Pennsylvania
Chiropractic Information
Pennsylvania Chiropractic Summary
The State Board of Chiropractic provides for and regulates the licensure of chiropractors in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Among its other functions, the Board provides for examinations for chiropractic license applicants and certifies qualified licensees to use adjunctive procedures.
Chiropractic is a branch of healing focused on the relationship between the spine’s vertebral articulations, other joints, and the neuro-musculoskeletal system, with an emphasis on maintaining and restoring health. It includes locating and adjusting misaligned vertebrae and other joints, providing necessary patient care, and using board-approved diagnostic tools like X-rays. Diagnosis is allowed to determine appropriate chiropractic treatment, and certified practitioners may use adjunctive procedures and offer nutritional counseling.
Licensing Requirements
Post-Licensing Education
Continuing Education requirements
24 hours required every 2 years. All hours may be earned online.
requirements for educators
N/A
Are PACE courses accepted for continuing education requirements?
NO
Pennsylvania requires examinations through the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV,
Physiotherapy and NPCE SPEC accepted
State Chiropractic Online Resources
Regulatory Authority
State Board of Chiropractic:
https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/chiropractic.html
Chiropractic Statutes and Regulations
State Government Resources
State Legislature Homepage
State Legislature Bill Search Tool
Legislative member roster
State Governor's Office
Secretary of State
Office of the Insurance Commissioner
State Associations
State Chiropractic Coverage
Worker’s Compensation
Department of Labor & Industry: https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Compensation/WC/Pages/default.aspx
Resources for Providers: https://www.dli.pa.gov/I-am-a/Pages/Provider.aspx
Fee Schedule: https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Compensation/WC/HCSR/MedFeeReview/Fee%20Schedule/Pages/default.aspx
Medicaid
Practice Options
| Perform extremity adjustments? | Y |
| Provide nutritional advice? | Y |
| Provide manipulation under anesthesia? | N/A |
| Provide school enrollment exams? | Y |
| Provide sports physical exams? | Y |
| Provide return to play exams (including concussion protocol) for sports participation? | N/A |
| Perform US Department of Transportation exams? | Y1 |
| Treat animals? | Y2 |
| Perform acupuncture? | Y3 |
| Perform dry needling? | Y |
| Perform intraoral TMJ treatments? | Y |
| Perform internal coccyx adjustments? | N |
| Are there limits to body areas DCs are allowed to examine and/or treat? | N/A |
| Are there limits on diagnostic tools DCs are allowed to use? | N/A |
| Perform venipuncture? | N/A |
| Perform casting? | N |
Qualifications:
1. Chiropractors can perform a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam if they are a certified medical examiner (CME) listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) National Registry.
2. Chiropractors who are not licensed veterinarians must work under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian in Pennsylvania. The veterinarian must be on the premises and provide oral or written instructions to the chiropractor.
3. Chiropractors can practice acupuncture in Pennsylvania if they are licensed with a medical board and follow the board’s regulations.