Arkansas

Chiropractic Information

Arkansas Chiropractic Summary

Chiropractic practice in Arkansas is governed by the Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners (ASBCE). The ASBCE is responsible for licensing chiropractors, developing and enforcing chiropractic practice standards, and investigating complaints against chiropractors.

Chiropractors in Arkansas are licensed to practice therapy, rehabilitation, and other treatments to help patients recover from injuries, deformities, or abnormalities without using drugs or surgery.

Licensing Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree Required for Licensure: NO
Renewal Term: 1 year
Chiropractic Physician entitlement: YES
Additional training/certification required for medicine and rehab services? NO

RECIPROCITY: The Board may at its discretion, issue a temporary license to a Doctor of Chiropractic who holds a current license in another state, to practice in Arkansas until his next scheduled examination and exempt him/her from any supervisory requirement.

Link:  https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/asbce-applicants#:~:text=The%20Board%20may%20at%20its,her%20from%20any%20supervisory%20requirement.

Post-Licensing Education

Continuing Education requirements

24 required per year. Max 12 via distance learning.

Link: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/asbce-continuing-education

requirements for educators

Courses must not be offered by a group or commercial enterprise which primarily promotes specific products, services, or equipment.

Link: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/asbce-continuing-education

Are PACE courses accepted for continuing education requirements?

NO

Arkansas requires examinations through the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners

State Chiropractic Online Resources

Regulatory Authority

Arkansas Department of Health/State Board of Chiropractic Examiners https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/arkansas-state-board-of-chiropractic-examiners

Chiropractic Statutes and Regulations

Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners Statutes and Rules

Link: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/Statutes_RulesFINAL_02-10-2021.pdf

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

Arkansas Chiropractic Physician’s Association

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State Chiropractic Coverage

Worker’s Compensation

Practice Options

Perform extremity adjustments? Y
Provide nutritional advice? Y
Provide manipulation under anesthesia? N
Provide school enrollment exams? Y
Provide sports physical exams? Y
Provide provide return to play exams (including concussion protocol) for sports participation? Y1
Perform US Department of Transportation exams? Y
Treat animals? Y2
Perform acupuncture? Y3
Perform dry needling? N
Perform intraoral TMJ treatments? N
Perform internal coccyx adjustments? N
Are there limits to body areas DCs are allowed to examine and/or treat? Y4
Are there limits on diagnostic tools DCs are allowed to use? Y5
Perform venipuncture? Y
Perform casting? Y6

Qualifications:

1. Only if the DC took them out of the sport. If an MD took them out of the sport, then a DC cannot provide the return to play exam unless they have a separate certification for that specific training.

2. Any chiropractor licensed in this state and certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association may perform chiropractic upon animals according to Ark. Code Ann. § 17-101-307.

3. Prior to any chiropractic physician engaging in the practice of acupuncture/meridian therapy, said physician shall be required to submit to the Board of Examiners a certificate of completion of one-hundred (100) hour’s instruction in acupuncture/meridian therapy.

4. DCs are not permitted to perform breast, testicular, or gynecological exams.

5. They can order tests, they cannot perform them.

6. Sprains and uncomplicated fractures.

General Statutes & Regulations For All Healthcare Providers

Contributors

Bonnie Hicks Garner

Bonnie Hicks Garner

Executive Director