Rhode Island
Chiropractic Information
Rhode Island Chiropractic Summary
The Rhode Island Board of Chiropractic Examiners provides for and regulates the licensure of chiropractors in Rhode Island. The board handles both licensing and disciplinary functions as an advisory body to the RI Department of Health.
“Chiropractic medicine” in Rhode Island is defined as the science and art of mechanical and material healing through palpation and adjustment of the human spine and its appendages, using hands and electro-mechanical devices. It also involves corrective orthopedics and dietetics to address the root cause of disease. However, chiropractic physicians are not permitted to prescribe drugs for internal use or perform major surgery.
Licensing Requirements
Post-Licensing Education
Continuing Education requirements
60 hours required every 3 years. 30 hours must be live (includes webinars). 30 hours may be on-demand.
requirements for educators
N/A
Are PACE courses accepted for continuing education requirements?
YES
Rhode Island requires examinations through the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Physiotherapy, Acupuncture and NPCE SPEC
State Chiropractic Online Resources
Regulatory Authority
Rhode Island Board of Chiropractic Examiners: https://health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php?id=250#section1
Chiropractic Statutes and Regulations
Licensure and Discipline of Chiropractic Physicians (216-RICR-40-05-17):
https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/216-40-05-17
Statutes:
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE5/5-30/INDEX.HTM
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
Medicaid
RI Department of Health and Human Services: https://dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services/medicaid-medicare-programs
Fee Schedule: https://eohhs.ri.gov/providers-partners/fee-schedules
Practice Options
| Perform extremity adjustments? | Y |
| Provide nutritional advice? | Y |
| Provide manipulation under anesthesia? | Y |
| Provide school enrollment exams? | Y |
| Provide sports physical exams? | N/A |
| Provide return to play exams (including concussion protocol) for sports participation? | N/A |
| Perform US Department of Transportation exams? | Y1 |
| Treat animals? | N/A |
| Perform acupuncture? | Y2 |
| Perform dry needling? | N/A |
| Perform intraoral TMJ treatments? | Y |
| Perform internal coccyx adjustments? | N |
| 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. 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.
2. Must be licensed by the Board of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.