Alabama Administrative Code Title 190 - ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF CHIROPRACTIC EXAMINERS
The Alabama Administrative Code, Title 190, is specifically dedicated to the Alabama State Board of Chiropractic Examiners. This Board is the state regulatory body that holds the exclusive power and authority to issue, revoke, and reinstate licenses to practice chiropractic in Alabama. Its core mission is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public by regulating the practice of chiropractic.
Key Areas of Regulation under Title 190:
The rules under Title 190 cover a comprehensive range of topics essential for the regulation of chiropractors, chiropractic clinics, and the profession as a whole. These are typically organized into various chapters (e.g., 190-X-1, 190-X-2, etc.).
Here's a breakdown of the common areas of regulation:
Chapter 190-X-1 - Organization, Administration, and Procedure:
Outlines the Board's structure, administrative procedures, and general operations.
May include definitions relevant to the Board's functions and procedures for meetings.
Establishes fees for various applications, examinations, and licenses.
Chapter 190-X-2 - Licensure: This is a crucial chapter detailing the requirements for obtaining and maintaining a chiropractic license in Alabama.
Applicant Qualifications: Specifies educational requirements (e.g., graduation from a Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) accredited chiropractic college, a bachelor's degree for graduates after January 1, 2010).
Examinations: Outlines the requirement to pass National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Parts I, II, III, and IV (or NBCE I, II, and SPEC under certain conditions). Also requires passing an Alabama Board examination on state law and regulations.
Application Process: Details the submission of applications, fees, background checks (including FBI fingerprint cards), and verification of good moral character.
Temporary and Reciprocal Licenses: Provisions for temporary licenses (e.g., for military service members and their spouses relocating to Alabama) and licensure by endorsement/reciprocity for those licensed in other states.
Non-Licensed Chiropractic Practice Ownership (Clinic Permits): Specific rules for non-licensed individuals or entities owning chiropractic practices, including permit applications, fees, and annual renewal requirements. These owners must also pass a jurisprudence examination.
Chapter 190-X-3 - Specialty Certification:
If the Board recognizes specific chiropractic specialties, this chapter would outline the requirements for obtaining and maintaining such certifications.
Chapter 190-X-4 - Disciplinary Actions:
Defines grounds for disciplinary action against licensees or clinic permit holders (e.g., unprofessional conduct, violations of the Chiropractic Practice Act or Board rules).
Outlines the procedures for investigation, hearings, and the imposition of penalties such as censure, suspension, revocation of license/permit, or fines.
Chapter 190-X-5 - Professional Conduct: This chapter establishes the ethical guidelines and standards of practice for chiropractors.
Chiropractic Records: Mandates the maintenance of legible, well-documented patient records for a minimum of five years, and outlines procedures for the release of records to patients or other healthcare practitioners. Failure to release records constitutes unprofessional conduct.
Advertising: Rules governing advertising practices to prevent misleading or deceptive claims.
Scope of Practice: Defines the legal scope of chiropractic practice in Alabama, including methods of examination, diagnosis, and treatment (e.g., manipulation, adjustment, physical medicine modalities, diagnostic X-rays, limited laboratory procedures). Explicitly prohibits prescribing drugs or surgery, performing obstetrics, or using radioactive materials.
Unprofessional Conduct: Broadly defines behaviors or omissions that constitute unprofessional conduct and can lead to disciplinary action.
Chapter 190-X-6 - Amendment of Rules:
Outlines the procedures the Board must follow to propose, adopt, amend, or repeal its administrative rules.
Chapter 190-X-7 - Preceptor and Extern/Intern Program:
Provides rules for programs where chiropractic students or recent graduates can gain supervised practice experience under a licensed chiropractor (preceptor) before full licensure. This includes qualifications for externs (students/graduates) and preceptors (sponsoring chiropractors), scope of practice under supervision, and application requirements for the program.
Continuing Education Requirements:
As a condition for annual license renewal (which occurs on September 30th), chiropractors are required to complete a minimum of 18 hours of continuing education approved by the Board.
Mandatory Law Hours: At least 2 hours per year must be in Alabama Law and Board Rules and Regulations.
New Licensees: Must obtain 4 hours in Alabama Law and Board Rules prior to their first license renewal, and then 2 hours annually thereafter.
Online/Distance Learning: Generally, no more than one-third (1/3) of the required hours (i.e., 6 hours) may be completed through distance-based learning formats, though this can be suspended by Board vote during a state of emergency.
Non-Licensed Practice Permit Holders: Must obtain 2 hours per year in Alabama Law as part of their permit renewal.
How to Access Alabama Administrative Code, Title 190:
The most authoritative and up-to-date sources for the Alabama Administrative Code are:
Alabama Legislative Services Agency - Administrative Code: This is the official online portal for the Alabama Administrative Code.
Website: https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/administrative-code/
From the agency list, select "190 - Alabama State Board of Chiropractic Examiners". This will provide access to all the chapters.
Alabama State Board of Chiropractic Examiners Official Website: The Board's official website is an excellent resource for current information, including direct links to their rules and regulations, application forms, continuing education details, and contact information.
Website: https://chiro.alabama.gov/ (Look for "Rules and Regulations" or "Continuing Education" sections).
Legal Information Institute (LII) at Cornell Law School / Justia: These legal research websites also compile and provide access to state administrative codes.
LII: https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/alabama/title-190
Justia: https://regulations.justia.com/states/alabama/title-190/
Key Considerations:
Official Source: Always rely on the Alabama Legislative Services Agency website and the Board's official website for the most accurate and current version of the rules.
Updates: Administrative rules are subject to change. Always ensure you are checking the latest effective dates, especially concerning licensing and continuing education requirements.
Statutory Basis: These administrative rules implement the broader Code of Alabama, Title 34, Chapter 24, Article 4 (Chiropractors), often referred to as the Alabama Chiropractic Practice Act. The statutes provide the legal framework, and the administrative rules fill in the operational details.
Public Safety: The core focus of these regulations is to ensure that chiropractic services are provided by qualified professionals in a safe, competent, and ethical manner, thereby protecting the public.
Specific Questions: For any specific legal interpretations or advice regarding licensure, disciplinary actions, scope of practice, or compliance with these rules, it is strongly recommended to consult with a legal professional or contact the Alabama State Board of Chiropractic Examiners directly.
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