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

Bachelor’s Degree Required for Licensure: YES
Renewal Term: 3 years
Chiropractic Physician entitlement: YES
Additional training/certification required for medicine and rehab services? N/A

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

Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island

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State Chiropractic Coverage

Worker’s Compensation

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 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.

General Statutes & Regulations For All Healthcare Providers