy licensees or compact privilege holders who may be
25180	25180	impaired by reason of illness, inebriation, excessive use of
25181	25181	drugs, narcotics, alcohol, chemicals, or other substances, or
25182	25182	as a result of any physical or mental condition.
25183	25183	(3) In order to carry out this obligation, the board
25184	25184	may contract with any nonprofit corporation or medical
25185	25185	professional association for the purpose of creating,
25186	25186	supporting, and maintaining a committee to be designated the
25187	25187	Alabama Physical Therapy Wellness Committee. The committee
25188	25188	shall be selected in a manner prescribed by the board. The
25189	25189	board may expend available funds as necessary to adequately
25190	25190	provide for the operational expenses of the committee
25191	25191	including, but not limited to, the actual cost of travel,
25192	25192	office overhead, and personnel expense. The funds provided by
25193	25193	the board for the purpose of operating expenses are not
25194	25194	subject to any provision of law requiring competitive bidding.
25195	25195	(4) The board may enter into an agreement with a
25196	25196	nonprofit corporation or medical professional association for
25197	25197	the committee to undertake those functions and
25198	25198	responsibilities specified in the agreement, which may include
25199	25199	any or all of the following:
25200	25200	a. Contracting with providers of treatment programs.
25201	25201	b. Receiving and evaluating reports of suspected
25202	25202	impairment from any source.
25203	25203	c. Intervening in cases of verified impairment.
25204	25204	d. Referring impaired physical therapy licensees or
25205	25205	compact privilege holders to treatment programs.
25206	25206	12152
25207	25207	12153
25208	25208	12154
25209	25209	12155
25210	25210	12156
25211	25211	12157
25212	25212	12158
25213	25213	12159
25214	25214	12160
25215	25215	12161
25216	25216	12162
25217	25217	12163
25218	25218	12164
25219	25219	12165
25220	25220	12166
25221	25221	12167
25222	25222	12168
25223	25223	12169
25224	25224	12170
25225	25225	12171
25226	25226	12172
25227	25227	12173
25228	25228	12174
25229	25229	12175
25230	25230	12176
25231	25231	12177
25232	25232	12178
25233	25233	12179 SB224 INTRODUCED
25234	25234	Page 436
25235	25235	compact privilege holders to treatment programs.
25236	25236	e. Monitoring the treatment and rehabilitation of
25237	25237	impaired physical therapy licensees or compact privilege
25238	25238	holders.
25239	25239	f. Providing post-treatment monitoring and support of
25240	25240	rehabilitated impaired physical therapy licensees or compact
25241	25241	privilege holders.
25242	25242	g. Performing other activities as agreed by the board
25243	25243	and the committee.
25244	25244	(5) The committee shall develop procedures in
25245	25245	consultation with the board for all of the following:
25246	25246	a. Periodic reporting of statistical information
25247	25247	regarding impaired physical therapy licensee program activity.
25248	25248	b. Periodic disclosure and joint review of all
25249	25249	information the board deems appropriate regarding reports
25250	25250	received, contracts or investigations made, and the
25251	25251	disposition of each report. The committee may not disclose any
25252	25252	personally identifiable information except as otherwise
25253	25253	provided in this article.
25254	25254	(6) Any individual appointed to serve as a member of
25255	25255	the committee and any auxiliary personnel, consultant,
25256	25256	attorney, or other volunteer or employee of the committee
25257	25257	taking any action authorized by this article, engaging in the
25258	25258	performance of any duties on behalf of the committee, or
25259	25259	participating in any administrative or judicial proceeding
25260	25260	resulting therefrom, in the performance and operation thereof,
25261	25261	shall be immune from any liability, civil or criminal, that
25262	25262	might otherwise be incurred or imposed. Any nonprofit
25263	25263	corporation or medical professional association or other
25264	25264	12180
25265	25265	12181
25266	25266	12182
25267	25267	12183
25268	25268	12184
25269	25269	12185
25270	25270	12186
25271	25271	12187
25272	25272	12188
25273	25273	12189
25274	25274	12190
25275	25275	12191
25276	25276	12192
25277	25277	12193
25278	25278	12194
25279	25279	12195
25280	25280	12196
25281	25281	12197
25282	25282	12198
25283	25283	12199
25284	25284	12200
25285	25285	12201
25286	25286	12202
25287	25287	12203
25288	25288	12204
25289	25289	12205
25290	25290	12206
25291	25291	12207 SB224 INTRODUCED
25292	25292	Page 437
25293	25293	corporation or medical professional association or other
25294	25294	entity that contracts with or receives funds from the board
25295	25295	for the creation, support, and operation of the committee, in
25296	25296	so doing, shall be immune from any liability, civil or
25297	25297	criminal, that might otherwise be incurred or imposed.
25298	25298	(7) All information, interviews, reports, statements,
25299	25299	memoranda, or other documents furnished to or produced by the
25300	25300	committee and any findings, conclusions, recommendations, or
25301	25301	reports resulting from any investigation, intervention,
25302	25302	treatment, or rehabilitation, or other proceeding of the
25303	25303	committee is privileged and confidential. All records and
25304	25304	proceedings of the committee pertaining to an impaired
25305	25305	physical therapy licensee or compact privilege holder are
25306	25306	confidential and shall be used by the committee and the
25307	25307	members of the committee only in the exercise of the proper
25308	25308	function of the committee and shall not be public record nor
25309	25309	available for court subpoena or for discovery proceedings. In
25310	25310	the event of a breach of contract between the committee and
25311	25311	the impaired physical therapy licensee or compact privilege
25312	25312	holder, all records pertaining to the conduct determined to
25313	25313	cause the breach of contract shall be disclosed to the board
25314	25314	upon its request for disciplinary purposes only. Nothing
25315	25315	contained in this subdivision shall apply to records made in
25316	25316	the regular course of business of a physical therapy licensee
25317	25317	and any information, document, or record otherwise available
25318	25318	from an original source is not to be construed as immune from
25319	25319	discovery or use in any civil proceeding merely because it is
25320	25320	presented or considered during proceedings of the committee.
25321	25321	(8) The committee shall render an annual report to the
25322	25322	12208
25323	25323	12209
25324	25324	12210
25325	25325	12211
25326	25326	12212
25327	25327	12213
25328	25328	12214
25329	25329	12215
25330	25330	12216
25331	25331	12217
25332	25332	12218
25333	25333	12219
25334	25334	12220
25335	25335	12221
25336	25336	12222
25337	25337	12223
25338	25338	12224
25339	25339	12225
25340	25340	12226
25341	25341	12227
25342	25342	12228
25343	25343	12229
25344	25344	12230
25345	25345	12231
25346	25346	12232
25347	25347	12233
25348	25348	12234
25349	25349	12235 SB224 INTRODUCED
25350	25350	Page 438
25351	25351	(8) The committee shall render an annual report to the
25352	25352	board concerning the operations and proceedings of the
25353	25353	committee for the preceding year. The committee shall report
25354	25354	to the board any physical therapy licensee or compact
25355	25355	privilege holder who in the opinion of the committee is unable
25356	25356	to perform physical therapy duties with reasonable skill and
25357	25357	safety to patients by reason of illness, inebriation,
25358	25358	excessive use of drugs, narcotics, alcohol, chemicals, or
25359	25359	other substances, or as a result of any physical or mental
25360	25360	condition when it appears that the physical therapy licensee
25361	25361	or compact privilege holder is currently in need of
25362	25362	intervention, treatment, or rehabilitation and the individual
25363	25363	has failed or refused to participate in any program of
25364	25364	treatment or rehabilitation recommended by the committee. A
25365	25365	report to the Alabama committee shall be deemed a report to
25366	25366	the board for the purposes of any mandated reporting of
25367	25367	impairment of a licensee or compact privilege holder otherwise
25368	25368	provided for by law.
25369	25369	(9) If the board has reasonable cause to believe that a
25370	25370	physical therapy licensee or compact privilege holder is
25371	25371	impaired, the board may cause an evaluation of that individual
25372	25372	to be conducted by the committee for the purpose of
25373	25373	determining if there is an impairment. The committee shall
25374	25374	report the findings of its evaluation to the board."
25375	25375	"§34-24-195
25376	25376	All fees collected by the board shall be paid into the
25377	25377	State Treasury and credited to a special fund designated as
25378	25378	the "Physical Therapist Fund." There is hereby appropriated to
25379	25379	the board all funds appropriated, or otherwise made available,
25380	25380	12236
25381	25381	12237
25382	25382	12238
25383	25383	12239
25384	25384	12240
25385	25385	12241
25386	25386	12242
25387	25387	12243
25388	25388	12244
25389	25389	12245
25390	25390	12246
25391	25391	12247
25392	25392	12248
25393	25393	12249
25394	25394	12250
25395	25395	12251
25396	25396	12252
25397	25397	12253
25398	25398	12254
25399	25399	12255
25400	25400	12256
25401	25401	12257
25402	25402	12258
25403	25403	12259
25404	25404	12260
25405	25405	12261
25406	25406	12262
25407	25407	12263 SB224 INTRODUCED
25408	25408	Page 439
25409	25409	the board all funds appropriated, or otherwise made available,
25410	25410	to the board by the Legislature of Alabama, the Congress of
25411	25411	the United States, or by any other source for the purpose of
25412	25412	carrying out this article, and the board shall have power to
25413	25413	direct the disbursement of all money collected hereunder. All
25414	25414	expenditures authorized shall be paid for out of the fund on
25415	25415	vouchers certified by the executive director of the board the
25416	25416	Occupational and Professional Licensing Fund ."
25417	25417	"§34-24-211
25418	25418	(a) An applicant for licensure as a physical therapist
25419	25419	or as a physical therapist assistant shall file a written
25420	25420	application on forms provided by the board executive director
25421	25421	together with a fee as set by the board executive director , no
25422	25422	part of which shall be refundable. The applicant shall present
25423	25423	evidence satisfactory to the board that he or she is of good
25424	25424	moral character and has completed a program of physical
25425	25425	therapy education appropriate for training a physical
25426	25426	therapist or a physical therapist assistant approved by the
25427	25427	board or a nationally recognized accrediting agency. Each
25428	25428	applicant shall also be a citizen of the United States or, if
25429	25429	not a citizen of the United States, an individual who is
25430	25430	legally present in the United States with appropriate
25431	25431	documentation from the federal government.
25432	25432	(b) On and after June 1, 2021, an applicant for
25433	25433	licensure as a physical therapist or a physical therapist
25434	25434	assistant shall submit to the board, on a form sworn to by the
25435	25435	applicant, his or her name, date of birth, Social Security
25436	25436	number, and two complete sets of fingerprints for completion
25437	25437	of a criminal history background check. The board shall submit
25438	25438	12264
25439	25439	12265
25440	25440	12266
25441	25441	12267
25442	25442	12268
25443	25443	12269
25444	25444	12270
25445	25445	12271
25446	25446	12272
25447	25447	12273
25448	25448	12274
25449	25449	12275
25450	25450	12276
25451	25451	12277
25452	25452	12278
25453	25453	12279
25454	25454	12280
25455	25455	12281
25456	25456	12282
25457	25457	12283
25458	25458	12284
25459	25459	12285
25460	25460	12286
25461	25461	12287
25462	25462	12288
25463	25463	12289
25464	25464	12290
25465	25465	12291 SB224 INTRODUCED
25466	25466	Page 440
25467	25467	of a criminal history background check. The board shall submit
25468	25468	the fingerprints to the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency
25469	25469	for a state criminal history background check. The
25470	25470	fingerprints shall be forwarded by the agency to the Federal
25471	25471	Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history
25472	25472	background check. Costs associated with conducting a criminal
25473	25473	history background check shall be paid by the applicant."
25474	25474	"§34-24-212
25475	25475	(a) Generally. The board shall give an appropriate
25476	25476	physical therapy examination and a jurisprudence examination
25477	25477	to every applicant who complies with Section 34-24-211 and who
25478	25478	pays the fee prescribed by the executive director for the
25479	25479	examination. Examinations shall be held within the state at
25480	25480	least once each year, at such times and places as the board
25481	25481	executive director determines. A practical or demonstration
25482	25482	examination may be required at the discretion of the board
25483	25483	when an applicant is retaking a written examination after
25484	25484	previously having failed such an examination.
25485	25485	(b) Physical therapist. The physical therapy
25486	25486	examination given applicants for licensure as a physical
25487	25487	therapist shall be a written examination approved by the board
25488	25488	to test the applicant's knowledge of the basic and clinical
25489	25489	sciences as they relate to the practice of physical therapy,
25490	25490	physical therapy theory and procedures, and such other
25491	25491	subjects as the board may deem useful to test the applicant's
25492	25492	fitness to practice physical therapy. The board shall also
25493	25493	administer a jurisprudence examination to applicants for
25494	25494	licensure as a physical therapist, which shall be a written
25495	25495	examination approved by the board to test the applicant's
25496	25496	12292
25497	25497	12293
25498	25498	12294
25499	25499	12295
25500	25500	12296
25501	25501	12297
25502	25502	12298
25503	25503	12299
25504	25504	12300
25505	25505	12301
25506	25506	12302
25507	25507	12303
25508	25508	12304
25509	25509	12305
25510	25510	12306
25511	25511	12307
25512	25512	12308
25513	25513	12309
25514	25514	12310
25515	25515	12311
25516	25516	12312
25517	25517	12313
25518	25518	12314
25519	25519	12315
25520	25520	12316
25521	25521	12317
25522	25522	12318
25523	25523	12319 SB224 INTRODUCED
25524	25524	Page 441
25525	25525	examination approved by the board to test the applicant's
25526	25526	knowledge of the laws and rules of the State of Alabama as
25527	25527	they relate to the practice of physical therapy and such other
25528	25528	subjects as the board may deem useful to test the applicant's
25529	25529	knowledge of applicable law. A practical or demonstration
25530	25530	examination may be required if so determined by the board. The
25531	25531	board may waive the requirement for a jurisprudence
25532	25532	examination.
25533	25533	(c) Physical therapist assistant. The physical therapy
25534	25534	examination given applicants for licensure as physical
25535	25535	therapist assistant shall be a written examination approved by
25536	25536	the board to test the applicant's knowledge of the basic and
25537	25537	clinical sciences as they relate to the practice of physical
25538	25538	therapy, physical therapy theory and procedures, and such
25539	25539	other subjects as the board may deem useful to test the
25540	25540	applicant's fitness to act as a physical therapist assistant.
25541	25541	The board shall also administer a jurisprudence examination to
25542	25542	applicants for licensure as a physical therapist assistant,
25543	25543	which shall be a written examination approved by the board to
25544	25544	test the applicant's knowledge of the laws and rules of the
25545	25545	State of Alabama as the laws and rules relate to the practice
25546	25546	of physical therapy, and such other subjects as the board may
25547	25547	deem useful to test the applicant's knowledge of applicable
25548	25548	law. A practical or demonstration examination may be required
25549	25549	if so determined by the board. The board may waive the
25550	25550	requirement for a jurisprudence examination.
25551	25551	(d) Foreign educated physical therapist. Any foreign
25552	25552	educated physical therapist who plans to practice in the state
25553	25553	must have their educational credentials evaluated by a
25554	25554	12320
25555	25555	12321
25556	25556	12322
25557	25557	12323
25558	25558	12324
25559	25559	12325
25560	25560	12326
25561	25561	12327
25562	25562	12328
25563	25563	12329
25564	25564	12330
25565	25565	12331
25566	25566	12332
25567	25567	12333
25568	25568	12334
25569	25569	12335
25570	25570	12336
25571	25571	12337
25572	25572	12338
25573	25573	12339
25574	25574	12340
25575	25575	12341
25576	25576	12342
25577	25577	12343
25578	25578	12344
25579	25579	12345
25580	25580	12346
25581	25581	12347 SB224 INTRODUCED
25582	25582	Page 442
25583	25583	must have their educational credentials evaluated by a
25584	25584	recognized educational evaluation agency and have that agency
25585	25585	send their report directly to the board. The board shall
25586	25586	determine the acceptability of equivalency in educational
25587	25587	preparation. If the board determines the education to be
25588	25588	acceptable, the routine application process shall be followed.
25589	25589	(e) Compact privilege applicants. Individuals
25590	25590	purchasing a compact privilege for the State of Alabama shall
25591	25591	pass the jurisprudence examination required of licensed
25592	25592	physical therapists or licensed physical therapist assistants
25593	25593	before the privilege is issued by the commission.
25594	25594	(f) By January 1, 2024, the board shall adopt rules to
25595	25595	implement this chapter."
25596	25596	"§34-24-214
25597	25597	Upon payment to the board of a fee set by the board
25598	25598	executive director and the submission of a written application
25599	25599	on forms provided by the board, the board shall issue a
25600	25600	license without examination to:
25601	25601	(1) An individual who is qualified within the meaning
25602	25602	of this article as a physical therapist by another state of
25603	25603	the United States of America, its possessions, or the District
25604	25604	of Columbia, if the requirements for licensing or registration
25605	25605	in such state, possession, or district were at the date of his
25606	25606	or her licensing or registration by that state substantially
25607	25607	equal to the requirement for the initial licensing of
25608	25608	individuals practicing physical therapy when this article
25609	25609	became effective, August 20, 1965, or for licensing by
25610	25610	examination prepared by the professional examining service as
25611	25611	set forth in this article and any additional requirements
25612	25612	12348
25613	25613	12349
25614	25614	12350
25615	25615	12351
25616	25616	12352
25617	25617	12353
25618	25618	12354
25619	25619	12355
25620	25620	12356
25621	25621	12357
25622	25622	12358
25623	25623	12359
25624	25624	12360
25625	25625	12361
25626	25626	12362
25627	25627	12363
25628	25628	12364
25629	25629	12365
25630	25630	12366
25631	25631	12367
25632	25632	12368
25633	25633	12369
25634	25634	12370
25635	25635	12371
25636	25636	12372
25637	25637	12373
25638	25638	12374
25639	25639	12375 SB224 INTRODUCED
25640	25640	Page 443
25641	25641	set forth in this article and any additional requirements
25642	25642	prescribed by the board.
25643	25643	(2) An individual who is qualified within the meaning
25644	25644	of this article as a physical therapist assistant by another
25645	25645	state of the United States of America, its possessions, or the
25646	25646	District of Columbia, if the requirements for licensing in
25647	25647	such state, possession, or district were at the date of his or
25648	25648	her licensing by that state substantially equal to the
25649	25649	requirements set forth in this article."
25650	25650	"§34-24-215
25651	25651	(a) On payment to the board of a fee set by the board
25652	25652	executive director , and on submission of a written application
25653	25653	on forms provided by the board executive director , the
25654	25654	applicant shall be issued without examination a temporary
25655	25655	license to practice physical therapy or to act as a physical
25656	25656	therapist assistant in this state for a period not to exceed
25657	25657	one year established by the executive director , if the person
25658	25658	meets the qualifications set forth in Section 34-24-211 and
25659	25659	submits evidence satisfactory to the board that he or she is
25660	25660	in this state on a temporary basis to assist in a case of
25661	25661	medical emergency or to engage in a special physical therapy
25662	25662	project. Such special projects may be research and education
25663	25663	programs. Each request will be judged by the board on its
25664	25664	individual merits.
25665	25665	(b) Upon the submission of a written application on
25666	25666	forms provided by the board executive director , a person who
25667	25667	has applied for a license under the provisions of Section
25668	25668	34-24-211 and who is, in the judgment of the board, eligible
25669	25669	to take the examination provided for in Section 34-24-212, may
25670	25670	12376
25671	25671	12377
25672	25672	12378
25673	25673	12379
25674	25674	12380
25675	25675	12381
25676	25676	12382
25677	25677	12383
25678	25678	12384
25679	25679	12385
25680	25680	12386
25681	25681	12387
25682	25682	12388
25683	25683	12389
25684	25684	12390
25685	25685	12391
25686	25686	12392
25687	25687	12393
25688	25688	12394
25689	25689	12395
25690	25690	12396
25691	25691	12397
25692	25692	12398
25693	25693	12399
25694	25694	12400
25695	25695	12401
25696	25696	12402
25697	25697	12403 SB224 INTRODUCED
25698	25698	Page 444
25699	25699	to take the examination provided for in Section 34-24-212, may
25700	25700	be issued a temporary license by the board executive director .
25701	25701	Such temporary license shall be available to an applicant only
25702	25702	with respect to his or her first application for a license
25703	25703	under Section 34-24-211, and such license shall expire when
25704	25704	the board makes a determination with respect to the
25705	25705	application."
25706	25706	"§34-24-216
25707	25707	(a) All licenses issued by the board to physical
25708	25708	therapists and physical therapist assistants shall expire on
25709	25709	the first day of October of the year next succeeding the
25710	25710	issuance thereof date prescribed by the executive director . A
25711	25711	license may be renewed on the payment , on or before November
25712	25712	first of each year, to the board of a fee set by the board
25713	25713	executive director . A license which has expired may , within
25714	25714	five years of its expiration date, be renewed on the payment
25715	25715	to the board of a fee set by the board executive director for
25716	25716	each year or part thereof during which the license was
25717	25717	ineffective and the payment of a restoration fee set by the
25718	25718	board executive director . After the five-year period, a
25719	25719	license may be obtained only by complying with the provisions
25720	25720	hereinabove relating to the issuance of an original license.
25721	25721	(b) The board shall adopt a program of continuing
25722	25722	education for its licensees not later than October 1, 1991.
25723	25723	After such date, successful completion of the annual
25724	25724	continuing education program shall be a requisite for the
25725	25725	renewal of licenses issued pursuant to this chapter.
25726	25726	(c) Provided, however, under the provisions of this
25727	25727	chapter, continuing education shall not result in a passing or
25728	25728	12404
25729	25729	12405
25730	25730	12406
25731	25731	12407
25732	25732	12408
25733	25733	12409
25734	25734	12410
25735	25735	12411
25736	25736	12412
25737	25737	12413
25738	25738	12414
25739	25739	12415
25740	25740	12416
25741	25741	12417
25742	25742	12418
25743	25743	12419
25744	25744	12420
25745	25745	12421
25746	25746	12422
25747	25747	12423
25748	25748	12424
25749	25749	12425
25750	25750	12426
25751	25751	12427
25752	25752	12428
25753	25753	12429
25754	25754	12430
25755	25755	12431 SB224 INTRODUCED
25756	25756	Page 445
25757	25757	chapter, continuing education shall not result in a passing or
25758	25758	failing grade."
