NH Chiropractic Jurisprudence key terms

A health care discipline that diagnoses and treats mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, on the premise that these disorders affect general health through the nervous system.

The legally defined boundary of activities a licensed chiropractor may perform, including diagnosis, adjustment, and specified ancillary modalities, beyond which practice is unlicensed activity subject to discipline.

A vertebral or joint misalignment or dysfunction described in chiropractic theory as interfering with normal nerve function; the concept underlying the rationale for spinal adjustment.

A specific, controlled manual thrust applied to a spinal or extremity joint to restore or improve alignment and motion; the signature procedure of chiropractic practice and a core permitted modality.

A broader category of manual therapy involving passive movement of joints, of which chiropractic adjustment is one form; may include mobilization and other hands-on techniques within the licensed scope.

Supportive therapies a chiropractor may use alongside adjustment, such as therapeutic exercise, traction, heat or cold, electrical stimulation, and soft-tissue techniques, when consistent with training and statute.

Physical agents used therapeutically in a chiropractic office, including ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, and hot or cold packs, permitted only when the licensee is competent through education or training.

Radiographic or other imaging studies ordered or performed to evaluate musculoskeletal complaints; use of x-ray equipment carries separate equipment and supervision requirements under state rules.

A patient's voluntary agreement to a proposed course of care after being told, in understandable terms, the nature of the treatment, material risks, expected benefits, and reasonable alternatives.

Written or electronic documentation of a patient's history, examination findings, diagnosis, treatment plan, and progress; must be accurate, legible, retained for the required period, and released per law.

The duty to protect a patient's health information from unauthorized disclosure, subject to exceptions such as patient authorization, court order, or reporting obligations required by law.

A legal obligation for licensees to notify the appropriate authority of specified events, such as suspected child abuse, certain communicable diseases, or misconduct by another health professional.

The state regulatory body that licenses chiropractors, adopts administrative rules, investigates complaints, and imposes discipline to protect the public rather than to serve the profession's interests.

Regulations adopted by the licensing board under statutory authority, filling in procedural and technical detail such as application requirements, fees, recordkeeping, and continuing education standards.

The grant of legal authority to practice chiropractic in the state after an applicant demonstrates required education, examination passage, and good standing, and pays applicable fees.

A pathway by which a chiropractor licensed in another jurisdiction may obtain a state license based on credentials, examination history, and standing, subject to board rules rather than full re-examination.

The periodic process of maintaining active licensure by submitting a renewal application, attesting to completed continuing education, and paying fees before the expiration date.

Required coursework or training completed during each renewal cycle to maintain and update clinical competence, with specified subject hours and documentation retention obligations.

A license that has expired because renewal was not completed on time; practicing on a lapsed license is unlicensed practice, and reinstatement may require a late fee or additional requirements.

A board review of a licensee's records, such as continuing education certificates or patient charts, to verify compliance with renewal and practice standards; failure to produce records may support discipline.

A statutory category of misconduct that can trigger discipline, encompassing fraud, incompetence, impairment, boundary violations, false advertising, and failure to cooperate with board investigations.

A sanction imposed by the board after a finding of 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, a meaningful opportunity to respond, and a fair hearing before an impartial decision-maker.

A formal adjudicative proceeding before the board or a hearing officer where evidence is presented and findings of fact and conclusions of law are made regarding alleged violations.

A negotiated settlement in which the licensee accepts specified findings and sanctions without a full hearing; once approved by the board it has the same force as a board order.

The degree of care and skill that a reasonably competent chiropractor in similar circumstances would provide; deviation from it can support both disciplinary findings and civil negligence claims.

Conduct that exploits the power imbalance in the clinician-patient relationship, such as sexual contact, inappropriate personal involvement, or financial overreaching; a common ground for discipline.

A licensee's inability to practice with reasonable skill and safety due to substance use, mental or physical condition; boards may require evaluation and may order practice restrictions.

Restrictions on how chiropractors may promote services, prohibiting false or misleading claims, guarantees of cure, and use of titles or credentials that misrepresent qualifications.

The designation a licensee may lawfully use, such as "Doctor of Chiropractic," and the corresponding abbreviation; misuse of titles by unlicensed persons is prohibited.

Performing chiropractic diagnosis or treatment without a valid license, including practicing on an expired license; subject to civil penalties and injunctive relief.

Directing a patient to another provider when a condition lies outside the chiropractor's scope or competence, or when co-management is clinically indicated; failure to refer may breach the standard of care.

Paying or receiving compensation for patient referrals, generally restricted or prohibited because it can compromise clinical judgment; a recognized form of professional misconduct.

A test of knowledge of the state's statutes, board rules, and professional conduct standards that applicants must pass as part of the licensing process.

A status confirming that a license is active, not suspended or restricted, and that no unresolved disciplinary actions exist; often required for renewal, endorsement, or hospital privileges.