ME Chiro Juris key terms

A health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system, emphasizing manual adjustment and manipulation of the spine and extremities.

The legally defined set of activities, procedures, and responsibilities a licensed chiropractor may perform under state law and board rules, beyond which practice is unauthorized.

A specific, controlled, high-velocity manual thrust applied to a joint to restore or improve motion and alignment, usually producing a cavitation sound.

Passive movement of a joint beyond its normal physiologic range but within anatomic limits, typically delivered as a thrust technique; overlaps with adjustment in chiropractic usage.

Passive, low-velocity joint movement within the normal range of motion, used to improve mobility without a thrust; distinct from a high-velocity adjustment.

The Maine state board that regulates chiropractors, sets licensing standards, adopts rules, investigates complaints, and imposes discipline for violations.

Regulations formally adopted by the chiropractic board that implement and clarify the governing statutes, covering licensure, practice standards, and discipline procedures.

A law enacted by the Maine Legislature; chiropractic statutes establish the legal framework the board enforces through its rules and disciplinary actions.

The process by which the state grants an individual legal authority to practice chiropractic after verifying education, examinations, and other statutory qualifications.

The periodic process by which a licensee submits fees and evidence of required continuing education to maintain active licensure status before expiration.

A license that has expired because renewal requirements were not met, making continued practice unlawful until the license is reinstated under board procedures.

A pathway allowing a licensee from another jurisdiction to obtain a Maine license based on credentials and standing recognized by statute or board rule.

A licensure route in which the board accepts a license in good standing from another state as part of the basis for issuing a Maine license.

Required post-licensure coursework and training hours that licensees must complete each renewal cycle to maintain competence and active licensure.

An organization or sponsor whose educational programs the board or a recognized accrediting body accepts for continuing education credit.

The practice of acupuncture by a licensed chiropractor within limits set by statute and board rule, typically requiring specified additional training and certification.

The additional education and supervised hours a chiropractor must document before the board authorizes acupuncture practice within the chiropractic license.

An unlicensed person who supports patient care under a chiropractor's supervision, limited to tasks permitted by board rule and prohibited from independent practice.

The degree of oversight a chiropractor must exercise over assistants or trainees, ranging from on-site direction to availability by phone depending on the task.

The assignment of specific tasks to an assistant or other personnel, permissible only when the task is within the assistant's training and the chiropractor retains responsibility.

A patient's voluntary agreement to treatment after receiving an explanation of the nature, risks, benefits, and alternatives, documented in the record.

The written or electronic documentation of a patient's history, examination, diagnosis, treatment plan, progress, and communications, kept for the required retention period.

A structured progress note format organized into Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan sections to record each patient encounter clearly and consistently.

The ongoing process of creating accurate, timely, and legible records that support clinical decisions, demonstrate care delivered, and satisfy legal and board requirements.

The duty to protect patient health information from unauthorized disclosure, subject to limited exceptions such as consent, legal compulsion, or serious imminent harm.

Behavior that violates practice standards or board rules, such as incompetence, dishonesty, practicing impaired, or exploiting the practitioner-patient relationship, and may lead to discipline.

A written allegation filed with the board asserting that a licensee violated a statute or rule, which the board reviews, investigates, and may prosecute.

The board's formal inquiry into a complaint, gathering records and statements to determine whether a violation occurred and whether discipline is warranted.

A sanction imposed by the board after finding a violation, ranging from reprimand and fine to probation, suspension, or revocation of the license.

The procedural protections owed to a licensee facing discipline, including notice of the charges, an opportunity to respond, and a fair hearing.

The degree of care and skill that a reasonably competent chiropractor would provide under similar circumstances, used to judge clinical and legal conduct.

A documented outline of the diagnosis, intended interventions, frequency, duration, and goals of care, reviewed and updated as the patient's condition changes.

Directing a patient to another health professional when the condition exceeds the chiropractor's scope or competence, or when co-management is clinically appropriate.

Terminating care without reasonable notice, explanation, or arrangements for continued treatment, leaving the patient without needed services.

A licensee whose ability to practice is compromised by substance use, illness, or psychological condition; boards typically provide confidential referral-to-treatment pathways alongside discipline authority.

The board regulation restricting false, misleading, or deceptive promotion of chiropractic services, including prohibited claims of cure or superiority.

Dividing fees with a referral source or other party in a manner prohibited by law or rule, treated as a conflict of interest and a form of unprofessional conduct.