25759	25759	Section 34. Relating to the Polygraph Examiners Board;
25760	25760	to amend Sections 34-25-2, 34-25-4, 34-25-5, 34-25-22,
25761	25761	34-25-26, and 34-25-29 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to read as
25762	25762	follows:
25763	25763	"§34-25-2
25764	25764	For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms
25765	25765	shall have the following respective meanings ascribed by this
25766	25766	section:
25767	25767	(1) BOARD. The Polygraph Examiners Board.
25768	25768	(2) CHAIRMAN. That member of the Polygraph Examiners
25769	25769	Board selected by the board to act as chairman.
25770	25770	(3) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
25771	25771	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
25772	25772	in Section 25-2B-1.
25773	25773	(3)(4) INTERNSHIP. The study of polygraph examinations
25774	25774	and of the administration of polygraph examinations by a
25775	25775	trainee under the personal supervision and control of a
25776	25776	polygraph examiner in accordance with a course of study
25777	25777	prescribed by the board at the commencement of such
25778	25778	internship.
25779	25779	(4)(5) PERSON. Any natural person, firm, association,
25780	25780	copartnership, or corporation.
25781	25781	(5)(6) POLYGRAPH EXAMINER. Any person who uses
25782	25782	instrumentation described herein to test or question
25783	25783	individuals for the purpose of detecting deception or
25784	25784	verifying truth of statements, or any person who holds himself
25785	25785	out to be a lie detector operator or examiner, or any person
25786	25786	12432
25787	25787	12433
25788	25788	12434
25789	25789	12435
25790	25790	12436
25791	25791	12437
25792	25792	12438
25793	25793	12439
25794	25794	12440
25795	25795	12441
25796	25796	12442
25797	25797	12443
25798	25798	12444
25799	25799	12445
25800	25800	12446
25801	25801	12447
25802	25802	12448
25803	25803	12449
25804	25804	12450
25805	25805	12451
25806	25806	12452
25807	25807	12453
25808	25808	12454
25809	25809	12455
25810	25810	12456
25811	25811	12457
25812	25812	12458
25813	25813	12459 SB224 INTRODUCED
25814	25814	Page 446
25815	25815	out to be a lie detector operator or examiner, or any person
25816	25816	who purports to be able to detect deception or verify truth of
25817	25817	statements through instrumentation or the use of a mechanical
25818	25818	device."
25819	25819	"§34-25-4
25820	25820	(a) There is established a Polygraph Examiners Board
25821	25821	consisting. Commencing on October 1, 2026, the board shall be
25822	25822	subject to the leadership, support, and oversight of the
25823	25823	Executive Director of the Office of Occupational and
25824	25824	Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25.
25825	25825	(b) The board shall consist of five voting members who
25826	25826	are citizens of the United States and residents of the state
25827	25827	for at least two years prior to appointment, all of whom shall
25828	25828	have been engaged for a period of four consecutive years in
25829	25829	their profession as polygraph examiners prior to appointment
25830	25830	to the board and engaged at the time of appointment as an
25831	25831	active polygraph examiner. No board members may be employed by
25832	25832	the same person or agency. Three of the board members shall be
25833	25833	qualified polygraph examiners of a governmental law
25834	25834	enforcement agency, and two of the board members shall be
25835	25835	qualified polygraph examiners and Alabama residents in the
25836	25836	commercial field. Two advisory consultants, who shall possess
25837	25837	qualifications as established by rule of the board, shall be
25838	25838	appointed to assist the board members. The board members and
25839	25839	advisory consultants shall be appointed by the Governor of the
25840	25840	State of Alabama for a term of four years. Any vacancy in an
25841	25841	unexpired term shall be filled by appointment of the Governor,
25842	25842	with the advice and consent of the Senate, for the unexpired
25843	25843	term. In appointing members to the board, the Governor shall
25844	25844	12460
25845	25845	12461
25846	25846	12462
25847	25847	12463
25848	25848	12464
25849	25849	12465
25850	25850	12466
25851	25851	12467
25852	25852	12468
25853	25853	12469
25854	25854	12470
25855	25855	12471
25856	25856	12472
25857	25857	12473
25858	25858	12474
25859	25859	12475
25860	25860	12476
25861	25861	12477
25862	25862	12478
25863	25863	12479
25864	25864	12480
25865	25865	12481
25866	25866	12482
25867	25867	12483
25868	25868	12484
25869	25869	12485
25870	25870	12486
25871	25871	12487 SB224 INTRODUCED
25872	25872	Page 447
25873	25873	term. In appointing members to the board, the Governor shall
25874	25874	select those persons whose appointments, to the extent
25875	25875	possible, ensure that the membership of the board is inclusive
25876	25876	and reflects the racial, gender, urban/rural, and economic
25877	25877	diversity of the state. On April 11, 1989, all terms of
25878	25878	current board members and advisory consultants shall expire.
25879	25879	The Governor shall appoint new board members and advisory
25880	25880	consultants in accordance with this chapter. Immediately after
25881	25881	May 12, 2003, the board shall notify the Governor of the
25882	25882	vacancies on the board and the Governor shall immediately
25883	25883	appoint qualified persons to fill those vacancies in
25884	25884	accordance with this chapter.
25885	25885	(b) The board may fix the number of its full-time
25886	25886	employees, who shall be employed pursuant to the Merit System.
25887	25887	The board may engage temporary services for the investigation
25888	25888	of applications or to investigate complaints filed against
25889	25889	examiners. The board shall fix the compensation for any
25890	25890	temporary employees. Temporary employees of the board are not
25891	25891	covered under the Retirement Systems of Alabama. Any current
25892	25892	full-time employee of the board shall be transferred to the
25893	25893	Department of Public Safety on April 11, 1989. All benefits,
25894	25894	including retirement, of any current full-time employee of the
25895	25895	board who is transferred to the Department of Public Safety in
25896	25896	accordance with this chapter, shall be retroactive back to the
25897	25897	original date of employment upon payment of necessary
25898	25898	contributions as required by the Employees' Retirement System.
25899	25899	(c) On or after April 11, 1989, and within 30 days of
25900	25900	the appointments by the Governor, this new board shall meet
25901	25901	and elect a chair from among the members of the board. The
25902	25902	12488
25903	25903	12489
25904	25904	12490
25905	25905	12491
25906	25906	12492
25907	25907	12493
25908	25908	12494
25909	25909	12495
25910	25910	12496
25911	25911	12497
25912	25912	12498
25913	25913	12499
25914	25914	12500
25915	25915	12501
25916	25916	12502
25917	25917	12503
25918	25918	12504
25919	25919	12505
25920	25920	12506
25921	25921	12507
25922	25922	12508
25923	25923	12509
25924	25924	12510
25925	25925	12511
25926	25926	12512
25927	25927	12513
25928	25928	12514
25929	25929	12515 SB224 INTRODUCED
25930	25930	Page 448
25931	25931	and elect a chair from among the members of the board. The
25932	25932	board shall meet at three-month intervals, or at any other
25933	25933	time as necessary.
25934	25934	(d) The vote of a majority of the board members is
25935	25935	sufficient for passage of any business or proposal which comes
25936	25936	before the board.
25937	25937	(e) All documents, records, functions, and
25938	25938	responsibilities currently housed at the Board of Polygraph
25939	25939	Examiners' Office shall be transferred to the Department of
25940	25940	Public Safety in a section to be determined by the Director of
25941	25941	the Department of Public Safety Office of Occupational and
25942	25942	Professional Licensing and under the supervision of the
25943	25943	Department of Public Safety executive director in conjunction
25944	25944	with the board."
25945	25945	"§34-25-5
25946	25946	(a) The board shall issue regulations rules and the
25947	25947	executive director shall issue forms consistent with this
25948	25948	chapter for the administration and enforcement of this
25949	25949	chapter.
25950	25950	(b) An order or a certified copy thereof, over board
25951	25951	seal and purporting to be signed by the board members, shall
25952	25952	be prima facie proof that the signatures are the genuine
25953	25953	signatures of the board members and that the board members are
25954	25954	fully qualified to act.
25955	25955	(c) On April 11, 1989, all moneys and appropriations
25956	25956	credited to the Board of Polygraph Examiners under the
25957	25957	provisions of Article 4 of Chapter 4, Title 41, shall be
25958	25958	transferred by the State Treasurer to the charge and custody
25959	25959	of the Board of Polygraph Examiners of the Alabama Department
25960	25960	12516
25961	25961	12517
25962	25962	12518
25963	25963	12519
25964	25964	12520
25965	25965	12521
25966	25966	12522
25967	25967	12523
25968	25968	12524
25969	25969	12525
25970	25970	12526
25971	25971	12527
25972	25972	12528
25973	25973	12529
25974	25974	12530
25975	25975	12531
25976	25976	12532
25977	25977	12533
25978	25978	12534
25979	25979	12535
25980	25980	12536
25981	25981	12537
25982	25982	12538
25983	25983	12539
25984	25984	12540
25985	25985	12541
25986	25986	12542
25987	25987	12543 SB224 INTRODUCED
25988	25988	Page 449
25989	25989	of the Board of Polygraph Examiners of the Alabama Department
25990	25990	of Public Safety; and the board shall administer the fund as
25991	25991	provided by law. The fund is hereby officially known as the
25992	25992	Board of Polygraph Examiners Fund.
25993	25993	All fees collected under this chapter shall be paid to
25994	25994	the Board of Polygraph Examiners Fund for the purpose of
25995	25995	administering and enforcing this chapter and shall be
25996	25996	deposited in the fund deposited into the Occupational and
25997	25997	Professional Licensing Fund .
25998	25998	Warrants shall be issued by the Department of Finance,
25999	25999	office of the state Comptroller, for board expenses and
26000	26000	operation provided that no funds shall be withdrawn except as
26001	26001	budgeted and allotted according to Article 4 of Chapter 4 of
26002	26002	Title 41 and only in the amounts as stipulated in the general
26003	26003	appropriations bill.
26004	26004	(d) Board members and advisory consultants shall be
26005	26005	paid one hundred dollars ($100) per day plus mileage for
26006	26006	attendance at regular or special board meetings, only for the
26007	26007	actual days of meeting. The board may approve the payment for
26008	26008	a board member when authorized by the board to perform certain
26009	26009	other duties of the board when not in formal, regular, or
26010	26010	special session.
26011	26011	(e) Employees shall be paid the same mileage expenses
26012	26012	and travel allowance as provided for regular state employees.
26013	26013	(f) The board may determine all resources necessary for
26014	26014	the operation of the board. Purchasing shall be in accordance
26015	26015	with the state bid law.
26016	26016	(g)(d) The board shall be exempt from payment of state
26017	26017	sales tax."
26018	26018	12544
26019	26019	12545
26020	26020	12546
26021	26021	12547
26022	26022	12548
26023	26023	12549
26024	26024	12550
26025	26025	12551
26026	26026	12552
26027	26027	12553
26028	26028	12554
26029	26029	12555
26030	26030	12556
26031	26031	12557
26032	26032	12558
26033	26033	12559
26034	26034	12560
26035	26035	12561
26036	26036	12562
26037	26037	12563
26038	26038	12564
26039	26039	12565
26040	26040	12566
26041	26041	12567
26042	26042	12568
26043	26043	12569
26044	26044	12570
26045	26045	12571 SB224 INTRODUCED
26046	26046	Page 450
26047	26047	sales tax."
26048	26048	"§34-25-22
26049	26049	(a) Applications for original license shall be made to
26050	26050	the board in writing under oath on forms prescribed by the
26051	26051	board executive director and shall be accompanied by the
26052	26052	required fee, which is not refundable. Any such application
26053	26053	shall require such information as in the judgment of the board
26054	26054	will enable it to pass on the qualifications of the applicant
26055	26055	for a license.
26056	26056	(b) An applicant shall provide the board with two
26057	26057	complete sets of fingerprints to be sent to the State Bureau
26058	26058	of Investigations to conduct a criminal history background
26059	26059	check. The State Bureau of Investigations shall forward a copy
26060	26060	of the applicant's prints to the Federal Bureau of
26061	26061	Investigation for a national criminal background check.
26062	26062	(c) The request to the board shall contain the
26063	26063	following information:
26064	26064	(1) Two complete functional sets of fingerprints,
26065	26065	either cards or electronic, properly executed by a criminal
26066	26066	justice agency or an individual properly trained in
26067	26067	fingerprinting techniques.
26068	26068	(2) Written consent from the applicant for the release
26069	26069	of criminal history background information to the board.
26070	26070	(d) The applicant shall pay all costs associated with
26071	26071	the background checks required by this section.
26072	26072	(e) The board shall keep information received pursuant
26073	26073	to this section confidential, except that such information
26074	26074	received and relied upon in denying the issuance of a license
26075	26075	in this state may be disclosed as may be necessary to support
26076	26076	12572
26077	26077	12573
26078	26078	12574
26079	26079	12575
26080	26080	12576
26081	26081	12577
26082	26082	12578
26083	26083	12579
26084	26084	12580
26085	26085	12581
26086	26086	12582
26087	26087	12583
26088	26088	12584
26089	26089	12585
26090	26090	12586
26091	26091	12587
26092	26092	12588
26093	26093	12589
26094	26094	12590
26095	26095	12591
26096	26096	12592
26097	26097	12593
26098	26098	12594
26099	26099	12595
26100	26100	12596
26101	26101	12597
26102	26102	12598
26103	26103	12599 SB224 INTRODUCED
26104	26104	Page 451
26105	26105	in this state may be disclosed as may be necessary to support
26106	26106	the denial or when subpoenaed from a court."
26107	26107	"§34-25-26
26108	26108	The fee requirements of this chapter shall apply to all
26109	26109	polygraph examiners, including those employed by governmental
26110	26110	agencies, and to those who engage in polygraph examinations on
26111	26111	any commercial basis. The executive director shall prescribe
26112	26112	all of the following fees to be paid , effective October 1,
26113	26113	2019, are as follows :
26114	26114	(1) For an examination of an applicant to determine his
26115	26115	or her fitness, two hundred fifty dollars ($250) , which is not
26116	26116	to be credited as payment against the license fee and is not
26117	26117	refundable.
26118	26118	(2) For the issuance of an original polygraph
26119	26119	examiner's license , two hundred fifty dollars ($250) .
26120	26120	(3) For the issuance of an internship license , one
26121	26121	hundred dollars ($100) .
26122	26122	(4) For the issuance of a duplicate polygraph
26123	26123	examiner's license , twenty dollars ($20) .
26124	26124	(5) For the issuance of a polygraph examiner's renewal
26125	26125	license, two hundred dollars ($200) .
26126	26126	(6) For the extension or renewal of an internship
26127	26127	license, one hundred dollars ($100) .
26128	26128	(7) For the issuance of a duplicate internship license ,
26129	26129	twenty dollars ($20) ."
26130	26130	"§34-25-29
26131	26131	(a)(1) Each polygraph examiner's license shall be
26132	26132	issued for the a term of one year and shall determined by the
26133	26133	executive director , unless suspended or revoked, and be
26134	26134	12600
26135	26135	12601
26136	26136	12602
26137	26137	12603
26138	26138	12604
26139	26139	12605
26140	26140	12606
26141	26141	12607
26142	26142	12608
26143	26143	12609
26144	26144	12610
26145	26145	12611
26146	26146	12612
26147	26147	12613
26148	26148	12614
26149	26149	12615
26150	26150	12616
26151	26151	12617
26152	26152	12618
26153	26153	12619
26154	26154	12620
26155	26155	12621
26156	26156	12622
26157	26157	12623
26158	26158	12624
26159	26159	12625
26160	26160	12626
26161	26161	12627 SB224 INTRODUCED
26162	26162	Page 452
26163	26163	executive director , unless suspended or revoked, and be
26164	26164	renewed annually as prescribed by the board executive
26165	26165	director. A polygraph examiner whose license has expired may
26166	26166	at any time within two months after the expiration , for a time
26167	26167	prescribed by the executive director, may obtain a renewal
26168	26168	license, without examination or late penalty fee, by
26169	26169	submitting a renewal application to the board and satisfying
26170	26170	subdivisions (2), (3), and (4) of subsection (a) of Section
26171	26171	34-25-21. A polygraph examiner whose license has expired, and
26172	26172	who does not apply for renewal within two months following
26173	26173	expiration as prescribed, may at any time within three to six
26174	26174	months a time period prescribed by the executive director
26175	26175	after the expiration obtain a renewal license, without
26176	26176	examination, by paying a late penalty fee as prescribed by the
26177	26177	board executive director , submitting a renewal application to
26178	26178	the board, and satisfying subdivisions (2), (3), and (4) of
26179	26179	subsection (a) of Section 34-25-21.
26180	26180	(2) However, any polygraph examiner whose license
26181	26181	expired while he or she was in the federal service on active
26182	26182	duty with the Armed Forces of the United States, or the
26183	26183	National Guard called into service or training, or in training
26184	26184	or education under the supervision of the United States
26185	26185	preliminary to induction into the military service, may have
26186	26186	his or her license renewed, without examination or late
26187	26187	penalty fee, if within six months after termination of such
26188	26188	service, training, or education, except under conditions other
26189	26189	than honorable, he or she furnishes the board with an
26190	26190	affidavit to the effect that he or she has been so engaged and
26191	26191	that his or her service, training, or other education has been
26192	26192	12628
26193	26193	12629
26194	26194	12630
26195	26195	12631
26196	26196	12632
26197	26197	12633
26198	26198	12634
26199	26199	12635
26200	26200	12636
26201	26201	12637
26202	26202	12638
26203	26203	12639
26204	26204	12640
26205	26205	12641
26206	26206	12642
26207	26207	12643
26208	26208	12644
26209	26209	12645
26210	26210	12646
26211	26211	12647
26212	26212	12648
26213	26213	12649
26214	26214	12650
26215	26215	12651
26216	26216	12652
26217	26217	12653
26218	26218	12654
26219	26219	12655 SB224 INTRODUCED
26220	26220	Page 453
26221	26221	that his or her service, training, or other education has been
26222	26222	terminated. Subdivisions (2), (3), and (4) of subsection (a)
26223	26223	of Section 34-25-21 shall also be satisfied.
26224	26224	(b) The board shall adopt a program of continuing
26225	26225	education for its licensees not later than October 1, 1993,
26226	26226	and after that date no licensee shall have his or her active
26227	26227	license renewed unless, in addition to any other requirements
26228	26228	of this chapter, the minimum continuing annual education
26229	26229	requirements are met. It is further provided that this
26230	26230	continuing education program may not include testing or
26231	26231	examination of the licensees in any manner."
26232	26232	Section 35. Relating to the Alabama Board of Examiners
26233	26233	in Psychology; to amend Sections 34-26-21, 34-26-22, 34-26-41,
26234	26234	34-26-43, 34-26-43.1, 34-26-47, and 34-26-64 of the Code of
26235	26235	Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
26236	26236	"§34-26-21
26237	26237	(a)(1) There is created the Alabama Board of Examiners
26238	26238	in Psychology to. Commencing on October 1, 2026, the board
26239	26239	shall be subject to the leadership, support, and oversight of
26240	26240	the Executive Director of the Office of Occupational and
26241	26241	Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25. The
26242	26242	board shall consist of eight persons who are residents of this
26243	26243	state, who shall be inclusive and reflect the racial, gender,
26244	26244	geographic, urban, rural, and economic diversity of the state,
26245	26245	and who shall be appointed by the Governor as follows:
26246	26246	a. One member shall be a member of the faculty of an
26247	26247	accredited college or university in the state with the rank of
26248	26248	assistant professor or above who is primarily engaged in
26249	26249	teaching, research, or administration of psychology and is a
26250	26250	12656
26251	26251	12657
26252	26252	12658
26253	26253	12659
26254	26254	12660
26255	26255	12661
26256	26256	12662
26257	26257	12663
26258	26258	12664
26259	26259	12665
26260	26260	12666
26261	26261	12667
26262	26262	12668
26263	26263	12669
26264	26264	12670
26265	26265	12671
26266	26266	12672
26267	26267	12673
26268	26268	12674
26269	26269	12675
26270	26270	12676
26271	26271	12677
26272	26272	12678
26273	26273	12679
26274	26274	12680
26275	26275	12681
26276	26276	12682
26277	26277	12683 SB224 INTRODUCED
26278	26278	Page 454
26279	26279	teaching, research, or administration of psychology and is a
26280	26280	psychologist licensed under this chapter.
26281	26281	b. Five members shall be psychologists licensed under
26282	26282	this chapter.
26283	26283	c. One member shall be a psychological technician
26284	26284	licensed under this chapter.
26285	26285	d. One member shall be a member of the general public.
26286	26286	(2) The board shall perform those duties and exercise
26287	26287	those powers prescribed in this chapter. No member of the
26288	26288	board shall be liable to civil action for any act performed in
26289	26289	good faith in the performance of his or her duty pursuant to
26290	26290	this chapter. Vacancies shall be filled for any unexpired
26291	26291	term, and members shall serve until their successors are
26292	26292	appointed and have qualified.
26293	26293	In nominating candidates to fill vacancies on the
26294	26294	board, nominating authorities shall coordinate their
26295	26295	appointments to assure board membership is inclusive and
26296	26296	reflects the racial, gender, geographic, urban, rural, and
26297	26297	economic diversity of the state without regard to political
26298	26298	affiliation.
