AR Chiropractic Jurisprudence cheat sheet
AR Chiropractic Jurisprudence · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Arkansas Chiropractic Practice Act: Scope, Definitions, and Licensure
Chiropractic is defined as the science and art of locating and correcting subluxations of the human spine and extremities, and the adjustment of the same by hand or with instruments.
The practice of chiropractic includes the use of x-rays, physical therapy modalities, and other diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as authorized by the Board.
A licensed chiropractor may not perform surgery, prescribe or administer drugs, or use invasive procedures except as specifically authorized by law.
Licensure requires graduation from a chiropractic college accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and passage of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) examinations.
Applicants must also pass a jurisprudence examination administered by the Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
The Board may issue a license by reciprocity to chiropractors licensed in another state with equivalent requirements.
Continuing education is required for license renewal, including specific hours in jurisprudence, ethics, and recordkeeping.
Unlicensed practice of chiropractic is a criminal offense and grounds for denial of licensure.
Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners: Organization, Authority, and Procedures
The Board consists of five members appointed by the Governor, including four licensed chiropractors and one consumer member.
Board members serve staggered five-year terms and may not serve more than two consecutive terms.
The Board has the authority to adopt rules and regulations, conduct examinations, issue licenses, and discipline licensees.
The Board may investigate complaints, hold hearings, and impose sanctions including revocation, suspension, probation, fines, and public reprimand.
A quorum for Board meetings is a majority of the members, and official actions require a majority vote of those present.
The Board must comply with the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act (APA) for contested cases, including notice and opportunity for hearing.
Board meetings are subject to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), except for executive sessions authorized by law.
The Board may issue subpoenas, administer oaths, and compel the attendance of witnesses and production of documents.
Licensees must report changes of address to the Board within a specified time (e.g., 30 days).
Licensure, Renewal, Continuing Education, and Reinstatement
Licenses expire annually on a date set by the Board (e.g., December 31) and must be renewed before the expiration date to avoid late fees.
Renewal requires completion of a specified number of continuing education hours, including mandatory hours in jurisprudence, ethics, and recordkeeping.
Continuing education hours must be obtained from Board-approved providers and documented with certificates.
A licensee who fails to renew may be reinstated within a grace period by paying a late fee and meeting CE requirements.
Reinstatement after license expiration for more than a specified period (e.g., two years) may require re-examination or additional training.
A licensee who has been inactive for more than a specified period may be required to complete a refresher course or competency assessment.
The Board may deny renewal for failure to comply with CE requirements, disciplinary orders, or child support obligations.
Duplicate licenses are not issued; a licensee must practice under the name and license number on record.
Grounds for Discipline, Disciplinary Procedures, and Sanctions
Grounds for discipline include unprofessional conduct, gross negligence, incompetence, fraud, and violation of the Practice Act or Board rules.
Other grounds include conviction of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude, and use of drugs or alcohol impairing practice.
The Board may discipline a licensee for failing to maintain adequate patient records or violating patient confidentiality.
Disciplinary proceedings begin with a complaint, followed by investigation and, if warranted, a formal hearing.
The licensee must receive written notice of charges and an opportunity to be heard with counsel.
Sanctions include revocation, suspension, probation, limitation of practice, fines, restitution, and mandatory continuing education.
The Board may impose summary suspension if there is an immediate threat to public health and safety.
Disciplinary actions are reportable to the National Practitioner Data Bank and may be published on the Board's website.
A licensee may appeal a final Board order to the circuit court under the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act.
Patient Recordkeeping, Informed Consent, Confidentiality, and Mandatory Reporting
A chiropractor must keep accurate and complete patient records for a minimum of seven years from the date of last treatment, or longer for minors.
Patient records must include patient identification, history, examination findings, diagnosis, treatment plan, and progress notes.
Informed consent must be obtained before treatment and documented in the patient record; it includes risks, benefits, and alternatives.
Patient information is confidential and may not be disclosed without written authorization, except as required by law or for treatment, payment, or operations.
Mandatory reporting includes suspected child abuse or neglect, elder abuse, and certain communicable diseases.
A chiropractor must report any adverse event or injury occurring during treatment as required by Board rules.
Records must be released to the patient or another provider upon written request and proper authorization.
A chiropractor may not abandon a patient; termination of the provider-patient relationship requires proper notice and referral.
Professional Conduct, Ethics, Advertising, and Fee-Splitting Prohibitions
Chiropractors must adhere to the American Chiropractic Association's Code of Ethics or equivalent standards adopted by the Board.
Advertising must be truthful, not misleading, and must include the licensee's name and license number.
Prohibited advertising includes claims of guaranteed cures, use of testimonials without consent, and sensational or misleading statements.
Fee-splitting with anyone other than the licensee's employer or business associates is prohibited.
Paying or receiving commissions or kickbacks for patient referrals is prohibited.
Chiropractors may not engage in dual relationships that impair professional judgment or exploit patients.
Sexual misconduct with a patient is grounds for discipline and may constitute a criminal offense.
Chiropractors must not practice under the influence of alcohol or drugs or while impaired.
Financial arrangements with patients must be disclosed in advance and must not be deceptive.
Practice Standards, Infection Control, and Unprofessional or Prohibited Conduct
Chiropractors must follow universal precautions and infection control guidelines, including hand hygiene and proper sterilization of equipment.
Single-use items must not be reused; equipment must be cleaned and disinfected between patients.
Proper disposal of biohazardous waste is required according to state and federal regulations.
Unprofessional conduct includes practicing beyond the scope of chiropractic, failing to refer a patient when necessary, and practicing with an expired license.
Prohibited conduct includes aiding unlicensed practice, falsifying records, and failing to cooperate with a Board investigation.
Chiropractors must maintain professional boundaries and not engage in harassment or discrimination against patients or colleagues.
A chiropractor must ensure that office personnel are properly trained and that unlicensed personnel do not perform licensed activities.
Chiropractors must provide a safe physical environment, including proper maintenance of equipment and emergency procedures.