Scope of Practice, Definitions, and Licensure Requirements
Domain 1 tests how Chapter 331, RSMo defines chiropractic and who may hold a Missouri license. Every scope question starts with the statutory definition.
Core rules
- Chiropractic is defined as the science and art of locating and adjusting subluxations of the articulations of the human body, together with the physical, chemical, and nutritional procedures incident to that adjustment.
- A person may not practice chiropractic or use the title “chiropractor,” “D.C.,” or a similar designation without a Missouri license.
- Licensure requires the statutory qualifications: an application and fee, good moral character, graduation from a board-approved chiropractic college, and passing the required examination. The board may also license by endorsement when an out-of-state licensee meets equivalent requirements.
- The Act does not make chiropractic a general medical license. Surgery, prescription drugs, and independent treatment of conditions outside the statutory scope remain outside chiropractic practice.
Worked example
A chiropractor licensed in another state moves to Missouri and advertises “Missouri house calls” before applying. The board may treat the advertising and treatment as unlicensed practice. Endorsement is not automatic: the applicant must file the board’s application, document education and licensure, pay the fee, and receive a Missouri license before practicing.
Traps
Do not assume that “nutritional procedures” authorizes prescribing drugs, or that a national board certificate substitutes for state licensure. Do not confuse the scope definition with the separate question of whether a technique is taught in an accredited chiropractic college. Do not advertise before the Missouri license issues.