26299	26299	(3) Board members shall not serve more than two
26300	26300	consecutive terms of office. Not later than October 1 of each
26301	26301	year the executive council of the Alabama Psychological
26302	26302	Association, or of its successor organization, shall submit to
26303	26303	the Governor the names of two qualified candidates for the
26304	26304	position of the board to be vacated by reason of expiration of
26305	26305	term of office. From the two candidates the Governor shall
26306	26306	appoint one member not later than January 1 to serve on the
26307	26307	board for a term of five years. With the exception of the
26308	26308	12684
26309	26309	12685
26310	26310	12686
26311	26311	12687
26312	26312	12688
26313	26313	12689
26314	26314	12690
26315	26315	12691
26316	26316	12692
26317	26317	12693
26318	26318	12694
26319	26319	12695
26320	26320	12696
26321	26321	12697
26322	26322	12698
26323	26323	12699
26324	26324	12700
26325	26325	12701
26326	26326	12702
26327	26327	12703
26328	26328	12704
26329	26329	12705
26330	26330	12706
26331	26331	12707
26332	26332	12708
26333	26333	12709
26334	26334	12710
26335	26335	12711 SB224 INTRODUCED
26336	26336	Page 455
26337	26337	board for a term of five years. With the exception of the
26338	26338	member appointed from the general public, other vacancies
26339	26339	occurring in the board shall be filled for the unexpired term
26340	26340	by appointment of the Governor from two qualified candidates
26341	26341	for each vacancy submitted within 30 days after the vacancy
26342	26342	occurs by the executive council of the association, or by its
26343	26343	successor organization. Those appointments shall be made by
26344	26344	the Governor within 30 days after the candidates' names have
26345	26345	been submitted. If the association, or its successor
26346	26346	organization, fails to furnish the Governor with the list of
26347	26347	persons eligible for appointment to the board, the Governor
26348	26348	shall appoint any qualified members of the profession of
26349	26349	psychology to the vacant position on the board.
26350	26350	(b) The Governor shall appoint, for a five-year term of
26351	26351	office, a member of the general public who is a resident of
26352	26352	Alabama not licensed by the board, and whose spouse, if
26353	26353	married, is not licensed by the board. Vacancies for unexpired
26354	26354	terms of the general public member shall be filled by the
26355	26355	Governor. Successor public members shall be appointed by the
26356	26356	Governor.
26357	26357	(c) To fill the psychological technician position on
26358	26358	the board, the Executive Council of the Alabama Psychological
26359	26359	Association, or its successor organization, shall select two
26360	26360	names to be submitted to the Governor by October 1 prior to
26361	26361	the expiration of the term. On or before the immediately
26362	26362	following January 1, the Governor shall appoint one of the two
26363	26363	names submitted to serve in the psychological technician
26364	26364	position on the board for a term of five years.
26365	26365	(d) Any board members may be removed by the Governor
26366	26366	12712
26367	26367	12713
26368	26368	12714
26369	26369	12715
26370	26370	12716
26371	26371	12717
26372	26372	12718
26373	26373	12719
26374	26374	12720
26375	26375	12721
26376	26376	12722
26377	26377	12723
26378	26378	12724
26379	26379	12725
26380	26380	12726
26381	26381	12727
26382	26382	12728
26383	26383	12729
26384	26384	12730
26385	26385	12731
26386	26386	12732
26387	26387	12733
26388	26388	12734
26389	26389	12735
26390	26390	12736
26391	26391	12737
26392	26392	12738
26393	26393	12739 SB224 INTRODUCED
26394	26394	Page 456
26395	26395	(d) Any board members may be removed by the Governor
26396	26396	after notice and hearing for incompetence, neglect of duty,
26397	26397	malfeasance in office, or moral turpitude.
26398	26398	(e) Immediately before entering public duties of the
26399	26399	office, the members of the board shall take the constitutional
26400	26400	oath of office and shall file the oath in the Office of the
26401	26401	Governor, who upon receiving the oath shall issue to each
26402	26402	member a certificate of appointment. The board shall have
26403	26403	available for the Governor or his or her representative
26404	26404	detailed reports on proceedings and shall make annual reports
26405	26405	in the form required by the Governor.
26406	26406	(f) The board shall elect annually a chair and
26407	26407	vice-chair. Each member shall receive the same per diem and
26408	26408	travel allowance paid to state employees for each day's
26409	26409	attendance at an official meeting of the board. The board
26410	26410	shall hold at least one regular meeting each year. Additional
26411	26411	meetings may be held at the discretion of the chair or at the
26412	26412	written request of any two members of the board. The board
26413	26413	shall adopt a seal which shall be affixed to all licenses
26414	26414	issued by the board. The board shall from time to time adopt
26415	26415	rules and regulations necessary for the performance of its
26416	26416	duties. Four members of the board shall constitute a quorum.
26417	26417	The board may hire any assistants necessary to carry on its
26418	26418	activities within the limit of funds available to the board.
26419	26419	The board may accept grants from foundations, individuals, and
26420	26420	institutions to carry on its functions."
26421	26421	"§34-26-22
26422	26422	(a) The Board of Examiners in Psychology shall have
26423	26423	authority to administer oaths, to summon witnesses and to take
26424	26424	12740
26425	26425	12741
26426	26426	12742
26427	26427	12743
26428	26428	12744
26429	26429	12745
26430	26430	12746
26431	26431	12747
26432	26432	12748
26433	26433	12749
26434	26434	12750
26435	26435	12751
26436	26436	12752
26437	26437	12753
26438	26438	12754
26439	26439	12755
26440	26440	12756
26441	26441	12757
26442	26442	12758
26443	26443	12759
26444	26444	12760
26445	26445	12761
26446	26446	12762
26447	26447	12763
26448	26448	12764
26449	26449	12765
26450	26450	12766
26451	26451	12767 SB224 INTRODUCED
26452	26452	Page 457
26453	26453	authority to administer oaths, to summon witnesses and to take
26454	26454	testimony in all matters relating to its duties. The board
26455	26455	shall be the sole agency in this state empowered to certify
26456	26456	concerning competence in the practice of psychology and the
26457	26457	sole board empowered to recommend licensure for the practice
26458	26458	of psychology. The board shall have the power to recognize
26459	26459	areas of specialization for practice and supervision, and to
26460	26460	ensure through rules and regulations and enforcement that
26461	26461	licensees limit their practice to demonstrated areas of
26462	26462	competence as documented by relevant professional education,
26463	26463	training, and experience. No individual shall be issued a
26464	26464	license for the practice of psychology who has not been
26465	26465	previously certified at the appropriate level of practice by
26466	26466	the board. The board shall certify as competent to practice
26467	26467	psychology or as competent to practice as a psychological
26468	26468	technician all persons who shall present satisfactory evidence
26469	26469	of attainments and qualifications under provisions of this
26470	26470	chapter and the rules and regulations of the board. The
26471	26471	certification shall be signed by the chair of the board under
26472	26472	the adopted seal of the board. The chair shall, under the
26473	26473	direction of the board, aid the district attorneys in the
26474	26474	enforcement of this chapter and the prosecutions of all
26475	26475	persons charged with the violation of its provisions.
26476	26476	Psychologists and psychological technicians licensed by the
26477	26477	board shall be required to submit annually to the board a
26478	26478	completed registration renewal fee, not exceeding five hundred
26479	26479	dollars ($500), as determined by the board executive director .
26480	26480	The list of licensed psychologists and licensed psychological
26481	26481	technicians shall be made available to interested individuals
26482	26482	12768
26483	26483	12769
26484	26484	12770
26485	26485	12771
26486	26486	12772
26487	26487	12773
26488	26488	12774
26489	26489	12775
26490	26490	12776
26491	26491	12777
26492	26492	12778
26493	26493	12779
26494	26494	12780
26495	26495	12781
26496	26496	12782
26497	26497	12783
26498	26498	12784
26499	26499	12785
26500	26500	12786
26501	26501	12787
26502	26502	12788
26503	26503	12789
26504	26504	12790
26505	26505	12791
26506	26506	12792
26507	26507	12793
26508	26508	12794
26509	26509	12795 SB224 INTRODUCED
26510	26510	Page 458
26511	26511	technicians shall be made available to interested individuals
26512	26512	or organizations at a nominal charge.
26513	26513	(b) A psychology license issued by the board shall
26514	26514	expire on October 15, at a time determined by the executive
26515	26515	director and shall be renewed annually upon the satisfaction
26516	26516	of continuing education requirements and payment of the
26517	26517	renewal fee. Failure to comply with all requirements for
26518	26518	renewal within the time period prescribed by the board
26519	26519	executive director shall result in a lapsed license. Failure
26520	26520	to satisfy all requirements for reactivation of an inactive
26521	26521	license shall result in a lapsed license. A psychologist may
26522	26522	have his or her lapsed license reinstated upon the payment of
26523	26523	all accrued annual fees and late penalties and satisfaction of
26524	26524	all requirements established by rule of the board. If a
26525	26525	psychologist is alleged to have violated any of the
26526	26526	prohibitions on professional conduct provided in this chapter,
26527	26527	the board, upon a hearing and proof of the violation, may deny
26528	26528	reinstatement of the license or prohibit the psychologist from
26529	26529	applying for reinstatement.
26530	26530	(c) The board shall implement requirements through its
26531	26531	rules and regulations that licensees shall engage in annual
26532	26532	continuing education activities other than individual study to
26533	26533	renew the license to practice. Continuing education activities
26534	26534	shall be relevant to the practice of psychology or applicable
26535	26535	within the practice of psychology. The board may charge a
26536	26536	reasonable fee to register and keep records of licensees'
26537	26537	continuing education credits.
26538	26538	(d) The board may promulgate and adopt rules and
26539	26539	regulations as are necessary to implement the requirements of
26540	26540	12796
26541	26541	12797
26542	26542	12798
26543	26543	12799
26544	26544	12800
26545	26545	12801
26546	26546	12802
26547	26547	12803
26548	26548	12804
26549	26549	12805
26550	26550	12806
26551	26551	12807
26552	26552	12808
26553	26553	12809
26554	26554	12810
26555	26555	12811
26556	26556	12812
26557	26557	12813
26558	26558	12814
26559	26559	12815
26560	26560	12816
26561	26561	12817
26562	26562	12818
26563	26563	12819
26564	26564	12820
26565	26565	12821
26566	26566	12822
26567	26567	12823 SB224 INTRODUCED
26568	26568	Page 459
26569	26569	regulations as are necessary to implement the requirements of
26570	26570	this chapter. The rules and regulations shall be adopted
26571	26571	pursuant to the state administrative procedure statutes."
26572	26572	"§34-26-41
26573	26573	(a)(1) Any person wishing to obtain the right to
26574	26574	practice as a psychologist or psychological technician in this
26575	26575	state, who has not heretofore been licensed to do so, shall,
26576	26576	before it shall be lawful for him or her to practice as a
26577	26577	psychologist or psychological technician in this state, make
26578	26578	application to the Board of Examiners in Psychology through
26579	26579	the chair upon such form and in such manner as prescribed by
26580	26580	the board executive director .
26581	26581	(2) Unless a person has first obtained a valid license
26582	26582	as aforesaid, it shall be unlawful and a violation of this
26583	26583	chapter for him or her to practice.
26584	26584	(b) A candidate for licensure as a psychologist shall
26585	26585	furnish the board with satisfactory evidence of all of the
26586	26586	following:
26587	26587	(1) He or she is of good moral character.
26588	26588	(2) He or she is at least 19 years of age.
26589	26589	(3) He or she has received a doctorate degree from a
26590	26590	department of, or school of, psychology, from an educational
26591	26591	institution accredited and recognized by national and regional
26592	26592	accrediting agencies as maintaining satisfactory standards.
26593	26593	(4) He or she is competent in psychology as shown by
26594	26594	passing such examinations, written or oral, or both, as the
26595	26595	board will prescribe, unless exempted pursuant to subsection
26596	26596	(e).
26597	26597	(5) He or she is not engaged in unethical practice as
26598	26598	12824
26599	26599	12825
26600	26600	12826
26601	26601	12827
26602	26602	12828
26603	26603	12829
26604	26604	12830
26605	26605	12831
26606	26606	12832
26607	26607	12833
26608	26608	12834
26609	26609	12835
26610	26610	12836
26611	26611	12837
26612	26612	12838
26613	26613	12839
26614	26614	12840
26615	26615	12841
26616	26616	12842
26617	26617	12843
26618	26618	12844
26619	26619	12845
26620	26620	12846
26621	26621	12847
26622	26622	12848
26623	26623	12849
26624	26624	12850
26625	26625	12851 SB224 INTRODUCED
26626	26626	Page 460
26627	26627	(5) He or she is not engaged in unethical practice as
26628	26628	defined in the Code of Ethics of the American Psychological
26629	26629	Association.
26630	26630	(6) He or she has not within the preceding six months
26631	26631	failed an examination given by the board.
26632	26632	(c) The board may issue a license to any person who is
26633	26633	a licensed psychologist of another state, and who applies to
26634	26634	the board, provided the licensee of another state shall
26635	26635	furnish the board with satisfactory evidence of all of the
26636	26636	following:
26637	26637	(1) He or she is of good moral character, and holds his
26638	26638	or her license in good standing from another state.
26639	26639	(2) He or she is at least 19 years of age.
26640	26640	(3) He or she has received a doctorate degree in
26641	26641	psychology from an educational institution accredited and
26642	26642	recognized by national and regional accrediting agencies as
26643	26643	maintaining satisfactory standards or, in lieu of a doctorate
26644	26644	degree in psychology, a doctorate degree in a closely allied
26645	26645	field, if the training received therefor is substantially
26646	26646	similar to that required of doctorates obtained from
26647	26647	departments of psychology.
26648	26648	(4) He or she is competent in psychology as shown by
26649	26649	the passing of an examination, unless exempted pursuant to
26650	26650	subsection (e), substantially equivalent to the examinations
26651	26651	prescribed in subsection (a), or by the passing of a
26652	26652	recognized national examination in psychology.
26653	26653	(5) He or she is not engaged in unethical practice as
26654	26654	defined in the Code of Ethics of the American Psychological
26655	26655	Association.
26656	26656	12852
26657	26657	12853
26658	26658	12854
26659	26659	12855
26660	26660	12856
26661	26661	12857
26662	26662	12858
26663	26663	12859
26664	26664	12860
26665	26665	12861
26666	26666	12862
26667	26667	12863
26668	26668	12864
26669	26669	12865
26670	26670	12866
26671	26671	12867
26672	26672	12868
26673	26673	12869
26674	26674	12870
26675	26675	12871
26676	26676	12872
26677	26677	12873
26678	26678	12874
26679	26679	12875
26680	26680	12876
26681	26681	12877
26682	26682	12878
26683	26683	12879 SB224 INTRODUCED
26684	26684	Page 461
26685	26685	Association.
26686	26686	(6) He or she has practiced psychology in another state
26687	26687	at least four consecutive years prior to application.
26688	26688	(7) That the other state under which he or she is
26689	26689	licensed gives similar recognition and reciprocal licensing to
26690	26690	licensed psychologists of this state.
26691	26691	(d)(1) The board shall accept the Certificate of
26692	26692	Professional Qualification (CPQ) in psychology issued by the
26693	26693	Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB),
26694	26694	or its successor organization, or board certification by the
26695	26695	American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) as evidence
26696	26696	that the applicant, who has not within the preceding six
26697	26697	months failed an examination given by the board, has met the
26698	26698	requirements for licensure.
26699	26699	(2) The applicant shall submit all of the following to
26700	26700	the board:
26701	26701	a. An application for licensure and the corresponding
26702	26702	licensure fee.
26703	26703	b. Verification forms from the jurisdictions of
26704	26704	licensure, verifying that licensure is current and in good
26705	26705	standing.
26706	26706	c. A verification form from the ASPPB or from the ABPP.
26707	26707	(3) All applicants under this subsection shall
26708	26708	successfully pass any local jurisdictional examinations. The
26709	26709	board may deny licensure to any applicant who has had
26710	26710	disciplinary action taken against him or her by any licensing
26711	26711	authority or professional organization or who has a record
26712	26712	that discloses any other matter that puts in question his or
26713	26713	her competency to practice.
26714	26714	12880
26715	26715	12881
26716	26716	12882
26717	26717	12883
26718	26718	12884
26719	26719	12885
26720	26720	12886
26721	26721	12887
26722	26722	12888
26723	26723	12889
26724	26724	12890
26725	26725	12891
26726	26726	12892
26727	26727	12893
26728	26728	12894
26729	26729	12895
26730	26730	12896
26731	26731	12897
26732	26732	12898
26733	26733	12899
26734	26734	12900
26735	26735	12901
26736	26736	12902
26737	26737	12903
26738	26738	12904
26739	26739	12905
26740	26740	12906
26741	26741	12907 SB224 INTRODUCED
26742	26742	Page 462
26743	26743	her competency to practice.
26744	26744	(e) The board shall issue a license to any applicant
26745	26745	with a doctoral degree in psychology who is otherwise
26746	26746	qualified pursuant to subsections (a) and (b), who is licensed
26747	26747	in at least two states and who has passed a recognized
26748	26748	national exam.
26749	26749	(f) An individual who possesses a valid license to
26750	26750	practice psychology independently at the doctoral level, by
26751	26751	any jurisdiction recognized by the Association of State and
26752	26752	Provincial Psychology Boards, may practice psychology in
26753	26753	Alabama for no more than 30 days each calendar year without
26754	26754	applying for a license to practice psychology in Alabama,
26755	26755	unless otherwise exempted pursuant to this chapter. This
26756	26756	authority to practice does not apply to a psychologist who has
26757	26757	been denied licensure in Alabama, is a legal resident of
26758	26758	Alabama, or intends to practice full-time or a major portion
26759	26759	of his or her time in Alabama.
26760	26760	(g) An individual licensed to practice psychology in
26761	26761	another jurisdiction, who is providing services in response to
26762	26762	a declared disaster or state of emergency, may practice
26763	26763	psychology in this jurisdiction for no more than 60 days per
26764	26764	year, without applying for a license, upon proper notification
26765	26765	as required by board rule.
26766	26766	(h) A candidate for licensure as a psychological
26767	26767	technician shall furnish the board with satisfactory evidence
26768	26768	of all of the following:
26769	26769	(1) He or she is of good moral character.
26770	26770	(2) He or she is at least 19 years of age.
26771	26771	(3) He or she has a master's degree in psychology from
26772	26772	12908
26773	26773	12909
26774	26774	12910
26775	26775	12911
26776	26776	12912
26777	26777	12913
26778	26778	12914
26779	26779	12915
26780	26780	12916
26781	26781	12917
26782	26782	12918
26783	26783	12919
26784	26784	12920
26785	26785	12921
26786	26786	12922
26787	26787	12923
26788	26788	12924
26789	26789	12925
26790	26790	12926
26791	26791	12927
26792	26792	12928
26793	26793	12929
26794	26794	12930
26795	26795	12931
26796	26796	12932
26797	26797	12933
26798	26798	12934
26799	26799	12935 SB224 INTRODUCED
26800	26800	Page 463
26801	26801	(3) He or she has a master's degree in psychology from
26802	26802	a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or
26803	26803	has completed the equivalent of a master's degree from an
26804	26804	American Psychological Association accredited doctoral program
26805	26805	in psychology, as determined by the board. Educational
26806	26806	requirements are provided in Section 34-26-65.
26807	26807	(4) Is competent as a psychological technician, as
26808	26808	shown by passing examinations, written or oral, or both, as
26809	26809	prescribed by the board.
26810	26810	(5) Is not engaged in unethical practice as defined in
26811	26811	the most recent version of the Code of Ethics of the American
26812	26812	Psychological Association.
26813	26813	(6) Has not within the preceding six months failed an
26814	26814	examination given by the board.
26815	26815	(i) A psychologist or psychological technician licensee
26816	26816	may request that the board designate his or her license as
26817	26817	inactive at any time before the date of renewal. There shall
26818	26818	be paid to the board by each licensee requesting inactive
26819	26819	status a fee, not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500), as
26820	26820	set by rule of the board executive director . There shall be
26821	26821	paid to the board by each licensee requesting annual
26822	26822	continuation of inactive status a fee, not exceeding five
26823	26823	hundred dollars ($500), as set by rule of the board. No part
26824	26824	of any fee paid to the board shall be returnable under any
26825	26825	circumstances. Granting inactive status to a licensee revokes
26826	26826	all privileges associated with licensure under this chapter
26827	26827	until reactivation is requested by the licensee. Procedures
26828	26828	for reactivating an inactive license shall be established by
26829	26829	rule of the board."
26830	26830	12936
26831	26831	12937
26832	26832	12938
26833	26833	12939
26834	26834	12940
26835	26835	12941
26836	26836	12942
26837	26837	12943
26838	26838	12944
26839	26839	12945
26840	26840	12946
26841	26841	12947
26842	26842	12948
26843	26843	12949
26844	26844	12950
26845	26845	12951
26846	26846	12952
26847	26847	12953
26848	26848	12954
26849	26849	12955
26850	26850	12956
26851	26851	12957
26852	26852	12958
26853	26853	12959
26854	26854	12960
26855	26855	12961
26856	26856	12962
26857	26857	12963 SB224 INTRODUCED
26858	26858	Page 464
26859	26859	rule of the board."
26860	26860	"§34-26-43
26861	26861	There shall be paid to the board by each applicant for
26862	26862	a permanent license to practice as a psychologist or a
26863	26863	psychological technician a fee not to exceed five hundred
26864	26864	dollars ($500), as set by board rule the executive director .
26865	26865	No part of any fee shall be returnable under any circumstance.
26866	26866	All fees collected in this manner plus renewal fees as
26867	26867	outlined in Section 34-26-22 and all gifts or grants shall be
26868	26868	deposited in the State Treasury to the credit of the board.
26869	26869	Vouchers in payment of expenses shall be drawn on the state
26870	26870	Comptroller signed by the chair or executive officer of the
26871	26871	board into the Occupational and Professional Licensing Fund ."
26872	26872	"§34-26-43.1
26873	26873	(a) The Board of Examiners in Psychology shall charge
26874	26874	each candidate for licensure as a psychologist or
26875	26875	psychological technician a fee set by the executive director
26876	26876	sufficient to cover the entire actual costs of the examination
26877	26877	of the applicant as well as the cost of criminal history and
26878	26878	civil background checks of the applicant.
