HB110 is a comprehensive bill that amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to update the regulation of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, particularly focusing on the practice across state lines and the management of impaired practitioners. The bill introduces the "Physical Therapy Compact Commission," "compact privilege," and "compact privilege holder" to facilitate the practice of physical therapy by licensed professionals from other states within Alabama, subject to the state's laws and rules. It expands the duties of the Board of Physical Therapy to include evaluating applicants, issuing licenses and renewals, and the authority to suspend or revoke licenses or compact privileges. The board is also empowered to adopt rules, maintain a listing of licensed professionals, establish fees, employ personnel, and discipline licensees and compact privilege holders. The bill provides for an impaired practitioner program, which includes identifying, intervening, and rehabilitating impaired practitioners, as well as immunity from liability for committee members and associated entities.

Additionally, HB110 outlines procedures for handling complaints against licensed physical therapists and assistants, including the ability for any person to file a complaint and for the board to conduct hearings, issue subpoenas, and compel testimony. The bill specifies the requirements for licensure, such as criminal background checks and examinations, and grants the board discretion in waiving certain examination requirements for licensure. It also sets forth the grounds for refusal, suspension, or revocation of a license, including unprofessional conduct and criminal convictions. The bill provides exemptions for licensed individuals working with physicians and mandates the implementation of rules by January 1, 2024. The bill will take effect on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34-24-191, 34-24-193, 34-24-194, 34-24-196, 34-24-210, 34-24-210, 34-24-211, 34-24-212, 34-24-213, 34-24-214, 34-24-217
Enrolled: 34-24-191, 34-24-193, 34-24-194, 34-24-196, 34-24-210, 34-24-210, 34-24-211, 34-24-212, 34-24-213, 34-24-214, 34-24-217