Oregon Statutes and Administrative Rules Governing Chiropractic Practice
This domain tests how the Oregon Chiropractic Practice Act (ORS chapter 684) and the Board's administrative rules (OAR chapter 811) fit together, and which source controls when they appear to conflict.
Two layers of law
- ORS chapter 684 is the statute: it creates the Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners, defines "chiropractic" and "practice of chiropractic," sets the licensure requirement, and lists grounds for discipline.
- OAR chapter 811 is the Board's rules: application procedures, fees, continuing-education reporting, recordkeeping content, advertising standards, and hearing mechanics.
- A rule cannot contradict its statute. Where a rule and the statute conflict, the statute controls and the rule is invalid to the extent of the conflict.
Reading a scope question
Define the proposed act against the statutory definition first, then look for a rule that authorizes or limits it, then check Board guidance. The exam often offers a plausible-sounding modality and asks whether it is permitted.
Worked example. A licensee asks whether a new needling technique is within scope. Correct analysis: (1) is the technique a manual or mechanical treatment of a human condition as the statute describes practice? (2) has the Board adopted a rule listing it as an approved adjunct? (3) if neither, performing it risks an unprofessional-conduct finding, so request Board guidance rather than assume. Choosing "it is allowed because another state allows it" is wrong.
Traps
- Confusing ORS with OAR citations; the exam expects you to know which body of law does what.
- Assuming Board rules can expand the statutory scope.
- Memorizing rule numbers instead of the operative requirement.