California

Chiropractic Information

California Chiropractic Summary

Chiropractic practice in California is governed by the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners. The Board licenses chiropractors, provides license status information, educates consumers, investigates complaints, and pursues disciplinary actions.

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

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

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.

Link: https://www.chiro.ca.gov/licensees/ce.shtml

requirements for educators

You must be an approved continuing education provider prior to submitting continuing education course applications.

Link: https://www.chiro.ca.gov/licensees/ce.shtml

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

Link: https://www.chiro.ca.gov/forms_pubs/chiro_app.pdf

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

California Chiropractic Association

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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

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 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.

General Statutes & Regulations For All Healthcare Providers