26879	26879	(b) Applicants for licensure as a psychologist or
26880	26880	psychological technician shall submit to a criminal history
26881	26881	background check.
26882	26882	(c) The applicant shall provide fingerprints and shall
26883	26883	execute a criminal history information release using forms
26884	26884	provided to the applicant by the board.
26885	26885	(d) The applicant is responsible for having his or her
26886	26886	fingerprints made.
26887	26887	(e) The applicant shall provide to the board office his
26888	26888	12964
26889	26889	12965
26890	26890	12966
26891	26891	12967
26892	26892	12968
26893	26893	12969
26894	26894	12970
26895	26895	12971
26896	26896	12972
26897	26897	12973
26898	26898	12974
26899	26899	12975
26900	26900	12976
26901	26901	12977
26902	26902	12978
26903	26903	12979
26904	26904	12980
26905	26905	12981
26906	26906	12982
26907	26907	12983
26908	26908	12984
26909	26909	12985
26910	26910	12986
26911	26911	12987
26912	26912	12988
26913	26913	12989
26914	26914	12990
26915	26915	12991 SB224 INTRODUCED
26916	26916	Page 465
26917	26917	(e) The applicant shall provide to the board office his
26918	26918	or her completed fingerprint cards, along with a cashier's
26919	26919	check or money order made payable to the Alabama State Law
26920	26920	Enforcement Agency (ALEA) in the amount sufficient to cover
26921	26921	the actual cost of the background check. The board shall
26922	26922	submit the fingerprint cards to ALEA.
26923	26923	(f) ALEA shall be responsible for forwarding
26924	26924	applicants' fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of
26925	26925	Investigation for a national criminal history record check.
26926	26926	(g) Information received by the board pursuant to a
26927	26927	criminal history background check shall be confidential and
26928	26928	shall not be a public record, except that such information
26929	26929	received by and relied upon by the board in denying the
26930	26930	issuance of a certificate of qualification may be disclosed as
26931	26931	may be necessary to support the denial."
26932	26932	"§34-26-47
26933	26933	(a) The board may not recommend suspension or
26934	26934	revocation of licensure or refuse to issue or to renew any
26935	26935	license for any cause listed in Section 34-26-46 unless the
26936	26936	person accused has been given at least 30 days' notice in
26937	26937	writing of the charge against him or her and a public hearing
26938	26938	by the board. The written notice shall be mailed to the
26939	26939	person's last known address, but the nonappearance of the
26940	26940	person shall not prevent such a hearing. Upon such a hearing
26941	26941	the board may administer oath and procure by its subpoenas the
26942	26942	attendance of witness and the production of relevant books and
26943	26943	papers.
26944	26944	(b) At least one member of the board shall be present
26945	26945	at all times during a hearing, deliberation, and action
26946	26946	12992
26947	26947	12993
26948	26948	12994
26949	26949	12995
26950	26950	12996
26951	26951	12997
26952	26952	12998
26953	26953	12999
26954	26954	13000
26955	26955	13001
26956	26956	13002
26957	26957	13003
26958	26958	13004
26959	26959	13005
26960	26960	13006
26961	26961	13007
26962	26962	13008
26963	26963	13009
26964	26964	13010
26965	26965	13011
26966	26966	13012
26967	26967	13013
26968	26968	13014
26969	26969	13015
26970	26970	13016
26971	26971	13017
26972	26972	13018
26973	26973	13019 SB224 INTRODUCED
26974	26974	Page 466
26975	26975	at all times during a hearing, deliberation, and action
26976	26976	thereon. A board member who has assisted with an investigation
26977	26977	of a complaint may not vote on the disciplinary action to be
26978	26978	taken relating to the complaint. A hearing officer appointed
26979	26979	by the Attorney General shall act as the hearing officer for
26980	26980	the purpose of ruling on motions, evidence, and other like
26981	26981	matters."
26982	26982	"§34-26-64
26983	26983	Minimum supervision requirements are as follows:
26984	26984	(1) LEVEL I. For a psychological technician with less
26985	26985	than two calendar years of supervised practice as a licensed
26986	26986	psychological technician, consisting of at least 3,000 hours
26987	26987	of supervised practice, minimum supervision shall be provided
26988	26988	as follows:
26989	26989	a. If the number of hours per month spent engaging in
26990	26990	activities requiring supervision is one to 20, inclusive, the
26991	26991	number of required hours of supervision per month shall be
26992	26992	two.
26993	26993	b. If the number of hours per month spent engaging in
26994	26994	activities requiring supervision is 21 to 30, inclusive, the
26995	26995	number of required hours of supervision per month shall be
26996	26996	three.
26997	26997	c. If the number of hours per month spent engaging in
26998	26998	activities requiring supervision is 31 to 40, inclusive, the
26999	26999	number of required hours of supervision per month shall be
27000	27000	four.
27001	27001	d. If the number of hours per month spent engaging in
27002	27002	activities requiring supervision is 41 to 60, inclusive, the
27003	27003	number of required hours of supervision per month shall be
27004	27004	13020
27005	27005	13021
27006	27006	13022
27007	27007	13023
27008	27008	13024
27009	27009	13025
27010	27010	13026
27011	27011	13027
27012	27012	13028
27013	27013	13029
27014	27014	13030
27015	27015	13031
27016	27016	13032
27017	27017	13033
27018	27018	13034
27019	27019	13035
27020	27020	13036
27021	27021	13037
27022	27022	13038
27023	27023	13039
27024	27024	13040
27025	27025	13041
27026	27026	13042
27027	27027	13043
27028	27028	13044
27029	27029	13045
27030	27030	13046
27031	27031	13047 SB224 INTRODUCED
27032	27032	Page 467
27033	27033	number of required hours of supervision per month shall be
27034	27034	five.
27035	27035	e. If the number of hours per month spent engaging in
27036	27036	activities requiring supervision is 61 or greater, the number
27037	27037	of required hours of supervision per month shall be six.
27038	27038	(2)a. LEVEL II. For a psychological technician with a
27039	27039	minimum of two calendar years of supervised practice as a
27040	27040	licensed psychological technician, consisting of at least
27041	27041	3,000 hours of supervised practice, minimum supervision shall
27042	27042	be provided as follows:
27043	27043	1. If the number of hours per month spent engaging in
27044	27044	activities requiring supervision is one to 20, inclusive, the
27045	27045	number of required hours of supervision per month shall be
27046	27046	one.
27047	27047	2. If the number of hours per month spent engaging in
27048	27048	activities requiring supervision is 21 to 60, inclusive, the
27049	27049	number of required hours of supervision per month shall be
27050	27050	two.
27051	27051	3. If the number of hours per month spent engaging in
27052	27052	activities requiring supervision is 61 to 100, inclusive, the
27053	27053	number of required hours of supervision per month shall be
27054	27054	three.
27055	27055	4. If the number of hours per month spent engaging in
27056	27056	activities requiring supervision is 101 or greater, the number
27057	27057	of required hours of supervision per month shall be four.
27058	27058	b. To be approved by the board for Level II
27059	27059	supervision, a psychological technician shall do all of the
27060	27060	following:
27061	27061	1. Make application to the board on an application form
27062	27062	13048
27063	27063	13049
27064	27064	13050
27065	27065	13051
27066	27066	13052
27067	27067	13053
27068	27068	13054
27069	27069	13055
27070	27070	13056
27071	27071	13057
27072	27072	13058
27073	27073	13059
27074	27074	13060
27075	27075	13061
27076	27076	13062
27077	27077	13063
27078	27078	13064
27079	27079	13065
27080	27080	13066
27081	27081	13067
27082	27082	13068
27083	27083	13069
27084	27084	13070
27085	27085	13071
27086	27086	13072
27087	27087	13073
27088	27088	13074
27089	27089	13075 SB224 INTRODUCED
27090	27090	Page 468
27091	27091	1. Make application to the board on an application form
27092	27092	provided by the board executive director .
27093	27093	2. Have received at least one calendar year of
27094	27094	supervision from his or her most recent supervisor.
27095	27095	3. Provide a written recommendation from his or her
27096	27096	most recent supervisor for this level of supervision and
27097	27097	letters from all available previous supervisors.
27098	27098	(3)a. LEVEL III. For a psychological technician with a
27099	27099	minimum of seven calendar years of supervised practice as a
27100	27100	licensed psychological technician, consisting of at least
27101	27101	10,500 hours of supervised practice, minimum supervision shall
27102	27102	be provided as follows:
27103	27103	1. If the number of hours per month spent engaging in
27104	27104	activities requiring supervision is one to 50, inclusive, the
27105	27105	number of required hours of supervision per month shall be
27106	27106	one.
27107	27107	2. If the number of hours per month spent engaging in
27108	27108	activities requiring supervision is 51 or greater, the number
27109	27109	of required hours of supervision per month shall be two.
27110	27110	b. To be approved by the board for Level III
27111	27111	supervision, a psychological technician shall do all of the
27112	27112	following:
27113	27113	1. Make application to the board on an application form
27114	27114	provided by the board executive director .
27115	27115	2. Have received at least one calendar year of
27116	27116	supervision from his or her most recent supervisor.
27117	27117	3. Provide a written recommendation from his or her
27118	27118	most recent supervisor for this level of supervision and
27119	27119	letters from all available previous supervisors.
27120	27120	13076
27121	27121	13077
27122	27122	13078
27123	27123	13079
27124	27124	13080
27125	27125	13081
27126	27126	13082
27127	27127	13083
27128	27128	13084
27129	27129	13085
27130	27130	13086
27131	27131	13087
27132	27132	13088
27133	27133	13089
27134	27134	13090
27135	27135	13091
27136	27136	13092
27137	27137	13093
27138	27138	13094
27139	27139	13095
27140	27140	13096
27141	27141	13097
27142	27142	13098
27143	27143	13099
27144	27144	13100
27145	27145	13101
27146	27146	13102
27147	27147	13103 SB224 INTRODUCED
27148	27148	Page 469
27149	27149	letters from all available previous supervisors.
27150	27150	(4)a. Prior to September 1, 2000, a licensed
27151	27151	psychological technician with a minimum of two calendar years
27152	27152	of supervised practice, consisting of at least 3,000 hours of
27153	27153	supervised practice by a licensed psychologist, may apply for
27154	27154	Level II supervision status.
27155	27155	b. To be approved by the board for this Level II
27156	27156	supervision status, a psychological technician shall do all of
27157	27157	the following:
27158	27158	1. Make application to the board on an application form
27159	27159	provided by the board executive director .
27160	27160	2. Have received at least one calendar year of
27161	27161	supervision from his or her most recent supervisor.
27162	27162	3. Provide a written recommendation from his or her
27163	27163	most recent supervisor for this level of supervision and
27164	27164	letters from all available previous supervisors.
27165	27165	(5) Contract and report forms shall be provided by the
27166	27166	board."
27167	27167	Section 36. Relating to the Alabama State Board of
27168	27168	Respiratory Therapy; to amend Sections 34-27B-2, 34-27B-3,
27169	27169	34-27B-4, 34-27B-5, 34-27B-6, and 34-27B-7 of the Code of
27170	27170	Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
27171	27171	"§34-27B-2
27172	27172	As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have
27173	27173	the following meanings:
27174	27174	(1) BOARD. The Alabama State Board of Respiratory
27175	27175	Therapy.
27176	27176	(2) DIRECT CLINICAL SUPERVISION. A situation where a
27177	27177	licensed respiratory therapist or physician is available for
27178	27178	13104
27179	27179	13105
27180	27180	13106
27181	27181	13107
27182	27182	13108
27183	27183	13109
27184	27184	13110
27185	27185	13111
27186	27186	13112
27187	27187	13113
27188	27188	13114
27189	27189	13115
27190	27190	13116
27191	27191	13117
27192	27192	13118
27193	27193	13119
27194	27194	13120
27195	27195	13121
27196	27196	13122
27197	27197	13123
27198	27198	13124
27199	27199	13125
27200	27200	13126
27201	27201	13127
27202	27202	13128
27203	27203	13129
27204	27204	13130
27205	27205	13131 SB224 INTRODUCED
27206	27206	Page 470
27207	27207	licensed respiratory therapist or physician is available for
27208	27208	the purpose of communication, consultation, and assistance.
27209	27209	(3) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
27210	27210	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
27211	27211	in Section 25-2B-1.
27212	27212	(3)(4) HEALTHCARE FACILITY. The definition shall be the
27213	27213	same as in Section 22-21-260.
27214	27214	(4)(5) MEDICALLY APPROVED PROTOCOL. A detailed plan for
27215	27215	taking specific diagnostic or treatment actions, or both,
27216	27216	authorized by the treating physician of the patient, all of
27217	27217	which actions shall be:
27218	27218	a. In a hospital or other inpatient health care
27219	27219	facility, approved by the supervising physician of the
27220	27220	respiratory therapist or in an outpatient treatment setting
27221	27221	approved by the supervising physician of the respiratory
27222	27222	therapist.
27223	27223	b. Except in cases of medical emergency, instituted
27224	27224	following an evaluation of the patient by a physician or
27225	27225	otherwise directed by the supervising physician of the
27226	27226	respiratory therapist.
27227	27227	c. Consistent with the definition of the scope of
27228	27228	practice of respiratory therapy, as established by this
27229	27229	chapter.
27230	27230	(5)(6) PHYSICIAN. A person who is a doctor of medicine
27231	27231	or a doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice in this state.
27232	27232	(6)(7) RESPIRATORY THERAPIST. A person licensed by the
27233	27233	board to administer respiratory therapy and who has the
27234	27234	knowledge and skills necessary to administer respiratory
27235	27235	therapy, monitor patient responses, modify respiratory therapy
27236	27236	13132
27237	27237	13133
27238	27238	13134
27239	27239	13135
27240	27240	13136
27241	27241	13137
27242	27242	13138
27243	27243	13139
27244	27244	13140
27245	27245	13141
27246	27246	13142
27247	27247	13143
27248	27248	13144
27249	27249	13145
27250	27250	13146
27251	27251	13147
27252	27252	13148
27253	27253	13149
27254	27254	13150
27255	27255	13151
27256	27256	13152
27257	27257	13153
27258	27258	13154
27259	27259	13155
27260	27260	13156
27261	27261	13157
27262	27262	13158
27263	27263	13159 SB224 INTRODUCED
27264	27264	Page 471
27265	27265	therapy, monitor patient responses, modify respiratory therapy
27266	27266	based upon patient response, provide information and education
27267	27267	to patients about deficiencies or disorders of the
27268	27268	cardiopulmonary system, and supervise others in the delivery
27269	27269	of appropriate respiratory therapy procedures.
27270	27270	(7)(8) RESPIRATORY THERAPY OR CARE. Therapy,
27271	27271	management, rehabilitation, diagnostic evaluation, and care of
27272	27272	patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the
27273	27273	cardiopulmonary system and associated aspects of other
27274	27274	systems' functions, given by a health care professional under
27275	27275	the direction of a physician. The term includes, but is not
27276	27276	limited to, the following activities conducted upon written
27277	27277	prescription, verbal order, or medically approved protocol:
27278	27278	a. Direct and indirect pulmonary care services that are
27279	27279	safe, aseptic, preventive, or restorative to the patient.
27280	27280	b. Direct and indirect respiratory therapy services,
27281	27281	including, but not limited to, the administration of
27282	27282	pharmacologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic agents related to
27283	27283	respiratory therapy procedures necessary to implement a
27284	27284	treatment, disease prevention, pulmonary rehabilitative, or
27285	27285	diagnostic regimen prescribed by a physician.
27286	27286	c. Observation and monitoring of signs and symptoms,
27287	27287	general behavior, and general physical response to respiratory
27288	27288	therapy treatment and diagnostic testing and determination of
27289	27289	whether such signs, symptoms, reactions, behavior, or general
27290	27290	responses exhibit abnormal characteristics and implementation,
27291	27291	based on observed abnormalities, of appropriate reporting or
27292	27292	referral practices or prescribed and medically approved
27293	27293	respiratory therapy protocols or appropriate changes in a
27294	27294	13160
27295	27295	13161
27296	27296	13162
27297	27297	13163
27298	27298	13164
27299	27299	13165
27300	27300	13166
27301	27301	13167
27302	27302	13168
27303	27303	13169
27304	27304	13170
27305	27305	13171
27306	27306	13172
27307	27307	13173
27308	27308	13174
27309	27309	13175
27310	27310	13176
27311	27311	13177
27312	27312	13178
27313	27313	13179
27314	27314	13180
27315	27315	13181
27316	27316	13182
27317	27317	13183
27318	27318	13184
27319	27319	13185
27320	27320	13186
27321	27321	13187 SB224 INTRODUCED
27322	27322	Page 472
27323	27323	respiratory therapy protocols or appropriate changes in a
27324	27324	treatment regimen, pursuant to a prescription by a physician,
27325	27325	or the initiation of emergency procedures.
27326	27326	d. The diagnostic and therapeutic use of any of the
27327	27327	following, in accordance with the prescription of a physician:
27328	27328	1. Administration of medical gases, exclusive of
27329	27329	general anesthesia.
27330	27330	2. Aerosols.
27331	27331	3. Humidification.
27332	27332	4. Environmental control systems and hyperbaric
27333	27333	therapy.
27334	27334	5. Pharmacologic agents related to respiratory therapy
27335	27335	procedures.
27336	27336	6. Mechanical or physiological ventilatory support.
27337	27337	7. Bronchopulmonary hygiene.
27338	27338	8. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
27339	27339	9. Maintenance of the natural airways.
27340	27340	10. Insertion without cutting tissues and maintenance
27341	27341	of artificial airways.
27342	27342	11. Diagnostic and testing techniques required for
27343	27343	implementation of respiratory therapy protocols.
27344	27344	12. Collections of specimens of blood and other body
27345	27345	fluids including specimens from the respiratory tract.
27346	27346	13. Collection of inspired and expired gas samples.
27347	27347	14. Analysis of blood, gases, and respiratory
27348	27348	secretions.
27349	27349	15. Measurements of ventilatory volumes, pressures, and
27350	27350	flows.
27351	27351	16. Pulmonary function testing.
27352	27352	13188
27353	27353	13189
27354	27354	13190
27355	27355	13191
27356	27356	13192
27357	27357	13193
27358	27358	13194
27359	27359	13195
27360	27360	13196
27361	27361	13197
27362	27362	13198
27363	27363	13199
27364	27364	13200
27365	27365	13201
27366	27366	13202
27367	27367	13203
27368	27368	13204
27369	27369	13205
27370	27370	13206
27371	27371	13207
27372	27372	13208
27373	27373	13209
27374	27374	13210
27375	27375	13211
27376	27376	13212
27377	27377	13213
27378	27378	13214
27379	27379	13215 SB224 INTRODUCED
27380	27380	Page 473
27381	27381	16. Pulmonary function testing.
27382	27382	17. Hemodynamic and other related physiologic
27383	27383	measurements of the cardiopulmonary system.
27384	27384	18. Respiratory telecommunications.
27385	27385	19. Cardiopulmonary disease management.
27386	27386	20. Tobacco cessation.
27387	27387	e. The transcription and implementation of the written
27388	27388	and verbal orders of a physician pertaining to the practice of
27389	27389	respiratory therapy.
27390	27390	f. Institution of known and medically approved
27391	27391	protocols relating to respiratory therapy in emergency
27392	27392	situations in the absence of immediate direction by a
27393	27393	physician and institution of specific procedures and
27394	27394	diagnostic testing related to respiratory therapy as ordered
27395	27395	by a physician to assist in diagnosis, monitoring, treatment,
27396	27396	and medical research.
27397	27397	g. Delivery of respiratory therapy procedures,
27398	27398	instruction, and education of patients in the proper methods
27399	27399	of self-care and prevention of cardiopulmonary diseases and
27400	27400	other conditions requiring the use of respiratory therapy
27401	27401	equipment or techniques."
27402	27402	"§34-27B-3
27403	27403	(a) Except as provided in Section 34-27B-7, no person
27404	27404	shall hold himself or herself out to be, or function as, a
27405	27405	respiratory therapist in this state unless licensed in
27406	27406	accordance with this chapter.
27407	27407	(b) In order to obtain a respiratory therapist license,
27408	27408	an applicant shall demonstrate to the board that he or she is
27409	27409	a citizen of the United States or, if not a citizen of the
27410	27410	13216
27411	27411	13217
27412	27412	13218
27413	27413	13219
27414	27414	13220
27415	27415	13221
27416	27416	13222
27417	27417	13223
27418	27418	13224
27419	27419	13225
27420	27420	13226
27421	27421	13227
27422	27422	13228
27423	27423	13229
27424	27424	13230
27425	27425	13231
27426	27426	13232
27427	27427	13233
27428	27428	13234
27429	27429	13235
27430	27430	13236
27431	27431	13237
27432	27432	13238
27433	27433	13239
27434	27434	13240
27435	27435	13241
27436	27436	13242
27437	27437	13243 SB224 INTRODUCED
27438	27438	Page 474
27439	27439	a citizen of the United States or, if not a citizen of the
27440	27440	United States, a person who is legally present in the United
27441	27441	States with appropriate documentation from the federal
27442	27442	government, at least 18 years of age, is a high school
27443	27443	graduate, or has the equivalent of a high school diploma, and
27444	27444	meets one of the following requirements:
27445	27445	(1) Holds credentials as a registered respiratory
27446	27446	therapist (RRT) or a certified respiratory therapist (CRT), as
27447	27447	granted by the National Board for Respiratory Care or its
27448	27448	successor organization.
27449	27449	(2) Holds a temporary license issued under subsection
27450	27450	(d) of Section 34-27B-7 and passes the examination leading to
27451	27451	the CRT or RRT credential.
27452	27452	(3) Has a valid respiratory therapist license from
27453	27453	another state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the
27454	27454	United States, whose requirements for licensure are considered
27455	27455	by the board as substantially similar to those of Alabama and
27456	27456	who otherwise meets the reciprocity requirements established
27457	27457	by the board.
