Tennessee
Chiropractic Information
Tennessee Chiropractic Summary
The practice and procedures shall include procedures or palpation, examination of the spine and chiropractic clinical findings accepted by the Tennessee Board of Chiropractic Examiners as a basis for the adjustment of the spinal column and adjacent tissues for the correction of nerve interference and articular dysfunction. Patient care shall be conducted with due regard for nutrition, environment, hygiene, sanitation and rehabilitation designed to assist in the restoration and maintenance of neurological integrity and homeostatic balance.
Licensing Requirements
* Training is needed for acupuncture.
Post-Licensing Education
Continuing Education requirements
24 hours required every year. Max 6 hours may be earned online.
requirements for educators
Are PACE courses accepted for continuing education requirements?
Yes, must meet all Tennessee criteria and pre-approved.
Tennessee requires examinations through the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Spec – Required
State Chiropractic Online Resources
Regulatory Authority
Tennessee Board of Chiropractic Examiners https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/chiro-board.html
Chiropractic Statutes and Regulations
General Rules Governing Chiropractic Examiners https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/rules/0260/0260-02.20170518.pdf
Tennessee Code and Statutes https://advance.lexis.com/container?config=014CJAA5ZGVhZjA3NS02MmMzLTRlZWQtOGJjNC00YzQ1MmZlNzc2YWYKAFBvZENhdGFsb2e9zYpNUjTRaIWVfyrur9ud&crid=d0fd2646-c6d5-466f-b3ad-b5d32e72e702&prid=1fd73ca3-7e05-46b5-9b40-4f0939b37660
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
Bureau of Workers’ Compensation https://www.tn.gov/workforce/divisions/workerscompensation.html
Workers’ Compensation Fee Schedule
Medicaid
TN Medicaid https://www.tn.gov/tenncare/members-applicants/covered-services.html
TN Medicaid Fee Schedule https://www.cms.gov/medicare/medicare-fee-for-service-payment/physicianfeesched
Practice Options
| Perform extremity adjustments? | Y |
| Provide nutritional advice? | Y |
| Provide manipulation under anesthesia? | Y1 |
| Provide school enrollment exams? | Y |
| Provide sports physical exams? | Y |
| Provide return to play exams (including concussion protocol) for sports participation? | N2 |
| Perform US Department of Transportation exams? | Y3 |
| Treat animals? | Y4 |
| Perform acupuncture? | Y5 |
| Perform dry needling? | Y6 |
| Perform intraoral TMJ treatments? | Y |
| Perform internal coccyx adjustments? | N/A |
| Are there limits to body areas DCs are allowed to examine and/or treat? | N |
| Are there limits on diagnostic tools DCs are allowed to use? | N |
| Perform venipuncture? | N7 |
| Perform casting? | N/A |
Qualifications:
1. Training is required.
2. Chiropractic Physicians may examine and diagnose concussions but are not currently included in sports concussion protocols for return to play.
3. A chiropractor 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.
4. In collaboration with a veterinarian.
5. No chiropractic physician licensed in Tennessee shall be considered authorized to practice acupuncture pursuant to T.C.A. § 63-4- 101(a)(1)(D)(ii) and Rule 0260-02-.02(4) unless said physician has completed two-hundred and fifty (250) classroom practical hours of an accredited acupuncture course and has passed the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners acupuncture exam.
6. Training is required. BOE-Intramuscular Stimulation/Dry Needling Policy Statement: It is the position of the Tennessee Board of Chiropractic Examiners that intramuscular stimulation, also known as dry needling, is within the scope of practice of Chiropractic Physicians who have documented clinical knowledge and competency to perform this technique. Adopted by the Tennessee Board of Chiropractic Examiners on February 14, 2013.
7. Unless duly certified.
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