California
Chiropractic Information
California Chiropractic Summary
Chiropractors in California are licensed to treat any condition, disease, or injury in any patient, including a pregnant woman, and may diagnose, so long as such treatment or diagnosis is done in a manner consistent with chiropractic methods and techniques and so long as such methods and treatment do not constitute the practice of medicine by exceeding the legal scope of chiropractic practice.
Licensing Requirements
RECIPROCITY: Page 24 – 25, They must hold a valid and up-to-date license from the state from which they are reciprocating. The state from which they are licensed will reciprocate with California. https://www.chiro.ca.gov/laws_regs/regulations.pdf
Post-Licensing Education
Continuing Education requirements
24 required per year. Max 12 via distance learning. 6 hours of mandatory coursework.
requirements for educators
You must be an approved continuing education provider prior to submitting continuing education course applications.
Are PACE courses accepted for continuing education requirements?
NO
California requires examinations through the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV (minimum score of 375), and Physiological Therapeutic
State Chiropractic Online Resources
Regulatory Authority
California Board of Chiropractic Examiners
https://www.chiro.ca.gov/
Chiropractic Statutes and Regulations
California Board of Chiropractic Examiners Rules and Regulations
Link: https://www.chiro.ca.gov/laws_regs/regulations.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
State Chiropractic Coverage
Worker’s Compensation
State of California Department of Industrial Relations https://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/ State of
California Department of Industrial Relations FAQ: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/FAQ/RBRVS_Faqs.html
State of California Department of Industrial Relations Chiropractic Services: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/FAQ/RBRVS_Faqs.html#Chiropracticservices
Medicaid
State Medicaid Website: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/Pages/default.aspx
State Medicaid Provider Manual for Chiropractic: https://mcweb.apps.prd.cammis.medi-cal.ca.gov/publications/manual?community=chiropractic
State Medicaid Fee Schedule: https://mcweb.apps.prd.cammis.medi-cal.ca.gov/rates
Practice Options
| Perform extremity adjustments? | Y |
| Provide nutritional advice? | N/A |
| 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? | N/A |
| Perform US Department of Transportation exams? | Y2 |
| Treat animals? | N |
| Perform acupuncture? | N |
| Perform dry needling? | N |
| Perform intraoral TMJ treatments? | Y |
| Perform internal coccyx adjustments? | Y |
| 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 |
| Perform casting? | Y |
Qualifications:
1. See explanation under §318.1. Standard of Care Regarding Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA) https://www.chiro.ca.gov/laws_regs/regulations.pdf
2. 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.