27458	27458	(4) Meets the requirements of subdivision (2) of
27459	27459	subsection (d) of Section 34-27B-7.
27460	27460	(5) Has been approved by the board as otherwise
27461	27461	qualified by special training and has passed the licensure
27462	27462	examination established by the board in subsection (c).
27463	27463	(c) The board executive director shall arrange for the
27464	27464	administration of a licensure examination administered by the
27465	27465	state or a national agency approved by the board. The
27466	27466	examination shall be validated and nationally recognized as
27467	27467	testing respiratory care competencies. The board may enter
27468	27468	13244
27469	27469	13245
27470	27470	13246
27471	27471	13247
27472	27472	13248
27473	27473	13249
27474	27474	13250
27475	27475	13251
27476	27476	13252
27477	27477	13253
27478	27478	13254
27479	27479	13255
27480	27480	13256
27481	27481	13257
27482	27482	13258
27483	27483	13259
27484	27484	13260
27485	27485	13261
27486	27486	13262
27487	27487	13263
27488	27488	13264
27489	27489	13265
27490	27490	13266
27491	27491	13267
27492	27492	13268
27493	27493	13269
27494	27494	13270
27495	27495	13271 SB224 INTRODUCED
27496	27496	Page 475
27497	27497	testing respiratory care competencies. The board may enter
27498	27498	into agreements or contracts, consistent with state law, with
27499	27499	outside organizations for the purpose of developing,
27500	27500	administering, grading, and reporting the results of licensure
27501	27501	examinations. Such organizations shall be capable of meeting
27502	27502	the standards of the National Commission for Health Certifying
27503	27503	Agencies, or its equivalent or successor organization. The
27504	27504	board shall establish criteria for satisfactory performance on
27505	27505	the examination."
27506	27506	"§34-27B-4
27507	27507	The board shall perform the following functions:
27508	27508	(1) Set Collect respiratory therapy licensure fees set
27509	27509	by the executive director , including, but not limited to,
27510	27510	application, initial, renewal, and reinstatement fees.
27511	27511	(2) Establish and publish minimum standards of
27512	27512	continuing education of respiratory therapy in accordance with
27513	27513	those standards developed and accepted by the profession.
27514	27514	(3) Examine for, approve, deny, revoke, suspend, and
27515	27515	renew licensure of duly qualified applicants.
27516	27516	(4) Promulgate and publish rules in accordance with the
27517	27517	Administrative Procedure Act to administer this chapter.
27518	27518	(5) Conduct hearings on charges calling for the denial,
27519	27519	suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew a license.
27520	27520	(6) Maintain an up-to-date list of every person
27521	27521	licensed to practice respiratory therapy pursuant to this
27522	27522	chapter. The list shall include the last known place of
27523	27523	residence and the state license number of the licensee.
27524	27524	(7) Maintain an up-to-date list of persons whose
27525	27525	licenses have been suspended, revoked, or denied. The list
27526	27526	13272
27527	27527	13273
27528	27528	13274
27529	27529	13275
27530	27530	13276
27531	27531	13277
27532	27532	13278
27533	27533	13279
27534	27534	13280
27535	27535	13281
27536	27536	13282
27537	27537	13283
27538	27538	13284
27539	27539	13285
27540	27540	13286
27541	27541	13287
27542	27542	13288
27543	27543	13289
27544	27544	13290
27545	27545	13291
27546	27546	13292
27547	27547	13293
27548	27548	13294
27549	27549	13295
27550	27550	13296
27551	27551	13297
27552	27552	13298
27553	27553	13299 SB224 INTRODUCED
27554	27554	Page 476
27555	27555	licenses have been suspended, revoked, or denied. The list
27556	27556	shall include the name, Social Security number, type, date,
27557	27557	and cause of action, penalty incurred, and the length of the
27558	27558	penalty. The information on the list, except for Social
27559	27559	Security numbers, shall be available for public inspection
27560	27560	during reasonable business hours and the information may be
27561	27561	shared with others as deemed necessary and acceptable by the
27562	27562	board."
27563	27563	"§34-27B-5
27564	27564	(a)(1) The Alabama State Board of Respiratory Therapy
27565	27565	is created to implement and administer this chapter and.
27566	27566	Commencing on October 1, 2026, the board shall be subject to
27567	27567	the leadership, support, and oversight of the Executive
27568	27568	Director of the Office of Occupational and Professional
27569	27569	Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25.
27570	27570	(2) The board shall be composed of six members
27571	27571	appointed by the Governor. Three of the members shall be
27572	27572	respiratory therapists, one member shall be the chief
27573	27573	executive officer of a hospital, one member shall be a
27574	27574	physician, and one member shall be a consumer.
27575	27575	(2)(3) The respiratory therapist members of the board
27576	27576	appointed by the Governor shall be selected from a list of
27577	27577	names submitted by the Alabama Society for Respiratory Care.
27578	27578	The list shall include two names for each appointed position
27579	27579	to be filled. The respiratory therapist members appointed to
27580	27580	the board shall be registered or certified by the National
27581	27581	Board for Respiratory Care or its successor organization.
27582	27582	Respiratory therapists appointed to the initial board must be
27583	27583	eligible to obtain a license under this chapter. Respiratory
27584	27584	13300
27585	27585	13301
27586	27586	13302
27587	27587	13303
27588	27588	13304
27589	27589	13305
27590	27590	13306
27591	27591	13307
27592	27592	13308
27593	27593	13309
27594	27594	13310
27595	27595	13311
27596	27596	13312
27597	27597	13313
27598	27598	13314
27599	27599	13315
27600	27600	13316
27601	27601	13317
27602	27602	13318
27603	27603	13319
27604	27604	13320
27605	27605	13321
27606	27606	13322
27607	27607	13323
27608	27608	13324
27609	27609	13325
27610	27610	13326
27611	27611	13327 SB224 INTRODUCED
27612	27612	Page 477
27613	27613	eligible to obtain a license under this chapter. Respiratory
27614	27614	therapists selected for subsequent appointments must be
27615	27615	licensed by the state.
27616	27616	(3)(4) The hospital member shall be selected from a
27617	27617	list of two names submitted by the Alabama Hospital
27618	27618	Association.
27619	27619	(4)(5) The physician member appointed shall be duly
27620	27620	licensed to practice medicine in Alabama and shall be a member
27621	27621	of at least one of the following: The American Thoracic
27622	27622	Society, the American College of Chest Physicians, the
27623	27623	American Society of Anesthesiologists, or the American Academy
27624	27624	of Pediatrics. The physician member of the board appointed by
27625	27625	the Governor shall be selected from a list of two names
27626	27626	submitted by the Medical Association of the State of Alabama.
27627	27627	(5)(6) The consumer member appointed by the Governor
27628	27628	shall be selected from one of the names submitted by the
27629	27629	Alabama Cystic Fibrosis Association, the Alabama Lung
27630	27630	Association, and the Alabama Asthma Coalition. Each entity
27631	27631	shall submit one name for consideration.
27632	27632	(b) All board members shall be residents of Alabama and
27633	27633	all appointing authorities shall coordinate their appointments
27634	27634	so that diversity of gender, race, and geographical areas is
27635	27635	reflective of the makeup of this state.
27636	27636	(c) The Governor shall make the appointments for all
27637	27637	positions for members of the board within 90 days of the date
27638	27638	the position becomes available, including initial
27639	27639	appointments, vacancies, and replacements at the end of the
27640	27640	term of service.
27641	27641	(d) Members of the board shall have the same immunities
27642	27642	13328
27643	27643	13329
27644	27644	13330
27645	27645	13331
27646	27646	13332
27647	27647	13333
27648	27648	13334
27649	27649	13335
27650	27650	13336
27651	27651	13337
27652	27652	13338
27653	27653	13339
27654	27654	13340
27655	27655	13341
27656	27656	13342
27657	27657	13343
27658	27658	13344
27659	27659	13345
27660	27660	13346
27661	27661	13347
27662	27662	13348
27663	27663	13349
27664	27664	13350
27665	27665	13351
27666	27666	13352
27667	27667	13353
27668	27668	13354
27669	27669	13355 SB224 INTRODUCED
27670	27670	Page 478
27671	27671	(d) Members of the board shall have the same immunities
27672	27672	from personal liability as state employees for actions taken
27673	27673	in the performance of their official duties.
27674	27674	(e) The term of office of those members first appointed
27675	27675	shall be as follows: Two respiratory therapists and the
27676	27676	hospital member, as determined by the Governor, shall serve
27677	27677	for terms of two years, and one respiratory therapist and the
27678	27678	physician member shall serve for terms of four years.
27679	27679	Thereafter, the term of all members, including the consumer
27680	27680	member, shall be for four years. No member shall be appointed
27681	27681	for more than three consecutive full terms. A vacancy in an
27682	27682	unexpired term shall be filled in the manner of the original
27683	27683	appointment. The board shall elect a chair and vice chair
27684	27684	annually.
27685	27685	(f) The board shall meet at least twice each year at a
27686	27686	time and place determined by the chair. A majority of the
27687	27687	members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the
27688	27688	transaction of business.
27689	27689	(g) Each member shall serve without compensation, but
27690	27690	shall be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in attendance
27691	27691	at meetings of the board and any other expenses incurred on
27692	27692	business of the board at its discretion. Board members shall
27693	27693	also receive a per diem allowance following the guidelines for
27694	27694	state employees. The reimbursement for expenses and per diem
27695	27695	shall be paid from funds derived from the Alabama State Board
27696	27696	of Respiratory Therapy Fund. "
27697	27697	"§34-27B-6
27698	27698	There is established a separate special trust fund in
27699	27699	the State Treasury to be known as the Alabama State Board of
27700	27700	13356
27701	27701	13357
27702	27702	13358
27703	27703	13359
27704	27704	13360
27705	27705	13361
27706	27706	13362
27707	27707	13363
27708	27708	13364
27709	27709	13365
27710	27710	13366
27711	27711	13367
27712	27712	13368
27713	27713	13369
27714	27714	13370
27715	27715	13371
27716	27716	13372
27717	27717	13373
27718	27718	13374
27719	27719	13375
27720	27720	13376
27721	27721	13377
27722	27722	13378
27723	27723	13379
27724	27724	13380
27725	27725	13381
27726	27726	13382
27727	27727	13383 SB224 INTRODUCED
27728	27728	Page 479
27729	27729	the State Treasury to be known as the Alabama State Board of
27730	27730	Respiratory Therapy Fund. All funds received by the board
27731	27731	shall be deposited into the fund and shall be expended only to
27732	27732	implement and administer this chapter. No monies shall be
27733	27733	withdrawn or expended from the fund for any purpose unless the
27734	27734	monies have been appropriated by the Legislature and allocated
27735	27735	pursuant to this chapter. Any monies appropriated shall be
27736	27736	budgeted and allocated pursuant to the Budget Management Act
27737	27737	in accordance with Article 4, commencing with Section 41-4-80,
27738	27738	of Chapter 4 of Title 41, and only in the amounts provided by
27739	27739	the Legislature in the general appropriations act or other
27740	27740	appropriations act. Funds shall be disbursed only upon a
27741	27741	warrant of the state Comptroller upon itemized vouchers
27742	27742	approved by the chair. After the first three full fiscal years
27743	27743	from May 17, 2004, and every three years thereafter, if a
27744	27744	surplus of funds exists which is greater than two years'
27745	27745	operating expense, the funds shall be distributed to the
27746	27746	General Occupational and Professional Licensing Fund."
27747	27747	"§34-27B-7
27748	27748	(a) The board shall issue a respiratory therapist
27749	27749	license to any person who meets the qualifications required by
27750	27750	this chapter and who pays the license fee established herein.
27751	27751	(b) Any person who is issued a license as a respiratory
27752	27752	therapist under this chapter may use the words "licensed
27753	27753	respiratory therapist" or the letters "LRT" in connection with
27754	27754	his or her name to denote his or her license.
27755	27755	(c) A license issued under this chapter shall be
27756	27756	subject to biennial renewal as prescribed by the executive
27757	27757	director.
27758	27758	13384
27759	27759	13385
27760	27760	13386
27761	27761	13387
27762	27762	13388
27763	27763	13389
27764	27764	13390
27765	27765	13391
27766	27766	13392
27767	27767	13393
27768	27768	13394
27769	27769	13395
27770	27770	13396
27771	27771	13397
27772	27772	13398
27773	27773	13399
27774	27774	13400
27775	27775	13401
27776	27776	13402
27777	27777	13403
27778	27778	13404
27779	27779	13405
27780	27780	13406
27781	27781	13407
27782	27782	13408
27783	27783	13409
27784	27784	13410
27785	27785	13411 SB224 INTRODUCED
27786	27786	Page 480
27787	27787	director.
27788	27788	(d)(1) The board may issue a six-month temporary
27789	27789	license as a respiratory therapist to persons who have
27790	27790	graduated from a respiratory therapy educational program
27791	27791	accredited by the Council on Allied Health Education Programs
27792	27792	(CAHEP) in collaboration with the Committee on Accreditation
27793	27793	for Respiratory Care (CoARC), or their successor
27794	27794	organizations, and who have applied for and are awaiting
27795	27795	competency examination. The temporary license shall be
27796	27796	renewable only once for an additional six-month a time period
27797	27797	prescribed by the executive director if the applicant fails
27798	27798	the examination. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of
27799	27799	the board based upon an appeal identifying extenuating
27800	27800	circumstances. The holder of a temporary license may only
27801	27801	provide respiratory therapy or care activities, services, and
27802	27802	procedures as defined in Section 34-27B-2 under the direct
27803	27803	clinical supervision of a licensed respiratory therapist or
27804	27804	physician.
27805	27805	(2) The board shall grant a license as a respiratory
27806	27806	therapist to other persons who do not meet the qualifications
27807	27807	for licensure pursuant to Section 34-27B-3, but who, on the
27808	27808	effective date of the adoption of the rules and regulations of
27809	27809	the board, are currently employed in the administration of
27810	27810	respiratory therapy under the direction of a physician in the
27811	27811	State of Alabama. The opportunity to apply for a respiratory
27812	27812	therapy license issued under this subdivision shall expire 365
27813	27813	days after implementation of the rules of the board. Holders
27814	27814	of these licenses shall be eligible to renew their licenses as
27815	27815	are any other licensed respiratory therapists under this
27816	27816	13412
27817	27817	13413
27818	27818	13414
27819	27819	13415
27820	27820	13416
27821	27821	13417
27822	27822	13418
27823	27823	13419
27824	27824	13420
27825	27825	13421
27826	27826	13422
27827	27827	13423
27828	27828	13424
27829	27829	13425
27830	27830	13426
27831	27831	13427
27832	27832	13428
27833	27833	13429
27834	27834	13430
27835	27835	13431
27836	27836	13432
27837	27837	13433
27838	27838	13434
27839	27839	13435
27840	27840	13436
27841	27841	13437
27842	27842	13438
27843	27843	13439 SB224 INTRODUCED
27844	27844	Page 481
27845	27845	are any other licensed respiratory therapists under this
27846	27846	chapter."
27847	27847	Section 37. Relating to the Alabama Board of Social
27848	27848	Work Examiners; to amend Sections 34-30-1, 34-30-3, 34-30-6,
27849	27849	34-30-22, 34-30-25, 34-30-26, 34-30-27, 34-30-50, 34-30-57,
27850	27850	and 34-30-58 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
27851	27851	"§34-30-1
27852	27852	As used in this chapter, the following words and terms
27853	27853	shall have the following meanings:
27854	27854	(1) BOARD. The State Board of Social Work Examiners
27855	27855	established under this chapter.
27856	27856	(2) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
27857	27857	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
27858	27858	in Section 25-2B-1.
27859	27859	(2)(3) SOCIAL WORK. The professional activity of
27860	27860	helping individuals, groups, or communities enhance or restore
27861	27861	their capacity for social functioning, and of preventing or
27862	27862	controlling social problems altering societal conditions as a
27863	27863	means towards enabling people to attain their maximum
27864	27864	potential.
27865	27865	(3)(4) SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE. The professional
27866	27866	application of social work values, principles, and techniques
27867	27867	to one or more of the following ends: Helping people obtain
27868	27868	tangible services, assessment and opinions, counseling with
27869	27869	individuals, families, and groups, helping communities or
27870	27870	groups provide or improve social and health services, engaging
27871	27871	in research related to those ends and principles, and
27872	27872	administering organizations and agencies engaging in such
27873	27873	practice. The practice of social work requires knowledge of
27874	27874	13440
27875	27875	13441
27876	27876	13442
27877	27877	13443
27878	27878	13444
27879	27879	13445
27880	27880	13446
27881	27881	13447
27882	27882	13448
27883	27883	13449
27884	27884	13450
27885	27885	13451
27886	27886	13452
27887	27887	13453
27888	27888	13454
27889	27889	13455
27890	27890	13456
27891	27891	13457
27892	27892	13458
27893	27893	13459
27894	27894	13460
27895	27895	13461
27896	27896	13462
27897	27897	13463
27898	27898	13464
27899	27899	13465
27900	27900	13466
27901	27901	13467 SB224 INTRODUCED
27902	27902	Page 482
27903	27903	practice. The practice of social work requires knowledge of
27904	27904	human development and behavior, of social, economic, and
27905	27905	cultural institutions and of the interaction of all these
27906	27906	factors.
27907	27907	(4)(5) SOCIAL WORK SPECIALTY. A defined area of social
27908	27908	work practice recognized and approved by the Board of Social
27909	27909	Work Examiners.
27910	27910	(5)(6) SOCIAL WORK METHOD. An orderly, systematic mode
27911	27911	of practice and procedure recognized and approved by the Board
27912	27912	of Social Work Examiners. This includes but is not limited to
27913	27913	social casework, social group work, and community
27914	27914	organization.
27915	27915	(6)(7) FULL-TIME SOCIAL WORK. Thirty-five hours per
27916	27916	week.
27917	27917	(7)(8) PART-TIME SOCIAL WORK. At least 10 hours per
27918	27918	week or more, and will be considered equivalent to full-time
27919	27919	social work on a pro rata basis as determined by the board."
27920	27920	"§34-30-3
27921	27921	(a) No individual may engage in the independent
27922	27922	clinical practice of social work unless he or she satisfies
27923	27923	all of the following:
27924	27924	(1) Is licensed under this chapter as an independent
27925	27925	clinical social worker.
27926	27926	(2) Has a doctorate or master's degree from a school of
27927	27927	social work approved, accredited, or in candidacy granted by
27928	27928	the Council on Social Work Education.
27929	27929	(3) Has had two years' full-time or three years'
27930	27930	part-time postgraduate experience under appropriate
27931	27931	supervision in the specified social work method or four years'
27932	27932	13468
27933	27933	13469
27934	27934	13470
27935	27935	13471
27936	27936	13472
27937	27937	13473
27938	27938	13474
27939	27939	13475
27940	27940	13476
27941	27941	13477
27942	27942	13478
27943	27943	13479
27944	27944	13480
27945	27945	13481
27946	27946	13482
27947	27947	13483
27948	27948	13484
27949	27949	13485
27950	27950	13486
27951	27951	13487
27952	27952	13488
27953	27953	13489
27954	27954	13490
27955	27955	13491
27956	27956	13492
27957	27957	13493
27958	27958	13494
27959	27959	13495 SB224 INTRODUCED
27960	27960	Page 483
27961	27961	supervision in the specified social work method or four years'
27962	27962	full-time or five years' part-time postgraduate experience
27963	27963	under appropriate supervision in the speciality in which the
27964	27964	applicant will practice.
27965	27965	(4) Has passed an examination prepared by the board for
27966	27966	this purpose; except, that prior to the time that an
27967	27967	examination is prepared by the board for this purpose, no
27968	27968	individual who otherwise meets the requirements of this
27969	27969	section will be prohibited from engaging in the private
27970	27970	independent practice of social work.
27971	27971	(5) Has been issued by mail a certified letter of
27972	27972	certification stating his or her qualification for private
27973	27973	independent practice by the board.
27974	27974	(6) Has paid an initial certification fee set by the
27975	27975	board executive director .
27976	27976	(b) The scope of practice of a licensed independent
27977	27977	clinical social worker includes the authority to diagnose and
27978	27978	develop treatment plans. The scope of practice does not
27979	27979	include the diagnosis, treatment, or provision of advice to a
27980	27980	client for problems or complaints relating to conditions
27981	27981	outside the boundaries of the practice of social work.
27982	27982	(c) For the purposes of this section, the terms
27983	27983	"diagnose" and "treatment," whether considered in isolation or
27984	27984	in conjunction with the rules of the board, may not be
27985	27985	construed to permit the performance of any act that a licensed
27986	27986	clinical social worker is not educated or trained to perform
27987	27987	including, but not limited to, any of the following:
27988	27988	(1) Administering and interpreting psychological tests
27989	27989	or intellectual, neuropsychological, personality, or
27990	27990	13496
27991	27991	13497
27992	27992	13498
27993	27993	13499
27994	27994	13500
27995	27995	13501
27996	27996	13502
27997	27997	13503
27998	27998	13504
27999	27999	13505
28000	28000	13506
28001	28001	13507
28002	28002	13508
28003	28003	13509
28004	28004	13510
28005	28005	13511
28006	28006	13512
28007	28007	13513
28008	28008	13514
28009	28009	13515
28010	28010	13516
28011	28011	13517
28012	28012	13518
28013	28013	13519
28014	28014	13520
28015	28015	13521
28016	28016	13522
28017	28017	13523 SB224 INTRODUCED
28018	28018	Page 484
28019	28019	or intellectual, neuropsychological, personality, or
28020	28020	projective instruments.
28021	28021	(2) Admitting any individual to a hospital for
28022	28022	treatment of any condition that is outside the boundaries of
28023	28023	the practice of social work, as provided in subsection (b).
28024	28024	(3) Treating any individual in a hospital setting
28025	28025	without medical supervision.
28026	28026	(4) Prescribing medicinal drugs.
