Colorado

Chiropractic Information

Colorado Chiropractic Summary

Chiropractic practice in Colorado is governed by the Colorado Board of Examiners. The Colorado Board of Chiropractic Examiners regulates individual chiropractors and chiropractic licenses. A licensed chiropractor may hold three (3) different authorities: acupuncture, electrotherapy, and animal, in conjunction with his or her chiropractic license.

In Colorado, chiropractors are licensed to perform a variety of procedures, including acupuncture, electrotherapy, dry needling, nutritional remedial measures, and venipuncture.

Licensing Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree Required for Licensure: NO
Renewal Term: 2 years
Chiropractic Physician entitlement: NO
Additional training/certification required for medicine and rehab services? N/A

RECIPROCITY: Successfully passing the SPEC exam within two years preceding an application may be used in lieu of state practical exam requirement.

Post-Licensing Education

Continuing Education requirements

30 required every 2 years. Max 10 via asynchronous distance learning. 4 hours of recordkeeping and documentation and CPR mandatory.

Link: https://dpo.colorado.gov/Chiropractic/CE

requirements for educators

CE must have as its primary objective the increase of professional competence, and include scientific clinics, forums, or chiropractic educational study consisting of subjects basic to the field of the healing arts. Licensees are responsible for ensuring that CE courses comply with requirements. The Board does not pre-approve CE courses, curriculum or programs. Link: https://dpo.colorado.gov/Chiropractic/CE

Are PACE courses accepted for continuing education requirements?

NO

Arkansas requires examinations through the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners

Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, and Physiotherapy

Link: HERE

State Chiropractic Online Resources

Regulatory Authority

Colorado Board of Chiropractic Examiners
https://dpo.colorado.gov/Chiropractic

 

Chiropractic Statutes and Regulations

Colorado Board of Chiropractic Examiners Rules and Regulations
Link: HERE

Colorado Board of Chiropractic Examiners Practice Act and Laws
Link: https://dpo.colorado.gov/Chiropractic/Laws

Colorado Board of Chiropractic Examiners Policies
Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t6YtU1i6yhzs_79xyiSogiwvG8rW2TaK/view?usp=sharing

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

Colorado Chiropractic Association

▶︎ CLICK TO VISIT

State Chiropractic Coverage

Worker’s Compensation

Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
https://cdle.colorado.gov/dwc

Colorado Department of Labor and Employment  Workers’ Compensation Rules of Procedure
https://cdle.colorado.gov/sites/cdle/files/documents/Rule_18_Medical_Fee_Schedule_2021_Adopted.pdf

Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Workers’ Compensation Fee Schedule
https://cdle.colorado.gov/dwc/medical-providers/fee-schedule-rule-18

Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Workers’ Compensation Fee Schedule Provider Education
https://cdle.colorado.gov/dwc/medical-providers/provider-education

Medicaid

State Medicaid Website: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/

State Medicaid Fee Schedule: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/provider-rates-fee-schedule

State Medicaid Provider Training: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/provider-training

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 provide return to play exams (including concussion protocol) for sports participation? N/A
Perform US Department of Transportation exams? Y
Treat animals? Y2
Perform acupuncture? Y3
Perform dry needling? Y4
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? Y5
Are there limits on diagnostic tools DCs are allowed to use? N/A
Perform venipuncture? Y
Perform casting? N/A

Qualifications:

1. Thirty-six (36) hours of didactic and clinical training, successful completion of a competency examination, and nationally recognized certification.

2. Chiropractors must be registered as animal chiropractors in the state.

3. Chiropractors must be certified by the Colorado Board of Chiropractic Examiners to practice acupuncture

4. Must complete a dry needling course of study and meet board requirements.
https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=5187#:~:text=not%20limited%20to:-,a.,f.

5. DCs are not allowed to treat the disease of cancer, obstetrics, surgery, etc.
https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=5187#:~:text=not%20limited%20to:-,a.,f.

General Statutes & Regulations For All Healthcare Providers