Michigan Public Health Code and Chiropractic Statute
Where chiropractic sits in the Code
Michigan chiropractic regulation lives in Article 15 of the Public Health Code. Part 164 (MCL 333.16401 et seq.) is the chiropractic part; Part 161 supplies licensing mechanics, and Part 162 supplies disciplinary grounds and sanctions. The Board of Chiropractic is a nine-member body appointed by the Governor - five chiropractors, one physician, and three public members - serving four-year terms. The board advises LARA, proposes administrative rules, and participates in disciplinary decisions; it does not enact the statute and cannot enlarge it by rule.
Core statutory rules
- “Practice of chiropractic” is defined in Part 164 as diagnosis and treatment of human ailments by adjustment or manipulation of the vertebral column and other articulations, together with adjunctive procedures authorized by board rule.
- A Michigan license is required to practice and to use protected titles such as “chiropractor” and “D.C.”
- The Code prohibits unlicensed practice, false representation of licensure or qualifications, and practice outside the statutory scope.
- Rulemaking must follow the Administrative Procedures Act and remain consistent with Part 164.
Worked example
A licensed chiropractor advertises “physician-level care” and offers to prescribe an antibiotic for sinusitis. The license is valid, but prescribing legend drugs and holding out as a physician are outside Part 164. The conduct can support a Part 162 complaint for unprofessional conduct and false advertising even though the chiropractic license itself is current.
Traps that cost marks
Do not confuse the statute with the rules. “Adjunctive” is not a synonym for “anything supportive”; it must fit board rule. A valid license does not immunize conduct outside scope, and the board cannot create authority the Legislature has not granted.