28027	28027	(5) Authorizing clinical laboratory procedures or
28028	28028	radiological procedures.
28029	28029	(6) Using electroconvulsive therapy.
28030	28030	(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to
28031	28031	create a requirement that any health benefit plan, group
28032	28032	insurance plan, policy, or contract for health care services
28033	28033	that covers hospital, medical, or surgical expenses, health
28034	28034	maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations,
28035	28035	medical service organizations, physician-hospital
28036	28036	organizations, or any other individual, firm, corporation,
28037	28037	joint venture, or other similar business entity that pays for,
28038	28038	purchases, or furnishes group health care services to
28039	28039	patients, insureds, or beneficiaries in this state, including
28040	28040	entities created pursuant to Article 6, commencing with
28041	28041	Section 10A-20-6.01 of Chapter 20, Title 10A, provide coverage
28042	28042	or reimbursement for the services described or authorized in
28043	28043	this section.
28044	28044	"§34-30-6
28045	28045	(a) All fees collected pursuant to this chapter shall
28046	28046	be nonrefundable and shall be deposited in the State Treasury
28047	28047	to the credit of the Board of Social Work Examiners and shall
28048	28048	13524
28049	28049	13525
28050	28050	13526
28051	28051	13527
28052	28052	13528
28053	28053	13529
28054	28054	13530
28055	28055	13531
28056	28056	13532
28057	28057	13533
28058	28058	13534
28059	28059	13535
28060	28060	13536
28061	28061	13537
28062	28062	13538
28063	28063	13539
28064	28064	13540
28065	28065	13541
28066	28066	13542
28067	28067	13543
28068	28068	13544
28069	28069	13545
28070	28070	13546
28071	28071	13547
28072	28072	13548
28073	28073	13549
28074	28074	13550
28075	28075	13551 SB224 INTRODUCED
28076	28076	Page 485
28077	28077	to the credit of the Board of Social Work Examiners and shall
28078	28078	constitute a separate fund to be disbursed as prescribed in
28079	28079	subsection (b) of this section into the Occupational and
28080	28080	Professional Licensing Fund .
28081	28081	(b) For the purpose of carrying out the objects of this
28082	28082	chapter, and for the exercise of the powers herein granted,
28083	28083	the Board of Social Work Examiners shall have power to direct
28084	28084	the disbursement of the separate fund created by subsection
28085	28085	(a) of this section, which shall be paid on warrant of the
28086	28086	state Comptroller upon certificate or voucher of the secretary
28087	28087	of the board, approved by the president or vice-president of
28088	28088	the board. No funds shall be withdrawn or expended except as
28089	28089	budgeted and allotted according to the provisions of Article 4
28090	28090	of Chapter 4 of Title 41, and only in amounts as stipulated in
28091	28091	the general appropriation bill. Such amounts shall not exceed
28092	28092	the amount in the separate fund established by subsection (a)
28093	28093	of this section. "
28094	28094	"§34-30-22
28095	28095	The State Board of Social Work Examiners shall issue a
28096	28096	license as a "licensed bachelor social worker," a "licensed
28097	28097	master social worker," or a "licensed independent clinical
28098	28098	social worker" to an applicant who satisfies all of the
28099	28099	following requirements:
28100	28100	(1) Is at least 19 years of age.
28101	28101	(2) Has paid an initial examination fee established by
28102	28102	the board executive director .
28103	28103	(3) Has passed an examination prepared by the state
28104	28104	board for that purpose.
28105	28105	(4) Has ascribed to a professional code of ethics
28106	28106	13552
28107	28107	13553
28108	28108	13554
28109	28109	13555
28110	28110	13556
28111	28111	13557
28112	28112	13558
28113	28113	13559
28114	28114	13560
28115	28115	13561
28116	28116	13562
28117	28117	13563
28118	28118	13564
28119	28119	13565
28120	28120	13566
28121	28121	13567
28122	28122	13568
28123	28123	13569
28124	28124	13570
28125	28125	13571
28126	28126	13572
28127	28127	13573
28128	28128	13574
28129	28129	13575
28130	28130	13576
28131	28131	13577
28132	28132	13578
28133	28133	13579 SB224 INTRODUCED
28134	28134	Page 486
28135	28135	(4) Has ascribed to a professional code of ethics
28136	28136	developed and adopted by the board.
28137	28137	(5) Meets all of the following additional requirements
28138	28138	for the level at which they are applying to be licensed:
28139	28139	a. Bachelor social worker:
28140	28140	1. Has a baccalaureate degree from an accredited
28141	28141	college or university including completion of a social work
28142	28142	program. At the end of five years from June 8, 1984,
28143	28143	applicants who then apply shall have a baccalaureate degree
28144	28144	from an accredited college or university, including completion
28145	28145	of a social work program approved, accredited, or in candidacy
28146	28146	granted by the Council on Social Work Education.
28147	28147	2. For a period of six years from May 23, 1977, an
28148	28148	applicant may be licensed who has a baccalaureate degree from
28149	28149	an accredited college or university and has successfully
28150	28150	completed two years of full-time continuous employment in a
28151	28151	social work position under supervision approved by the board;
28152	28152	or
28153	28153	3. Until March 1, 1996, an applicant may be licensed
28154	28154	who has a bachelor's degree in social work or a bachelor's
28155	28155	degree in a human services field such as sociology,
28156	28156	rehabilitation counseling, psychology, and guidance
28157	28157	counseling.
28158	28158	b. Master social worker: Has a Master of Social Work or
28159	28159	a Doctor of Social Work from a college or university approved,
28160	28160	accredited, or in candidacy granted by the Council on Social
28161	28161	Work Education.
28162	28162	c. Independent clinical social worker:
28163	28163	1. Has a Master of Social Work or a Doctor of Social
28164	28164	13580
28165	28165	13581
28166	28166	13582
28167	28167	13583
28168	28168	13584
28169	28169	13585
28170	28170	13586
28171	28171	13587
28172	28172	13588
28173	28173	13589
28174	28174	13590
28175	28175	13591
28176	28176	13592
28177	28177	13593
28178	28178	13594
28179	28179	13595
28180	28180	13596
28181	28181	13597
28182	28182	13598
28183	28183	13599
28184	28184	13600
28185	28185	13601
28186	28186	13602
28187	28187	13603
28188	28188	13604
28189	28189	13605
28190	28190	13606
28191	28191	13607 SB224 INTRODUCED
28192	28192	Page 487
28193	28193	1. Has a Master of Social Work or a Doctor of Social
28194	28194	Work from a college or university approved, accredited, or in
28195	28195	candidacy granted by the Council on Social Work Education.
28196	28196	2. Has had at least two years of post-master or
28197	28197	doctorate experience in the practice of social work under the
28198	28198	supervision of a licensed independent clinical social worker.
28199	28199	(6) Is a United States citizen or, if not a citizen of
28200	28200	the United States, a person who is legally present in the
28201	28201	United States with appropriate documentation from the federal
28202	28202	government."
28203	28203	"§34-30-25
28204	28204	After November 24, 1978, the The initial fee for a
28205	28205	license shall be at least $50 and the fee for renewal thereof
28206	28206	shall be at least $25 prescribed by the executive director ."
28207	28207	"§34-30-26
28208	28208	(a) All licenses and certificates under this chapter
28209	28209	shall be effective when issued by the State Board of Social
28210	28210	Work Examiners.
28211	28211	(b) All licenses and certificates issued by the board
28212	28212	shall expire on the last day of the month in the calendar year
28213	28213	that is exactly two years from the calendar year and month in
28214	28214	which the license or certificate is issued as prescribed by
28215	28215	the executive director .
28216	28216	(c) A license or certificate may be renewed by the
28217	28217	payment of the renewal fee set by the board executive director
28218	28218	and by the execution and submission on a form provided by the
28219	28219	board executive director of a sworn statement by the applicant
28220	28220	that his or her license or certificate has been neither
28221	28221	revoked nor currently suspended.
28222	28222	13608
28223	28223	13609
28224	28224	13610
28225	28225	13611
28226	28226	13612
28227	28227	13613
28228	28228	13614
28229	28229	13615
28230	28230	13616
28231	28231	13617
28232	28232	13618
28233	28233	13619
28234	28234	13620
28235	28235	13621
28236	28236	13622
28237	28237	13623
28238	28238	13624
28239	28239	13625
28240	28240	13626
28241	28241	13627
28242	28242	13628
28243	28243	13629
28244	28244	13630
28245	28245	13631
28246	28246	13632
28247	28247	13633
28248	28248	13634
28249	28249	13635 SB224 INTRODUCED
28250	28250	Page 488
28251	28251	revoked nor currently suspended.
28252	28252	(d) At the time of license renewal, each applicant
28253	28253	shall present satisfactory evidence that in the period since
28254	28254	the license was issued, such applicant has completed the
28255	28255	continuing education requirements specified by the board. At
28256	28256	the time of license renewal, the board may, in its discretion,
28257	28257	waive the continuing education requirement upon a showing by
28258	28258	an applicant that prolonged illness or other extenuating
28259	28259	circumstances prevented completion of such requirements. A
28260	28260	waiver shall not be granted to any applicant twice in
28261	28261	succession.
28262	28262	(e) The application for renewal must be made within 60
28263	28263	days after the expiration of the license or the termination of
28264	28264	the period of suspension.
28265	28265	(f)(e) No licensee shall be denied a license renewal
28266	28266	based on the fact that such licensee has not actively
28267	28267	practiced social work for the previous licensing period,
28268	28268	provided that all licensing renewal fees have been paid to the
28269	28269	board by the licensee.
28270	28270	(g)(f) A licensee under this chapter who is not engaged
28271	28271	in the practice of social work or who does not live in the
28272	28272	state may request, in writing, that the board place his or her
28273	28273	name on the board's inactive roll, thereby granting him or her
28274	28274	inactive status and protecting his or her right to obtain a
28275	28275	license to practice pursuant to subsection (a) at a later time
28276	28276	if he or she wishes to become actively engaged in the
28277	28277	practice.
28278	28278	(h)(g) If, upon receipt of the request as provided in
28279	28279	subsection (g) (f), the board determines that the social
28280	28280	13636
28281	28281	13637
28282	28282	13638
28283	28283	13639
28284	28284	13640
28285	28285	13641
28286	28286	13642
28287	28287	13643
28288	28288	13644
28289	28289	13645
28290	28290	13646
28291	28291	13647
28292	28292	13648
28293	28293	13649
28294	28294	13650
28295	28295	13651
28296	28296	13652
28297	28297	13653
28298	28298	13654
28299	28299	13655
28300	28300	13656
28301	28301	13657
28302	28302	13658
28303	28303	13659
28304	28304	13660
28305	28305	13661
28306	28306	13662
28307	28307	13663 SB224 INTRODUCED
28308	28308	Page 489
28309	28309	subsection (g) (f), the board determines that the social
28310	28310	worker shall be permitted to retain his or her initial
28311	28311	registration or certification, the social worker shall pay a
28312	28312	biennial registration fee in such amount as the board, from
28313	28313	time to time, executive director shall determine. If a social
28314	28314	worker who has elected inactive status wishes to reenter the
28315	28315	practice, he or she shall make application to the board for
28316	28316	licensure to practice. To ensure competency to practice, the
28317	28317	board, in its rules, shall specify the number of hours of
28318	28318	continuing education the applicant shall obtain before
28319	28319	regaining active status."
28320	28320	"§34-30-27
28321	28321	(a) Individuals licensed under Section 34-30-23 or
28322	28322	Section 34-30-24 shall be exempt from any examination provided
28323	28323	for in Section 34-30-22, subdivision (3).
28324	28324	(b) Any person who meets the following listed
28325	28325	conditions shall be issued a certification as a "licensed
28326	28326	certified social worker" without a written examination by the
28327	28327	State Board of Social Work Examiners; provided, however, that
28328	28328	any person seeking licensure under this section must do so
28329	28329	within one year from April 4, 1988. The conditions to be met
28330	28330	are as follows:
28331	28331	(1) Possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited
28332	28332	college or university.
28333	28333	(2) Have completed a minimum of six quarter-hours at an
28334	28334	approved graduate school of social work on or before January
28335	28335	1, 1960.
28336	28336	(3) Completed a minimum of six years of full,
28337	28337	continuous employment in a social work position under
28338	28338	13664
28339	28339	13665
28340	28340	13666
28341	28341	13667
28342	28342	13668
28343	28343	13669
28344	28344	13670
28345	28345	13671
28346	28346	13672
28347	28347	13673
28348	28348	13674
28349	28349	13675
28350	28350	13676
28351	28351	13677
28352	28352	13678
28353	28353	13679
28354	28354	13680
28355	28355	13681
28356	28356	13682
28357	28357	13683
28358	28358	13684
28359	28359	13685
28360	28360	13686
28361	28361	13687
28362	28362	13688
28363	28363	13689
28364	28364	13690
28365	28365	13691 SB224 INTRODUCED
28366	28366	Page 490
28367	28367	continuous employment in a social work position under
28368	28368	supervision approved by the board or seven years of full,
28369	28369	continuous employment with a public or quasi-public agency in
28370	28370	the State of Alabama on or before May 1, 1977.
28371	28371	Any person meeting the above conditions shall, upon
28372	28372	application to the State Board of Social Work Examiners and
28373	28373	the payment of $50 a fee prescribed by the executive director ,
28374	28374	be issued certification as a "licensed certified social
28375	28375	worker"; provided, however, that any person seeking licensure
28376	28376	under this section must do so within one year from the passage
28377	28377	of this amendment.
28378	28378	(c) Any person who holds a Master of Social Work degree
28379	28379	or a master's degree in vocational education from an approved
28380	28380	college or university, plus one year experience or its
28381	28381	equivalent, shall be granted the title of "graduate social
28382	28382	worker" if the person has completed the requirements mentioned
28383	28383	in this subsection on or before December 30, 1977, upon
28384	28384	application to the State Board of Social Work Examiners and
28385	28385	the payment of the fee of $50; provided, however, that any
28386	28386	person seeking licensure under this section must do so within
28387	28387	one year from the passage of this amendment.
28388	28388	(d)(c) Notwithstanding the aforementioned provisions of
28389	28389	this chapter, any person who has been previously licensed
28390	28390	under subsection (b) or (c) of this section and who allows his
28391	28391	or her license to expire and does not renew his or her license
28392	28392	during the time period provided in Section 34-30-26, shall no
28393	28393	longer be exempt from any examination provided for in Section
28394	28394	34-30-22(3); but instead must take the examination in order to
28395	28395	be licensed under Section 34-30-23 or Section 34-30-24."
28396	28396	13692
28397	28397	13693
28398	28398	13694
28399	28399	13695
28400	28400	13696
28401	28401	13697
28402	28402	13698
28403	28403	13699
28404	28404	13700
28405	28405	13701
28406	28406	13702
28407	28407	13703
28408	28408	13704
28409	28409	13705
28410	28410	13706
28411	28411	13707
28412	28412	13708
28413	28413	13709
28414	28414	13710
28415	28415	13711
28416	28416	13712
28417	28417	13713
28418	28418	13714
28419	28419	13715
28420	28420	13716
28421	28421	13717
28422	28422	13718
28423	28423	13719 SB224 INTRODUCED
28424	28424	Page 491
28425	28425	be licensed under Section 34-30-23 or Section 34-30-24."
28426	28426	"§34-30-50
28427	28427	(a)(1) There is created an Alabama Board of Social Work
28428	28428	Examiners, which. Commencing on October 1, 2026, the board
28429	28429	shall be subject to the leadership, support, and oversight of
28430	28430	the Executive Director of the Office of Occupational and
28431	28431	Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B of Title 25.
28432	28432	(2) The board shall consist of seven members who are
28433	28433	citizens of this state and appointed by the Governor. No
28434	28434	person shall be excluded from serving on the board by reason
28435	28435	of race, sex, or national origin. Four members shall be
28436	28436	"licensed certified social workers" under the provisions of
28437	28437	this chapter, who have rendered service, education, or
28438	28438	research in social work. Two members shall be "licensed
28439	28439	graduate social workers" under the provisions of this chapter,
28440	28440	who shall have rendered service, education, or research in
28441	28441	social work. One member shall be a "licensed bachelor social
28442	28442	worker" under the provisions of this chapter who has rendered
28443	28443	service, education, or research in social work. Initial
28444	28444	members shall be persons eligible for licensing as provided by
28445	28445	this chapter. Members shall be appointed within 90 days after
28446	28446	May 23, 1977, from a list of names of qualified persons
28447	28447	submitted by any interested parties. The Governor may request
28448	28448	the submission of additional names.
28449	28449	(b) After March 20, 1992, successor members of the
28450	28450	board shall be appointed by the Governor as provided in this
28451	28451	subsection. At least one position on the board shall be
28452	28452	represented by a person who is a member of a minority race.
28453	28453	Within 30 days following the expiration of a term or terms of
28454	28454	13720
28455	28455	13721
28456	28456	13722
28457	28457	13723
28458	28458	13724
28459	28459	13725
28460	28460	13726
28461	28461	13727
28462	28462	13728
28463	28463	13729
28464	28464	13730
28465	28465	13731
28466	28466	13732
28467	28467	13733
28468	28468	13734
28469	28469	13735
28470	28470	13736
28471	28471	13737
28472	28472	13738
28473	28473	13739
28474	28474	13740
28475	28475	13741
28476	28476	13742
28477	28477	13743
28478	28478	13744
28479	28479	13745
28480	28480	13746
28481	28481	13747 SB224 INTRODUCED
28482	28482	Page 492
28483	28483	Within 30 days following the expiration of a term or terms of
28484	28484	office, the board shall notify each licensee in writing of the
28485	28485	vacancy and shall solicit the nomination of not more than five
28486	28486	licensed certified social workers, licensed graduate social
28487	28487	workers, or licensed bachelor social workers, as the case may
28488	28488	be, for consideration for each position to be filled. The
28489	28489	board shall certify the names of not more than three persons
28490	28490	receiving the highest number of nominations for each position
28491	28491	to the Governor. The Governor shall appoint one of the
28492	28492	nominated persons for the position or positions within 30 days
28493	28493	following receipt of the list. If the Governor fails to make
28494	28494	the appointment within the 30-day period, the person for each
28495	28495	position receiving the highest number of nominations shall
28496	28496	become the successor board member for that respective
28497	28497	position. The first successor member appointed after March 20,
28498	28498	1992, shall be a member of a minority race who meets all other
28499	28499	qualifications of this article. Beginning with the seventh
28500	28500	appointment following March 20, 1992, not more than one member
28501	28501	from any United States Congressional District, as those
28502	28502	districts exist as of March 20, 1992, shall be appointed to
28503	28503	serve at the same time.
28504	28504	(c) Any other provision of law notwithstanding,
28505	28505	successors to the three terms that expire in October 2004
28506	28506	shall be appointed as follows: Two members shall be appointed
28507	28507	for terms of two years and one member shall be appointed for a
28508	28508	term of three years, with all terms expiring on September 30
28509	28509	of the final year of the term. Any other provision of law
28510	28510	notwithstanding, successors to the four terms that expire in
28511	28511	December 2005 shall be appointed as follows: One member shall
28512	28512	13748
28513	28513	13749
28514	28514	13750
28515	28515	13751
28516	28516	13752
28517	28517	13753
28518	28518	13754
28519	28519	13755
28520	28520	13756
28521	28521	13757
28522	28522	13758
28523	28523	13759
28524	28524	13760
28525	28525	13761
28526	28526	13762
28527	28527	13763
28528	28528	13764
28529	28529	13765
28530	28530	13766
28531	28531	13767
28532	28532	13768
28533	28533	13769
28534	28534	13770
28535	28535	13771
28536	28536	13772
28537	28537	13773
28538	28538	13774
28539	28539	13775 SB224 INTRODUCED
28540	28540	Page 493
28541	28541	December 2005 shall be appointed as follows: One member shall
28542	28542	be appointed for a term of two years and three members shall
28543	28543	be appointed for terms of three years, with all terms expiring
28544	28544	on September 30 of the final year of the term. Thereafter,
28545	28545	subsequent appointments shall be for a term of three years,
28546	28546	expiring on September 30 of the final year of the term. Each
28547	28547	member shall hold office until his or her successor is
28548	28548	appointed and assumes office. A two-year appointment to fill
28549	28549	an expired term pursuant to this subsection shall be
28550	28550	considered a consecutive term of office for determining the
28551	28551	two consecutive terms of office limitation provided in Section
28552	28552	34-30-51. Any vacancy occurring other than by expiration of a
28553	28553	term shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term
28554	28554	by appointment of the Governor. An appointment to fill an
28555	28555	unexpired term may not be considered a consecutive term of
28556	28556	office for determining the two consecutive terms of office
28557	28557	limitation provided in Section 34-30-51."
28558	28558	"§34-30-57
28559	28559	In addition to the duties set forth elsewhere in this
28560	28560	chapter, the Board of Social Work Examiners shall do all of
28561	28561	the following:
28562	28562	(1) Recommend modifications and amendments to this
28563	28563	chapter.
28564	28564	(2) Recommend to the appropriate district attorneys
28565	28565	prosecutions for the violations of this chapter, after and
28566	28566	only after the alleged violator has been notified of the
28567	28567	violation or violations and having been given 90 days to
28568	28568	disclaim, amend, and rectify the allegation.
28569	28569	(3) Annually publish a list of the names and addresses
28570	28570	13776
28571	28571	13777
28572	28572	13778
28573	28573	13779
28574	28574	13780
28575	28575	13781
28576	28576	13782
28577	28577	13783
28578	28578	13784
28579	28579	13785
28580	28580	13786
28581	28581	13787
28582	28582	13788
28583	28583	13789
28584	28584	13790
28585	28585	13791
28586	28586	13792
28587	28587	13793
28588	28588	13794
28589	28589	13795
28590	28590	13796
28591	28591	13797
28592	28592	13798
28593	28593	13799
28594	28594	13800
28595	28595	13801
28596	28596	13802
28597	28597	13803 SB224 INTRODUCED
28598	28598	Page 494
28599	28599	(3) Annually publish a list of the names and addresses
28600	28600	of all persons who are:
28601	28601	a. Licensed bachelor social workers, licensed master
28602	28602	social workers, and licensed independent clinical social
28603	28603	workers under this chapter.
