Alabama § 34-24-145 - Establishment of Preceptorship and Extern Program; Supervision of Individuals in Certain Educational Programs; Licensure Requirements.

§ 34-24-145. Establishment of Preceptorship and Extern Program; Supervision of Individuals in Certain Educational Programs; Licensure Requirements.

(a) The State Board of Chiropractic Examiners may establish a preceptorship and extern program whereby chiropractic students enrolled in their last year at board-approved chiropractic colleges accredited by the Council of Chiropractic Education and recent chiropractic graduates of such colleges may practice chiropractic under the direct on-premises supervision of a sponsor licensed to practice chiropractic in this state, and in the case of chiropractic students, also under the supervision of the college. A sponsor may not supervise more than one student or graduate at one time. A student or graduate practicing chiropractic pursuant to this section may not use the title “chiropractic,” “D.C.,” or any word or title to induce the belief that he or she is engaged in the practice of chiropractic.

(b) The board may adopt rules to implement this section, including providing academic, professional, and character requirements for eligible participants, defining the permitted scope of practice of a student or graduate practicing chiropractic pursuant to this section, and requiring fees for participation.

(c) Any individual enrolled in or teaching a course of study designed to develop chiropractic clinical skills in which chiropractic activities are required as part of an educational program sponsored by a chiropractic school or college or other educational program approved by the board shall do so only under the supervision of a licensed chiropractor approved by the board. Such an individual may not provide chiropractic services outside of the scope of the educational program and setting, nor may he or she perform, or supervise the performance of, any chiropractic service provided on a fee-for-service basis without having first obtained a license pursuant to this article.

(d) The board shall implement and perform all powers and duties transferred to it pursuant to Act 81-217, H. 213, 1981 Regular Session (Acts 1981, p. 271).

(e) License requirements shall not apply to an individual pursuing a course of study leading to a doctor of chiropractic degree, or postgraduate training that is approved by the board, if the individual: (i) is designated by a title indicating student status; (ii) is fulfilling clinical training requirements for the attainment of a degree; and (iii) is under the supervision of a chiropractor licensed pursuant to this article.

(f) Nothing in this article shall be construed as preventing the practice of chiropractic services or activities provided by either of the following:

(1) Any individual licensed to practice chiropractic in this or another state who is employed as a professor or instructor by a chiropractic school or college located in this state.

(2) Any individual enrolled in or teaching a course of study designed to develop chiropractic clinical skills when chiropractic activities are required as part of an educational program sponsored by a chiropractic school or college, or other educational program approved by the board.