ND Chiropractic Jurisprudence key terms

The legally permitted range of activities a licensed chiropractor may perform in North Dakota, including spinal adjustment and related procedures, bounded by statute and board rule rather than by training alone.

A manual or instrument-assisted manipulation of spinal or other articulations intended to correct subluxation and restore function, forming the core procedure within the licensed scope.

A vertebral or articular misalignment or dysfunction that chiropractic theory holds interferes with nerve function and body mechanics; the finding that traditionally justifies adjustment as a treatment.

Performing chiropractic procedures without a valid North Dakota license, or practicing outside the legal scope, which is a statutory violation subject to injunctive relief and civil or criminal penalty.

The statutory definition covering examination, diagnosis, and treatment of human conditions by manual or mechanical means, including adjustment, and the ancillary services a licensee may provide.

The credential issued by the North Dakota Board of Chiropractic Examiners that authorizes an individual to practice chiropractic in the state, subject to renewal and disciplinary conditions.

Any person holding an active North Dakota chiropractic license, and therefore bound by the statutes, board rules, and standards of conduct that attach to that credential.

The periodic process by which a licensee submits fees, continuing education evidence, and required attestations to keep a license active, typically on a biennial cycle set by board rule.

A license that has expired because renewal requirements were not met, so the holder may not practice until reinstated or relicensed under conditions the board sets.

The board process for restoring a lapsed, suspended, or revoked license, often requiring an application, fee, evidence of competence, and sometimes examination or additional education.

A pathway allowing a chiropractor licensed in another jurisdiction to obtain a North Dakota license based on that credential, subject to board review of qualifications and standing.

Licensure based on a valid license held in another state, where the board evaluates the applicant's credentials, examination history, and disciplinary record before issuing a North Dakota license.

The North Dakota regulatory body that licenses chiropractors, adopts rules, investigates complaints, and imposes discipline to protect the public rather than to serve the profession.

The board's authority to adopt administrative rules implementing the chiropractic statute, including rules on licensure, continuing education, recordkeeping, and advertising, under the state administrative procedure act.

The minimum number of board members who must be present for the board to conduct official business or vote, as specified in statute or board bylaws.

A formal contested proceeding before the board in which evidence is presented on alleged violations and the licensee may appear, be represented, and cross-examine witnesses.

The written statement served on a licensee identifying the alleged violations, the facts supporting them, and the time and place of hearing, so a defense can be prepared.

The constitutional guarantee of fair procedure, meaning adequate notice, an impartial decision-maker, an opportunity to be heard, and a decision supported by the evidence.

A statutory category of misconduct that can trigger discipline, covering acts such as fraud, incompetence, impairment, confidentiality breaches, and dishonest or deceptive behavior in practice.

The enumerated statutory bases on which the board may act against a license, including unprofessional conduct, criminal conviction, practice beyond scope, and failure to meet continuing education obligations.

A penalty the board imposes after finding a violation, ranging from reprimand and fine to probation, suspension, or revocation, sometimes with conditions on continued practice.

A sanction that temporarily removes the right to practice for a stated period or until stated conditions are satisfied, after which the licensee may seek reinstatement.

The most severe board sanction, permanently terminating the license, though the licensee may later apply for reinstatement under conditions the board determines.

A sanction allowing continued practice under specified conditions and monitoring, such as audits, supervision, or treatment requirements, with violation leading to further discipline.

A negotiated settlement in which the licensee accepts specified findings and sanctions without a full hearing; it resolves the case and is typically a public board record.

The documentation a chiropractor must create and retain for each patient, covering history, examination findings, diagnosis, treatment rendered, and response to care.

The minimum time a licensee must keep patient records after the last service or after a patient reaches majority, as set by board rule or statute.

The process of explaining a proposed treatment's nature, risks, benefits, and alternatives so the patient can voluntarily agree, documented in the record before care begins.

The duty to protect patient health information from unauthorized disclosure, with limited exceptions such as mandated reporting, court order, or the patient's own written authorization.

Paying or receiving compensation for patient referrals or for services not actually rendered, which is prohibited because it compromises clinical judgment and inflates costs.

An inducement given or received in exchange for referring patients or arranging services, prohibited regardless of whether it is labeled a fee, gift, or bonus.

Promotional claims that deceive the public, such as unsubstantiated cure guarantees or omitted limitations, and that constitute a basis for board discipline.

Use of patient statements to promote practice; permitted only when truthful, not misleading, and typically requiring documented patient authorization to disclose the statement.

The limits on the clinician-patient relationship that keep interactions therapeutic, prohibiting exploitation, dual relationships, and sexual contact with patients.

The minimum number of approved credit hours a licensee must complete each renewal cycle, often including mandated topics such as ethics, recordkeeping, or jurisprudence.

The board's review of a licensee's submitted credit documentation to verify compliance, with failure to substantiate hours leading to discipline or renewal denial.

The legal obligation of a chiropractor to report specified events, such as suspected child or vulnerable adult abuse, certain communicable diseases, or impaired colleagues, to the designated authority.

Duties arising from the licensee's role in the community, including cooperating with health authorities, reporting required conditions, and avoiding conduct that endangers patients or the public.