28604	28604	b. Eligible to engage in the private independent
28605	28605	practice of social work under this chapter.
28606	28606	(4) Establish Collect fees established by the executive
28607	28607	director for initial examination, licensure, certification,
28608	28608	and renewal thereof; fees for verifying the existence of a
28609	28609	current license, reactivating an inactive license, and
28610	28610	reinstating a lapsed license; fees for making application to
28611	28611	the board to act as a continuing education provider; and fees
28612	28612	for registering a supervisor. Nothing in this subdivision
28613	28613	shall be interpreted as requiring a state agency to pay any
28614	28614	fees for the purposes of verifying the licensure status of
28615	28615	current or prospective employees, registering any employee as
28616	28616	a supervisor, or providing continuing education to current or
28617	28617	prospective employees.
28618	28618	(5) Establish requirements and standards for continuing
28619	28619	education. In establishing requirements, the board shall
28620	28620	consult with those groups and organizations which represent
28621	28621	both the levels of practice specified in this chapter and the
28622	28622	various settings in which social work is practiced.
28623	28623	Furthermore, in developing requirements, the board shall
28624	28624	consider, but shall not be limited in its consideration to,
28625	28625	agency recognized staff development programs under the
28626	28626	auspices of public agencies, continuing education programs
28627	28627	offered by colleges and universities having social work
28628	28628	13804
28629	28629	13805
28630	28630	13806
28631	28631	13807
28632	28632	13808
28633	28633	13809
28634	28634	13810
28635	28635	13811
28636	28636	13812
28637	28637	13813
28638	28638	13814
28639	28639	13815
28640	28640	13816
28641	28641	13817
28642	28642	13818
28643	28643	13819
28644	28644	13820
28645	28645	13821
28646	28646	13822
28647	28647	13823
28648	28648	13824
28649	28649	13825
28650	28650	13826
28651	28651	13827
28652	28652	13828
28653	28653	13829
28654	28654	13830
28655	28655	13831 SB224 INTRODUCED
28656	28656	Page 495
28657	28657	offered by colleges and universities having social work
28658	28658	programs approved or accredited by the Council on Social Work
28659	28659	Education, and continuing education programs offered by
28660	28660	recognized state and national social work bodies.
28661	28661	(6) Adopt rules pursuant to the Alabama Administrative
28662	28662	Procedure Act that set forth professional standards for
28663	28663	licensed bachelor social workers, licensed master social
28664	28664	workers, and licensed independent clinical social workers who
28665	28665	are certified for the private independent practice of social
28666	28666	work. Those proposed rules shall be published at least 30 days
28667	28667	before the public hearing relative to the proposed rules, and
28668	28668	at least 15 days before the hearing, the board shall publish
28669	28669	notice of the date, time, and place where the public hearings
28670	28670	of the board shall be held for the purpose of adopting or
28671	28671	amending rules pertaining to this chapter."
28672	28672	"§34-30-58
28673	28673	The Board of Social Work Examiners may accept
28674	28674	contributions and bequests from individuals, organizations,
28675	28675	and corporations and must expend these funds to carry out the
28676	28676	purposes of this chapter . Records of receipts and expenditures
28677	28677	of such funds shall be made available to Examiners of Public
28678	28678	Accounts upon request."
28679	28679	Section 38. Relating to the Alabama Board of Examiners
28680	28680	for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology; to amend Sections
28681	28681	34-28A-1, 34-28A-4, 34-28A-21, 34-28A-22, 34-28A-23,
28682	28682	34-28A-25, 34-28A-27, 34-28A-40, and 34-28A-44 of the Code of
28683	28683	Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
28684	28684	"§34-28A-1
28685	28685	For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms
28686	28686	13832
28687	28687	13833
28688	28688	13834
28689	28689	13835
28690	28690	13836
28691	28691	13837
28692	28692	13838
28693	28693	13839
28694	28694	13840
28695	28695	13841
28696	28696	13842
28697	28697	13843
28698	28698	13844
28699	28699	13845
28700	28700	13846
28701	28701	13847
28702	28702	13848
28703	28703	13849
28704	28704	13850
28705	28705	13851
28706	28706	13852
28707	28707	13853
28708	28708	13854
28709	28709	13855
28710	28710	13856
28711	28711	13857
28712	28712	13858
28713	28713	13859 SB224 INTRODUCED
28714	28714	Page 496
28715	28715	For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms
28716	28716	shall have the meanings respectively ascribed by this section:
28717	28717	(1) ASSOCIATION. The Speech and Hearing Association of
28718	28718	Alabama.
28719	28719	(2) AUDIOLOGIST. An individual who practices audiology
28720	28720	and who presents himself or herself to the public by any title
28721	28721	or description of services incorporating the words
28722	28722	audiologist, hearing clinician, hearing therapist, or any
28723	28723	similar title or description of service.
28724	28724	(3) AUDIOLOGY. The application of principles, methods,
28725	28725	and procedures or measurement, testing, evaluation,
28726	28726	prediction, consultation, counseling, instruction,
28727	28727	habilitation, or rehabilitation related to hearing and
28728	28728	disorders of hearing for the purpose of evaluating,
28729	28729	identifying, preventing, ameliorating, or modifying such
28730	28730	disorders and conditions in individuals or groups of
28731	28731	individuals, or both, and may include, but is not limited to,
28732	28732	consultation regarding noise control and hearing conservation,
28733	28733	as well as evaluation of noise environments and calibration of
28734	28734	measuring equipment used for such purposes. For the purpose of
28735	28735	this subdivision the words "habilitation" and "rehabilitation"
28736	28736	include, but are not limited to, hearing aid evaluation and
28737	28737	application, preparation of ear impressions, auditory
28738	28738	training, and speech reading.
28739	28739	(4) BOARD. The Alabama Board of Examiners for
28740	28740	Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology established under
28741	28741	Section 34-28A-40.
28742	28742	(5) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director of the
28743	28743	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
28744	28744	13860
28745	28745	13861
28746	28746	13862
28747	28747	13863
28748	28748	13864
28749	28749	13865
28750	28750	13866
28751	28751	13867
28752	28752	13868
28753	28753	13869
28754	28754	13870
28755	28755	13871
28756	28756	13872
28757	28757	13873
28758	28758	13874
28759	28759	13875
28760	28760	13876
28761	28761	13877
28762	28762	13878
28763	28763	13879
28764	28764	13880
28765	28765	13881
28766	28766	13882
28767	28767	13883
28768	28768	13884
28769	28769	13885
28770	28770	13886
28771	28771	13887 SB224 INTRODUCED
28772	28772	Page 497
28773	28773	Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing as defined
28774	28774	in Section 25-2B-1.
28775	28775	(5)(6) PERSON. Any individual, organization, or
28776	28776	corporate body. Only an individual may be licensed under this
28777	28777	chapter.
28778	28778	(6)(7) SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST. Any person who
28779	28779	examines, evaluates, remediates, uses preventive measures, or
28780	28780	counsels persons suffering or suspected of suffering from
28781	28781	disorders or conditions affecting speech or language. A person
28782	28782	is deemed to be a speech-language pathologist when he or she
28783	28783	practices speech pathology and/or if he or she offers those
28784	28784	services to the public under any title incorporating the words
28785	28785	"speech pathology," "speech pathologist," "speech-language
28786	28786	pathology," "speech-language pathologist," "speech
28787	28787	correction," "speech correctionist," "speech therapy," "speech
28788	28788	therapist," "speech clinic," "speech clinician," "voice
28789	28789	therapist," "language therapist," "aphasia therapist,"
28790	28790	"communication disorders specialist," "communication
28791	28791	therapist," or any similar title or description of service.
28792	28792	(7)(8) SPEECH PATHOLOGY or SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY.
28793	28793	The application of principles, methods, and procedures for the
28794	28794	measurement, testing, evaluation, prediction, counseling,
28795	28795	instruction, habilitation, or rehabilitation related to the
28796	28796	development and disorders of speech, voice, or language for
28797	28797	the purpose of evaluating, preventing, ameliorating, or
28798	28798	modifying such disorders and conditions in individuals or
28799	28799	groups of individuals, or both.
28800	28800	(8)(9) SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT and
28801	28801	AUDIOLOGY ASSISTANT. Those persons meeting the minimum
28802	28802	13888
28803	28803	13889
28804	28804	13890
28805	28805	13891
28806	28806	13892
28807	28807	13893
28808	28808	13894
28809	28809	13895
28810	28810	13896
28811	28811	13897
28812	28812	13898
28813	28813	13899
28814	28814	13900
28815	28815	13901
28816	28816	13902
28817	28817	13903
28818	28818	13904
28819	28819	13905
28820	28820	13906
28821	28821	13907
28822	28822	13908
28823	28823	13909
28824	28824	13910
28825	28825	13911
28826	28826	13912
28827	28827	13913
28828	28828	13914
28829	28829	13915 SB224 INTRODUCED
28830	28830	Page 498
28831	28831	AUDIOLOGY ASSISTANT. Those persons meeting the minimum
28832	28832	qualifications that may be established by the Board of
28833	28833	Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and who
28834	28834	work directly under the supervision of a speech-language
28835	28835	pathologist or audiologist, respectively. The qualifications
28836	28836	for registration as an assistant shall be less than those
28837	28837	prescribed for a speech-language pathologist or audiologist."
28838	28838	"§34-28A-4
28839	28839	(a) Any person who practices or offers to practice the
28840	28840	profession of speech-language pathology or audiology without
28841	28841	being licensed or exempted in accordance with this chapter, or
28842	28842	any person who uses in connection with his or her name or
28843	28843	otherwise assumes, uses, or advertises any title or
28844	28844	description tending to convey the impression that he or she is
28845	28845	a speech-language pathologist or audiologist without being
28846	28846	licensed or exempted in accordance with this chapter, or any
28847	28847	person who presents or attempts to use as his or her own the
28848	28848	license of another, or any person who gives any false or
28849	28849	forged evidence of any kind to the board or any member thereof
28850	28850	in obtaining a license, or any person who attempts to use an
28851	28851	expired or revoked license or any person, firm, partnership,
28852	28852	or corporation, or any person who violates any of the
28853	28853	provisions of this chapter, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor
28854	28854	and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than one
28855	28855	hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars
28856	28856	($500) for each offense.
28857	28857	(b) The board, or the person or persons as may be
28858	28858	designated by the board to act in its stead, may prefer
28859	28859	charges for any of the violations of this chapter in any
28860	28860	13916
28861	28861	13917
28862	28862	13918
28863	28863	13919
28864	28864	13920
28865	28865	13921
28866	28866	13922
28867	28867	13923
28868	28868	13924
28869	28869	13925
28870	28870	13926
28871	28871	13927
28872	28872	13928
28873	28873	13929
28874	28874	13930
28875	28875	13931
28876	28876	13932
28877	28877	13933
28878	28878	13934
28879	28879	13935
28880	28880	13936
28881	28881	13937
28882	28882	13938
28883	28883	13939
28884	28884	13940
28885	28885	13941
28886	28886	13942
28887	28887	13943 SB224 INTRODUCED
28888	28888	Page 499
28889	28889	charges for any of the violations of this chapter in any
28890	28890	county in this state in which the violations may have
28891	28891	occurred. All duly constituted officers of the law of this
28892	28892	state or any political subdivision thereof shall enforce this
28893	28893	chapter and prosecute any persons, firms, partnerships, or
28894	28894	corporations violating the same.
28895	28895	(c) The Attorney General of the state and his or her
28896	28896	assistants shall act as legal advisers of the board and render
28897	28897	legal assistance as may be necessary in carrying out this
28898	28898	chapter.
28899	28899	(d) All fines collected for the violation of any
28900	28900	provisions of this chapter shall be paid over to the secretary
28901	28901	of the board to be delivered by him or her to the State
28902	28902	Treasury and placed in the Speech-Language Pathology and
28903	28903	Audiology Fund in the same manner as funds received for the
28904	28904	issuance of licenses deposited into the Occupational and
28905	28905	Professional Licensing Fund ."
28906	28906	"§34-28A-21
28907	28907	(a) To be eligible for licensure by the board as a
28908	28908	speech-language pathologist or audiologist a person shall meet
28909	28909	each of the following qualifications and requirements:
28910	28910	(1) Be of good moral character.
28911	28911	(2) Make application to the board on a form prescribed
28912	28912	by the board executive director .
28913	28913	(3) Pay to the board the appropriate application fee.
28914	28914	(4) Pass an examination in speech-language pathology or
28915	28915	audiology approved by the board.
28916	28916	(5) Be a citizen of the United States or, if not a
28917	28917	citizen of the United States, a person who is legally present
28918	28918	13944
28919	28919	13945
28920	28920	13946
28921	28921	13947
28922	28922	13948
28923	28923	13949
28924	28924	13950
28925	28925	13951
28926	28926	13952
28927	28927	13953
28928	28928	13954
28929	28929	13955
28930	28930	13956
28931	28931	13957
28932	28932	13958
28933	28933	13959
28934	28934	13960
28935	28935	13961
28936	28936	13962
28937	28937	13963
28938	28938	13964
28939	28939	13965
28940	28940	13966
28941	28941	13967
28942	28942	13968
28943	28943	13969
28944	28944	13970
28945	28945	13971 SB224 INTRODUCED
28946	28946	Page 500
28947	28947	citizen of the United States, a person who is legally present
28948	28948	in the United States with appropriate documentation from the
28949	28949	federal government.
28950	28950	(b) Applicants for the speech-language pathology
28951	28951	license shall submit the following:
28952	28952	(1) Evidence of possession of at least a master's
28953	28953	degree in speech-language pathology from an institution
28954	28954	approved by the board.
28955	28955	(2) Evidence of the successful completion of supervised
28956	28956	clinic practicum experiences from an educational institution,
28957	28957	or its cooperating programs, that is approved by the board.
28958	28958	(3) Evidence of the successful completion of
28959	28959	postgraduate professional experience approved by the board as
28960	28960	delineated in the rules of the board.
28961	28961	(c) Applicants for the audiology license whose master's
28962	28962	degree was earned and conferred prior to January 1, 2007,
28963	28963	shall submit the following:
28964	28964	(1) Evidence of possession of at least a master's
28965	28965	degree in audiology from an education institution approved by
28966	28966	the board.
28967	28967	(2) Evidence of the successful completion of supervised
28968	28968	clinic practicum experiences from an educational institution,
28969	28969	or its cooperating programs, that is approved by the board.
28970	28970	(3) Evidence of the successful completion of
28971	28971	postgraduate professional experience approved by the board as
28972	28972	delineated in the rules and regulations of the board.
28973	28973	(d) Applicants for the audiology license whose degree
28974	28974	was earned and conferred after January 1, 2007, shall submit
28975	28975	the following:
28976	28976	13972
28977	28977	13973
28978	28978	13974
28979	28979	13975
28980	28980	13976
28981	28981	13977
28982	28982	13978
28983	28983	13979
28984	28984	13980
28985	28985	13981
28986	28986	13982
28987	28987	13983
28988	28988	13984
28989	28989	13985
28990	28990	13986
28991	28991	13987
28992	28992	13988
28993	28993	13989
28994	28994	13990
28995	28995	13991
28996	28996	13992
28997	28997	13993
28998	28998	13994
28999	28999	13995
29000	29000	13996
29001	29001	13997
29002	29002	13998
29003	29003	13999 SB224 INTRODUCED
29004	29004	Page 501
29005	29005	the following:
29006	29006	(1) Evidence of possession of a doctoral degree in
29007	29007	audiology from an education institution approved by the board.
29008	29008	(2) Evidence of the successful completion of supervised
29009	29009	clinic practicum experiences from an educational institution,
29010	29010	or its cooperating programs, that is approved by the board as
29011	29011	delineated in the rules of the board.
29012	29012	(e) Nothing in this section shall prevent the continued
29013	29013	licensure of an audiologist that received licensure before
29014	29014	January 1, 2007."
29015	29015	"§34-28A-22
29016	29016	(a) A person eligible for licensure under Section
29017	29017	34-28A-21 and desirous of licensure shall make application for
29018	29018	examination to the board at least 30 days prior to the date of
29019	29019	examination, upon a form and in a manner as the board
29020	29020	prescribes prescribed by the executive director , and shall
29021	29021	mail or deliver the application to a permanent address set and
29022	29022	made known to the general public by publication by the board.
29023	29023	(b) Any application shall be accompanied by the
29024	29024	non-refundable fee prescribed in Section 34-28A-27.
29025	29025	(c) A person who fails an examination may make
29026	29026	application for reexamination if he or she again meets the
29027	29027	requirements of subsections (a) and (b).
29028	29028	(d) A person certified by the American Speech and
29029	29029	Hearing Association (ASHA) or licensed under the law of
29030	29030	another state, a territory of the United States, or the
29031	29031	District of Columbia as a speech-language pathologist or
29032	29032	audiologist who has applied for licensure under this section
29033	29033	may perform speech-language pathology and audiology services
29034	29034	14000
29035	29035	14001
29036	29036	14002
29037	29037	14003
29038	29038	14004
29039	29039	14005
29040	29040	14006
29041	29041	14007
29042	29042	14008
29043	29043	14009
29044	29044	14010
29045	29045	14011
29046	29046	14012
29047	29047	14013
29048	29048	14014
29049	29049	14015
29050	29050	14016
29051	29051	14017
29052	29052	14018
29053	29053	14019
29054	29054	14020
29055	29055	14021
29056	29056	14022
29057	29057	14023
29058	29058	14024
29059	29059	14025
29060	29060	14026
29061	29061	14027 SB224 INTRODUCED
29062	29062	Page 502
29063	29063	may perform speech-language pathology and audiology services
29064	29064	in this state during the interim period of time prior to board
29065	29065	action on that application."
29066	29066	"§34-28A-23
29067	29067	(a) Applicants for licensure shall be examined at a
29068	29068	time and place determined by the executive director and under
29069	29069	such supervision as the board may determine.
29070	29070	(b) The board may examine in whatever theoretical or
29071	29071	applied fields of speech-language pathology and audiology it
29072	29072	considers appropriate to the area of specialization and may
29073	29073	examine with regard to the professional skills and judgment of
29074	29074	a person in the utilization of speech-language pathology and
29075	29075	audiology techniques and methods."
29076	29076	"§34-28A-25
29077	29077	(a) The board shall issue a license certificate to each
29078	29078	person whom it licenses as a speech-language pathologist or
29079	29079	audiologist, or both. The certificate shall show the full name
29080	29080	of the licensee and shall bear a serial number. The
29081	29081	certificate shall be signed by the chair and secretary of the
29082	29082	board under the seal of the board.
29083	29083	(b) The board shall adopt a program of continuing
29084	29084	education not later than October 1, 1991, and, after that
29085	29085	date, proof. Proof of compliance with the minimum requirements
29086	29086	of the continuing education program shall be required as a
29087	29087	condition of license renewal.
29088	29088	(c) Licenses shall expire on December 31 a date set by
29089	29089	the executive director following their issuance or renewal and
29090	29090	are invalid thereafter unless renewed. The board shall notify
29091	29091	every person licensed under this chapter of the date of
29092	29092	14028
29093	29093	14029
29094	29094	14030
29095	29095	14031
29096	29096	14032
29097	29097	14033
29098	29098	14034
29099	29099	14035
29100	29100	14036
29101	29101	14037
29102	29102	14038
29103	29103	14039
29104	29104	14040
29105	29105	14041
29106	29106	14042
29107	29107	14043
29108	29108	14044
29109	29109	14045
29110	29110	14046
29111	29111	14047
29112	29112	14048
29113	29113	14049
29114	29114	14050
29115	29115	14051
29116	29116	14052
29117	29117	14053
29118	29118	14054
29119	29119	14055 SB224 INTRODUCED
29120	29120	Page 503
29121	29121	every person licensed under this chapter of the date of
29122	29122	expiration and the amount of the renewal fee. This notice
29123	29123	shall be mailed to his or her last known address at least one
29124	29124	month before the expiration of the license. Every person
29125	29125	licensed under this chapter shall , on or before January 1 of
29126	29126	each year, pay a fee for renewal of license to the board. The
29127	29127	board may, in the event payment exceeds a period of grace of
29128	29128	30 days, renew a license upon payment of the renewal fee plus
29129	29129	a late renewal payment penalty. Failure on the part of any
29130	29130	licensed person to pay his or her renewal fee before January 1
29131	29131	does not deprive him or her of his or her right to renew his
29132	29132	or her license, but the fee to be paid for renewal after
29133	29133	January 31 shall be increased by twenty dollars ($20) for each
29134	29134	month or fraction thereof that the payment is delayed, up to a
29135	29135	maximum of twice the current renewal fee.
29136	29136	(d) A person who fails to renew his or her license
29137	29137	within a period of two years after the date of expiration may
29138	29138	not renew the license, and the license may not be restored,
29139	29139	reissued, or reinstated thereafter, but the person may apply
29140	29140	for and obtain a new license if he or she meets the
29141	29141	requirements of this chapter.
29142	29142	(e) A licensee who wishes to place his or her license
29143	29143	on an inactive status may do so by application to the board
29144	29144	and by payment of a fee of one half of the renewal fee. An
29145	29145	inactive licensee shall not accrue any penalty for late
29146	29146	payment of the renewal fee that reactivates his or her
29147	29147	license. The license may be held inactive for a maximum period
29148	29148	of two years."
