Idaho Chiropractic Practice Act and Administrative Rules
What the Act and rules control
The Idaho Chiropractic Practice Act (Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 21) creates the Board of Chiropractic Physicians within the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses and defines chiropractic practice, licensure, and discipline. The Board’s administrative rules (IDAPA 24.12.01) fill in operational detail: applications, continuing education, recordkeeping, and hearing procedure. The Act controls; a rule cannot expand or contradict it.
Exam-relevant architecture
- The Board may investigate complaints, hold hearings, impose sanctions, and adopt rules; it does not prosecute criminal cases.
- “Chiropractic physician” and similar protected titles may be used only by licensees.
- Unlicensed practice includes performing adjustments for compensation and holding out as a chiropractor.
- Administrative due process requires notice, an opportunity to respond, and a reasoned decision.
Worked example
An unlicensed person advertises “spinal adjustments” and charges fees. The conduct is both unlicensed practice and unlawful holding out. A complaint goes to DOPL and the Board; the Board’s administrative remedy is separate from any criminal referral by prosecutors. The person cannot cure the violation by calling the service “bodywork.”
Traps
Do not confuse the Board’s disciplinary authority with criminal prosecution, or the statute with the rule. Do not assume a business license authorizes clinical practice. Read the definition section before answering scope questions, and remember that protected-title violations can occur even without patient harm.