Committee gives favorable report to bill easing in-person requirement for chiropractic licensure

A House committee on Monday gave SB 210 a favorable report after its sponsor described the measure as a housekeeping update for the Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

Senator Woods, who presented the measure, said the bill "brings the state standards in line with the national standards by removing the requirement for in person instruction exclusively for licensure, and for board membership." The sponsor told committee members the change is supported by the state board of chiropractic examiners and the Alabama State Chiropractic Association.

Committee members briefly questioned how the measure would affect training requirements. "Just to clarify, this does bring it up to the national standards," said Bill White, who asked whether the change aligns state and national expectations. A committee member said the bill gives universities the option to offer some classes remotely while not necessarily making all instruction exclusively online.

Chair made the motion recorded as by Parker Moore and seconded by Representative Kelvin Lawrence; the committee verbally voiced "aye" and the chair announced the bill received a favorable report. The transcript records the verbal approval but does not include a numerical roll-call tally.

The measure, as presented, does not eliminate clinical or competency requirements but removes the statutory phrasing that mandated only in-person instruction for licensure and board membership; sponsors said professional education programs and the board would continue to determine exact training modalities.

The committee proceeded to the next items on the agenda after brief remarks thanking the sponsor and members.