29149	29149	"§34-28A-27
29150	29150	14056
29151	29151	14057
29152	29152	14058
29153	29153	14059
29154	29154	14060
29155	29155	14061
29156	29156	14062
29157	29157	14063
29158	29158	14064
29159	29159	14065
29160	29160	14066
29161	29161	14067
29162	29162	14068
29163	29163	14069
29164	29164	14070
29165	29165	14071
29166	29166	14072
29167	29167	14073
29168	29168	14074
29169	29169	14075
29170	29170	14076
29171	29171	14077
29172	29172	14078
29173	29173	14079
29174	29174	14080
29175	29175	14081
29176	29176	14082
29177	29177	14083 SB224 INTRODUCED
29178	29178	Page 504
29179	29179	"§34-28A-27
29180	29180	(a) The board executive director shall set and publish,
29181	29181	in a manner the board deems appropriate, fees for all of the
29182	29182	following purposes:
29183	29183	(1) Application for examination.
29184	29184	(2) Initial licensing.
29185	29185	(3) Renewal of licensure.
29186	29186	(4) Late payment for renewal (monthly penalty).
29187	29187	(5) Registration of speech-language pathology
29188	29188	assistants and audiology assistants.
29189	29189	(6) Late payment fees.
29190	29190	(b) A qualified applicant for licensing who has
29191	29191	successfully passed the examination prescribed by the board
29192	29192	and has paid the application, examination, and, if necessary,
29193	29193	the reexamination fees, shall be licensed by the board as a
29194	29194	speech-language pathologist or audiologist, or both. The
29195	29195	application fee, examination fee, reexamination fee, licensing
29196	29196	fee, late payment fees, and the annual renewal fee shall be in
29197	29197	an amount fixed by the board executive director . Fees may not
29198	29198	be refunded to applicants or licensees under any
29199	29199	circumstances.
29200	29200	(c) A qualified applicant for registration as a
29201	29201	speech-language pathology assistant or audiology assistant who
29202	29202	has paid the registration fee prescribed by the board
29203	29203	executive director shall be registered by the board as a
29204	29204	speech-language pathology assistant or audiology assistant.
29205	29205	The registration fee and the annual renewal fee shall be in an
29206	29206	amount that is one half of the registration fee and annual
29207	29207	renewal fee required of speech pathologists and audiologists
29208	29208	14084
29209	29209	14085
29210	29210	14086
29211	29211	14087
29212	29212	14088
29213	29213	14089
29214	29214	14090
29215	29215	14091
29216	29216	14092
29217	29217	14093
29218	29218	14094
29219	29219	14095
29220	29220	14096
29221	29221	14097
29222	29222	14098
29223	29223	14099
29224	29224	14100
29225	29225	14101
29226	29226	14102
29227	29227	14103
29228	29228	14104
29229	29229	14105
29230	29230	14106
29231	29231	14107
29232	29232	14108
29233	29233	14109
29234	29234	14110
29235	29235	14111 SB224 INTRODUCED
29236	29236	Page 505
29237	29237	renewal fee required of speech pathologists and audiologists
29238	29238	respectively. Fees may not be refunded to applicants or
29239	29239	registrants under any circumstances.
29240	29240	(d) The fee for issuance of a license issued to replace
29241	29241	one that is lost, destroyed, mutilated, or revoked shall be
29242	29242	fifteen dollars ($15), and the fee shall accompany the
29243	29243	application for a replacement license."
29244	29244	"§34-28A-40
29245	29245	(a) There is established as an independent agency of
29246	29246	the executive branch of the government of the State of
29247	29247	Alabama, the Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language
29248	29248	Pathology and Audiology. Commencing on October 1, 2026, the
29249	29249	board shall be subject to the leadership, support, and
29250	29250	oversight of the Executive Director of the Office of
29251	29251	Occupational and Professional Licensing pursuant to Chapter 2B
29252	29252	of Title 25.
29253	29253	(b) The board shall be comprised of seven members, who
29254	29254	shall be appointed by the Governor from names submitted to the
29255	29255	Governor by the association. Not more than one board member
29256	29256	from any United States Congressional District shall be
29257	29257	appointed to serve at the same time. Those persons nominated
29258	29258	or appointed to serve on the board shall have been engaged in
29259	29259	rendering services to the public, or teaching, or research, or
29260	29260	any combination of service to the public, teaching, or
29261	29261	research, in speech-language pathology or audiology, or both
29262	29262	for at least five years immediately preceding their
29263	29263	appointment, and shall be citizens of this state. At least
29264	29264	three board members shall be speech-language pathologists, at
29265	29265	least three shall be audiologists, and one shall be a member
29266	29266	14112
29267	29267	14113
29268	29268	14114
29269	29269	14115
29270	29270	14116
29271	29271	14117
29272	29272	14118
29273	29273	14119
29274	29274	14120
29275	29275	14121
29276	29276	14122
29277	29277	14123
29278	29278	14124
29279	29279	14125
29280	29280	14126
29281	29281	14127
29282	29282	14128
29283	29283	14129
29284	29284	14130
29285	29285	14131
29286	29286	14132
29287	29287	14133
29288	29288	14134
29289	29289	14135
29290	29290	14136
29291	29291	14137
29292	29292	14138
29293	29293	14139 SB224 INTRODUCED
29294	29294	Page 506
29295	29295	least three shall be audiologists, and one shall be a member
29296	29296	of the consuming public or an allied professional. The six
29297	29297	professional speech-language pathologist and audiologist board
29298	29298	members shall at all times be holders of active and valid
29299	29299	licenses for the practice of speech-language pathology and
29300	29300	audiology in this state, except for the six members first
29301	29301	appointed, who shall fulfill the requirements set forth in the
29302	29302	appropriate provisions of Section 34-28A-21. The membership of
29303	29303	the board shall be inclusive and reflect the racial, gender,
29304	29304	geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the state.
29305	29305	(c) The Governor shall appoint two board members for a
29306	29306	term of one year, two for a term of two years, two for a term
29307	29307	of three years, and one for a term of four years. Appointments
29308	29308	made thereafter shall be for three-year terms, with no person
29309	29309	being eligible to serve more than two full consecutive terms.
29310	29310	Terms shall begin on October 1, except for the first appointee
29311	29311	member, who shall serve through September 30 of the year in
29312	29312	which he or she is appointed before commencing the terms
29313	29313	provided by this subsection.
29314	29314	(d) The board shall meet during the month of October
29315	29315	each year for the purposes of annual reorganization to select
29316	29316	a chair and an executive secretary and to compile an annual
29317	29317	report of business conducted during the previous year. Copies
29318	29318	of the annual report shall be submitted to the Governor or his
29319	29319	or her duly named representative and filed in the offices of
29320	29320	the members of the board. Additionally, a report of the
29321	29321	actions of the board shall be presented during the program of
29322	29322	an annual meeting of the Speech and Hearing Association of
29323	29323	Alabama. At least one additional meeting shall be held before
29324	29324	14140
29325	29325	14141
29326	29326	14142
29327	29327	14143
29328	29328	14144
29329	29329	14145
29330	29330	14146
29331	29331	14147
29332	29332	14148
29333	29333	14149
29334	29334	14150
29335	29335	14151
29336	29336	14152
29337	29337	14153
29338	29338	14154
29339	29339	14155
29340	29340	14156
29341	29341	14157
29342	29342	14158
29343	29343	14159
29344	29344	14160
29345	29345	14161
29346	29346	14162
29347	29347	14163
29348	29348	14164
29349	29349	14165
29350	29350	14166
29351	29351	14167 SB224 INTRODUCED
29352	29352	Page 507
29353	29353	Alabama. At least one additional meeting shall be held before
29354	29354	the end of each year. Further meetings shall be convened at
29355	29355	the call of the chair or any two board members. All meetings
29356	29356	shall be open to the public; except, that the board may hold
29357	29357	closed sessions to prepare, approve, grade, or administer
29358	29358	examinations or, upon a request of an applicant who has failed
29359	29359	an examination, to prepare a response indicating the reason
29360	29360	for failure.
29361	29361	(e) Four members of the board shall constitute a quorum
29362	29362	to do business.
29363	29363	(f) When a vacancy on the board occurs, the Speech and
29364	29364	Hearing Association of Alabama shall recommend not less than
29365	29365	three persons to fill each vacancy, and the Governor shall
29366	29366	make his or her appointment from the persons so nominated.
29367	29367	(g) The Governor may remove from office any member of
29368	29368	the board for neglect of any duty required by this chapter,
29369	29369	for incompetency, or for unprofessional conduct."
29370	29370	"§34-28A-44
29371	29371	(a) The board may employ, and at its pleasure
29372	29372	discharge, an executive secretary and other officers and
29373	29373	employees as may be necessary, and the board shall also
29374	29374	outline their duties and fix their compensation and expense
29375	29375	allowances.
29376	29376	(b)(a) The board shall adopt a seal by which it shall
29377	29377	authenticate its proceedings. Copies of the proceedings,
29378	29378	records and acts of the board, and certificates purporting to
29379	29379	relate the facts concerning the proceedings, records, and acts
29380	29380	signed by the secretary and authenticated by the seal shall be
29381	29381	prima facie evidence in all the courts of this state.
29382	29382	14168
29383	29383	14169
29384	29384	14170
29385	29385	14171
29386	29386	14172
29387	29387	14173
29388	29388	14174
29389	29389	14175
29390	29390	14176
29391	29391	14177
29392	29392	14178
29393	29393	14179
29394	29394	14180
29395	29395	14181
29396	29396	14182
29397	29397	14183
29398	29398	14184
29399	29399	14185
29400	29400	14186
29401	29401	14187
29402	29402	14188
29403	29403	14189
29404	29404	14190
29405	29405	14191
29406	29406	14192
29407	29407	14193
29408	29408	14194
29409	29409	14195 SB224 INTRODUCED
29410	29410	Page 508
29411	29411	prima facie evidence in all the courts of this state.
29412	29412	(c) The board shall report to the state Comptroller by
29413	29413	the fifth day of each month the amount and source of all
29414	29414	revenue received by it pursuant to this chapter during the
29415	29415	previous month and shall at that time pay the entire amount
29416	29416	thereof into a separate trust fund for the board established
29417	29417	by the Comptroller within the State Treasury.
29418	29418	(d) All appropriate expenses incurred by the board in
29419	29419	the administration of this chapter shall be paid by the
29420	29420	Comptroller when vouchers relating to the expenses are
29421	29421	exhibited as having been approved by the board.
29422	29422	(e) The board shall be financed from income accruing to
29423	29423	it from(b) All fees, licenses and other charges, and funds
29424	29424	collected by the board , and all such moneys are appropriated
29425	29425	to the board for its use. All employee salaries and other
29426	29426	expenses shall be paid as budgeted after budgets are approved
29427	29427	by the Comptroller or within the limitations of any
29428	29428	appropriation or funds available for that purpose shall be
29429	29429	deposited into the Occupational and Professional Licensing
29430	29430	Fund."
29431	29431	Section 39. Relating to the Alabama Sickle Cell
29432	29432	Oversight and Regulatory Commission; to amend Section 22-10B-3
29433	29433	of the Code of Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
29434	29434	"§22-10B-3
29435	29435	(a) The Alabama Sickle Cell Oversight and Regulatory
29436	29436	Commission shall be designated as the agency to insure the
29437	29437	delivery of sickle cell services pursuant to Section 22-10B-5
29438	29438	to affected persons in all counties in Alabama and assist in
29439	29439	establishing geographical service delivery boundaries. The
29440	29440	14196
29441	29441	14197
29442	29442	14198
29443	29443	14199
29444	29444	14200
29445	29445	14201
29446	29446	14202
29447	29447	14203
29448	29448	14204
29449	29449	14205
29450	29450	14206
29451	29451	14207
29452	29452	14208
29453	29453	14209
29454	29454	14210
29455	29455	14211
29456	29456	14212
29457	29457	14213
29458	29458	14214
29459	29459	14215
29460	29460	14216
29461	29461	14217
29462	29462	14218
29463	29463	14219
29464	29464	14220
29465	29465	14221
29466	29466	14222
29467	29467	14223 SB224 INTRODUCED
29468	29468	Page 509
29469	29469	establishing geographical service delivery boundaries. The
29470	29470	commission shall promulgate guidelines for creating uniformity
29471	29471	in the delivery of services and the management of statewide
29472	29472	programs.
29473	29473	(b) The commission shall also promulgate rules pursuant
29474	29474	to the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act for handling
29475	29475	complaints regarding service and management of statewide
29476	29476	programs and addressing any other discrepancies brought to the
29477	29477	attention of the commission. The commission shall not have the
29478	29478	authority to promulgate rules regarding medical care. Any rule
29479	29479	promulgated shall not be construed to establish a standard of
29480	29480	care for physicians licensed to practice medicine.
29481	29481	(c) Commencing on October 1, 2024, all documents,
29482	29482	records, functions, and responsibilities held by or in the
29483	29483	possession of the commission on that date shall be transferred
29484	29484	to a division or office of the Alabama Department of Public
29485	29485	Health, as determined by the State Health Officer, and under
29486	29486	the supervision of the Department of Public Health in
29487	29487	conjunction with the commission. "
29488	29488	Section 40. Relating to the Alabama Drycleaning
29489	29489	Environmental Response Trust Advisory Board; to amend Section
29490	29490	22-30D-8 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
29491	29491	"§22-30D-8
29492	29492	(a) There is hereby created the Alabama Drycleaning
29493	29493	Environmental Response Trust Fund Advisory Board consisting of
29494	29494	seven persons who are residents of the state appointed by the
29495	29495	Governor of the state and confirmed by the Senate of the
29496	29496	state. The members of the board shall be composed of one
29497	29497	individual to represent the interest of each of the following
29498	29498	14224
29499	29499	14225
29500	29500	14226
29501	29501	14227
29502	29502	14228
29503	29503	14229
29504	29504	14230
29505	29505	14231
29506	29506	14232
29507	29507	14233
29508	29508	14234
29509	29509	14235
29510	29510	14236
29511	29511	14237
29512	29512	14238
29513	29513	14239
29514	29514	14240
29515	29515	14241
29516	29516	14242
29517	29517	14243
29518	29518	14244
29519	29519	14245
29520	29520	14246
29521	29521	14247
29522	29522	14248
29523	29523	14249
29524	29524	14250
29525	29525	14251 SB224 INTRODUCED
29526	29526	Page 510
29527	29527	individual to represent the interest of each of the following
29528	29528	groups, organizations, and entities:
29529	29529	(1) Owners or operators of drycleaning facilities
29530	29530	covered by this chapter that employ no more than 10 full-time
29531	29531	employees.
29532	29532	(2) Owners or operators of drycleaning facilities
29533	29533	covered by this chapter that employ 11 or more full-time
29534	29534	employees but no more than 24 full-time employees.
29535	29535	(3) Owners or operators of drycleaning facilities
29536	29536	covered by this chapter that employ 25 or more full-time
29537	29537	employees.
29538	29538	(4) Wholesale distributors covered by this chapter of
29539	29539	drycleaning agents with at least one operating in-state
29540	29540	wholesale distribution facility.
29541	29541	(5) An environmental group with statewide membership.
29542	29542	(6) The environmental engineering community.
29543	29543	(7) The real estate community owning real property on
29544	29544	which a drycleaning facility or abandoned drycleaning facility
29545	29545	is or has been located.
29546	29546	(b) All initial members of the board shall be appointed
29547	29547	by the Governor before November 21, 2000. The board shall hold
29548	29548	its first meeting within 30 days after all appointments to the
29549	29549	board are made by the Governor. The members' terms of office
29550	29550	shall be three years and until their successors are selected
29551	29551	and qualified; except that, of those first appointed, three
29552	29552	shall have a term of one year; two shall have a term of two
29553	29553	years; and two shall have a term of three years, all as
29554	29554	designated by the Governor at the time of appointment. There
29555	29555	is no limitation on the number of terms any appointed member
29556	29556	14252
29557	29557	14253
29558	29558	14254
29559	29559	14255
29560	29560	14256
29561	29561	14257
29562	29562	14258
29563	29563	14259
29564	29564	14260
29565	29565	14261
29566	29566	14262
29567	29567	14263
29568	29568	14264
29569	29569	14265
29570	29570	14266
29571	29571	14267
29572	29572	14268
29573	29573	14269
29574	29574	14270
29575	29575	14271
29576	29576	14272
29577	29577	14273
29578	29578	14274
29579	29579	14275
29580	29580	14276
29581	29581	14277
29582	29582	14278
29583	29583	14279 SB224 INTRODUCED
29584	29584	Page 511
29585	29585	is no limitation on the number of terms any appointed member
29586	29586	may serve. If a vacancy occurs, the Governor shall appoint a
29587	29587	replacement. Each member of the board shall have one vote
29588	29588	concerning any matter coming before the board. Any board
29589	29589	member may be removed by the Governor after notice and hearing
29590	29590	for incompetence, neglect of duty, malfeasance in office, or
29591	29591	moral turpitude.
29592	29592	(c) At the first meeting of the board, and annually
29593	29593	thereafter, the members shall select from among themselves a
29594	29594	chair and vice chair. The board shall hold at least four
29595	29595	regular meetings each year and such additional meetings as the
29596	29596	chair deems desirable at a place within the state and time to
29597	29597	be fixed by the chair. Special meetings may be called by three
29598	29598	or more members of the board upon delivery of written notice
29599	29599	to each member of the board. Four members of the board shall
29600	29600	constitute a quorum. All powers and duties conferred upon
29601	29601	members of the board shall be exercised personally by the
29602	29602	members and not by alternates or representatives. The members
29603	29603	of the board shall receive the same per diem and travel
29604	29604	allowance as paid to state employees for each day's attendance
29605	29605	at an official meeting of the board.
29606	29606	(d) Commencing on October 1, 2024, all documents,
29607	29607	records, functions, and responsibilities held by or in the
29608	29608	possession of the board shall be transferred to a division of
29609	29609	the department, as determined by the director, and under the
29610	29610	supervision of the department in conjunction with the board.
29611	29611	(d)(e) The board department may hire or engage
29612	29612	attorneys, consulting engineers, or other professional
29613	29613	advisors as deemed necessary by the board to assist the board
29614	29614	14280
29615	29615	14281
29616	29616	14282
29617	29617	14283
29618	29618	14284
29619	29619	14285
29620	29620	14286
29621	29621	14287
29622	29622	14288
29623	29623	14289
29624	29624	14290
29625	29625	14291
29626	29626	14292
29627	29627	14293
29628	29628	14294
29629	29629	14295
29630	29630	14296
29631	29631	14297
29632	29632	14298
29633	29633	14299
29634	29634	14300
29635	29635	14301
29636	29636	14302
29637	29637	14303
29638	29638	14304
29639	29639	14305
29640	29640	14306
29641	29641	14307 SB224 INTRODUCED
29642	29642	Page 512
29643	29643	advisors as deemed necessary by the board to assist the board
29644	29644	to carry out its activities and the board department may pay,
29645	29645	at its sole discretion, such fees as it may determine for
29646	29646	services of such attorneys, consulting engineers, or other
29647	29647	professional advisors from monies in the fund.
29648	29648	(e)(f) The State Health Officer, a representative of
29649	29649	the department, and a representative of the Geological Survey
29650	29650	of Alabama shall serve to advise the board as ex-officio
29651	29651	members of the board, without a vote or compensation.
29652	29652	(f)(g) No member of the board shall be liable to civil
29653	29653	action for any act performed in good faith in the performance
29654	29654	of his or her duty pursuant to this chapter. "
29655	29655	Section 41. Sections 34-4-53, 34-12-32, 34-17-25,
29656	29656	34-24-253, 34-30-54, 34-36-5, and 34-40-7, Code of Alabama
29657	29657	1975, providing for the compensation of members of the State
29658	29658	Board of Auctioneers, the State Board of Registration for
29659	29659	Foresters, the Alabama Board of Examiners of Landscape
29660	29660	Architects, the Alabama Board of Social Work Examiners, the
29661	29661	State Board of Podiatry, the Alabama Board of Electrical
29662	29662	Contrators, and the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers are
29663	29663	repealed. Additionally, Chapter 43, Title 34, Code of Alabama
29664	29664	1975, providing for the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy, is
29665	29665	repealed.
29666	29666	Section 42. (a) The Legislative Services Agency Legal
29667	29667	Division shall conform references in the Code of Alabama 1975,
29668	29668	to any occupational or professional licensing board
29669	29669	transferred to the Office of Occupational and Professional
29670	29670	Licensing of the Department of Labor to reflect the changes
29671	29671	made in this act.
29672	29672	14308
29673	29673	14309
29674	29674	14310
29675	29675	14311
29676	29676	14312
29677	29677	14313
29678	29678	14314
29679	29679	14315
29680	29680	14316
29681	29681	14317
29682	29682	14318
29683	29683	14319
29684	29684	14320
29685	29685	14321
29686	29686	14322
29687	29687	14323
29688	29688	14324
29689	29689	14325
29690	29690	14326
29691	29691	14327
29692	29692	14328
29693	29693	14329
29694	29694	14330
29695	29695	14331
29696	29696	14332
29697	29697	14333
29698	29698	14334
29699	29699	14335 SB224 INTRODUCED
29700	29700	Page 513
29701	29701	made in this act.
29702	29702	(b) Unless explicitly stated in this act, this act is
29703	29703	not intended to supersede any legislation enacted during the
29704	29704	2024 or 2025 Regular Sessions of the Legislature that sunsets,
29705	29705	amends, repeals, or adds to the Code of Alabama 1975, or any
29706	29706	special session held before October 1, 2026, that sunsets,
29707	29707	amends, repeals, or adds to the Code of Alabama 1975, relating
29708	29708	to an occupational or professional licensing board covered by
29709	29709	this act, and the Code Commissioner shall harmonize language
29710	29710	to carry out this intent.
29711	29711	Section 43. Sections 1, 39, and 40 of this act shall
29712	29712	become effective on October 1, 2024; Sections 2 through 24 of
29713	29713	this act shall become effective on October 1, 2025; and
29714	29714	Sections 25 through 38 shall become effective on October 1,
29715	29715	2026.
29716	29716	14336
29717	29717	14337
29718	29718	14338
29719	29719	14339
29720	29720	14340
29721	29721	14341
29722	29722	14342
29723	29723	14343
29724	29724	14344
29725	29725	14345
29726	29726	14346
29727	29727	14347
29728	29728	14348
29729	29729	14349