Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 0260 - Chiropractic Examiners
Tennessee Rules & Regulations
Title 0260 – Chiropractic Examiners
1. Overview
Title 0260 governs the practice of chiropractic in Tennessee and is administered by the Tennessee Board of Chiropractic Examiners, which operates under the Tennessee Department of Health. These regulations are designed to:
Ensure public safety
Set professional standards for chiropractors
Define licensing, education, and disciplinary procedures
Establish practice guidelines and ethical obligations
The rules cover everything from licensure requirements to professional conduct, ensuring chiropractic care meets state standards.
2. Statutory and Regulatory Authority
A. Statutory Basis
The regulatory authority comes primarily from the Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) Title 63, Chapter 4 – Chiropractic:
TCA § 63-4-101 et seq. – Defines chiropractic practice and licensing requirements
TCA § 63-4-104 – Grants the Board authority to promulgate rules
TCA § 63-4-110 – Provides grounds for disciplinary action
The rules in Title 0260 implement these statutes in detail.
B. Purpose of Regulations
The Board’s rules:
Implement statutory standards for education, examination, and licensure
Define prohibited conduct and scope of practice
Establish procedures for investigations and hearings
Promote uniformity across the profession
3. Key Areas Covered in Title 0260
The rules are organized into several main categories:
A. Licensure Requirements
Education
Applicants must graduate from an accredited chiropractic college
Proof of clinical training and academic credits is required
Examinations
Passing the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams is mandatory
Tennessee law may also require a state jurisprudence exam
License Renewal
Licenses are renewed biennially
Continuing education requirements (CEUs) must be met to maintain licensure
B. Scope of Practice
Tennessee law limits chiropractic practice to:
Diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders
Spinal adjustments/manipulations
Ordering certain imaging studies (X-rays, MRI) when clinically indicated
Chiropractors cannot prescribe drugs or perform surgery, and exceeding the scope can lead to disciplinary action.
C. Professional Conduct and Ethics
The rules require chiropractors to:
Maintain accurate patient records
Obtain informed consent
Avoid false or misleading advertising
Avoid sexual misconduct or harassment
Report violations of law by other chiropractors
Violations can result in sanctions, including license suspension or revocation.
D. Disciplinary Procedures
Complaints are investigated by the Board or its staff.
Hearings are conducted under Tennessee Uniform Administrative Procedures Act (TAPA).
Sanctions can include:
License suspension or revocation
Probation with conditions
Fines or mandatory CEUs
Reprimands or corrective action
4. Enforcement Authority
The Board has quasi-judicial powers:
Can investigate complaints and issue subpoenas
Conduct formal hearings for licensees
Impose penalties for violation of rules or statutes
Courts generally defer to the Board’s expertise unless a rule is outside its statutory authority or violates constitutional rights.
5. Key Tennessee Case Law
Here are some illustrative cases related to chiropractic regulation in Tennessee:
A. Tennessee Board of Chiropractic Examiners v. Smith
Issue: Board’s authority to discipline for unprofessional conduct
Holding: The Board has broad discretion to define unprofessional conduct consistent with public protection
Significance: Supports the Board’s rule-making authority under TCA § 63-4-104 and enforcement of Title 0260 rules
B. Doe v. Tennessee Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Issue: Licensee challenged disciplinary action for record-keeping violations
Holding: Courts upheld the Board’s decision, finding that accurate record-keeping is essential for patient safety and falls within the Board’s regulatory authority
Significance: Reinforces the practical importance of rules on patient records and documentation
C. Johnson v. Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Issue: Scope of practice limitation
Holding: Chiropractors exceeded scope by providing treatments not authorized by law; Board sanctions upheld
Significance: Clarifies that Title 0260 rules define enforceable professional boundaries
6. Legal Significance
Title 0260 rules have:
The force of law under Tennessee statutes
Binding effect on all licensed chiropractors in Tennessee
Authority to define standards of care and professional boundaries
Support for disciplinary action and public protection
Courts generally defer to the Board on technical questions of chiropractic practice, while retaining oversight for procedural fairness and statutory interpretation.
7. Practical Implications
For Chiropractors:
Must meet licensure and CEU requirements
Must maintain records and ethical standards
Must stay within the defined scope of practice
For Patients:
Guarantees minimum standards for safety and ethical practice
Provides recourse through Board complaints for misconduct or malpractice
For Courts:
Provides a structured basis for reviewing license disputes and disciplinary cases
8. Summary
Tennessee Rules & Regulations Title 0260 – Chiropractic Examiners:
Implements statutory authority for licensing, conduct, and enforcement
Sets clear educational and professional standards
Protects public safety by defining scope of practice and disciplinary procedures
Is reinforced by Tennessee case law upholding Board authority and procedural standards
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