Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 0260 - Chiropractic Examiners
Title 0260 of the Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee is dedicated to the Tennessee Board of Chiropractic Examiners. These administrative rules are essential for regulating the profession of chiropractic in Tennessee, ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of the public by setting standards for practice, licensure, and conduct.
The Tennessee Board of Chiropractic Examiners was established by the state legislature in 1923. Its mission is to safeguard the public by requiring that all individuals practicing chiropractic or chiropractic x-ray technology in the state are qualified. The Board interprets the laws, rules, and regulations to determine appropriate standards of practice and is responsible for licensing qualified candidates, investigating violations, and disciplining licensees.
Here's a breakdown of the key chapters and topics you would find within Title 0260:
Chapter 0260-01 - Rules of Procedure for Hearing Contested Cases: This chapter outlines the formal legal procedures the Board follows when conducting hearings for disciplinary actions against licensees or other contested matters, ensuring due process.
Chapter 0260-02 - General Rules Governing Chiropractic Examiners: This is the most comprehensive chapter, covering the core aspects of the chiropractic profession.
Definitions (§ 0260-02-.01): Defines key terms such as "adjustment," "manipulation," "advertising," "applicant," "Board," "documentation," "excessive" (referring to procedures), "good moral character," "telehealth provider," and "subluxation."
Scope of Practice (§ 0260-02-.02): This crucial section defines what a licensed chiropractic physician can do in Tennessee. It includes:
Right to use the title "licensed chiropractic physician."
Authority as a portal of entry provider to make a differential diagnosis using patient history, examination, lab analysis, and analytical instruments for screening health status.
Authority to perform adjustment, manipulation, or treatment including physical therapeutic interventions to the human frame and/or soft tissues for restoration, supportive care, and maintenance of health.
Responsibility for patient care, case management, and protection, including making proper referrals for consultation, collaborative care, and other treatments.
Supportive care such as nutritional evaluation, recommendation, and supplementation, patient management in their mental and physical environment, and due regard for diet, hygiene, sanitation, and rehabilitation.
Authority to order analysis of blood, urine, or other bodily fluids from licensed or certified laboratories for diagnosis and management.
Specific requirements for spinal manipulation/adjustment training (400 hours classroom, 800 hours supervised clinical training) and acceptable instruments.
Requirements for practicing acupuncture: 250 hours of an accredited acupuncture course and passing the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Acupuncture Exam.
Dry Needling/Intramuscular Stimulation: Considered within the scope of practice for Chiropractic Physicians who have documented clinical knowledge and competency.
Animal Chiropractic: A recently regulated area. Chiropractors can perform animal chiropractic if they hold specific certifications and collaborate with a veterinarian. The law defines the scope to focus on spinal adjustments and manipulation, excluding veterinary medical procedures like surgery or prescribing drugs.
Necessity of Certification (§ 0260-02-.03): Reiterate that appropriate licensure or certification is required to practice.
Qualifications for Licensure (§ 0260-02-.04): Details requirements, including:
Good moral character and professional ethics.
Graduation from a chiropractic college accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) or an approved international college.
For those matriculating in 2000 and beyond, proof of a bachelor's level education or its equivalent.
Passing the National Chiropractic Board Examination (NBCE) Parts I, II, III, IV, and Physiotherapy. The NBCE Acupuncture exam is required for those practicing acupuncture.
Procedures for Licensure (§ 0260-02-.05): Outlines the application process, required documentation, and interviews.
Fees (§ 0260-02-.06): Specifies application, examination, and renewal fees.
Application Review, Approval, Denial, Interviews (§ 0260-02-.07): Procedures for handling applications, deficiencies, denials, and required interviews with the Board.
Examinations (§ 0260-02-.08): Details the examination requirements.
Renewal of License (§ 0260-02-.09): Procedures for license renewal.
Continuing Education (§ 0260-02-.12): Requires 24 hours of continuing education every two years for license renewal. A maximum of 6 hours may be earned online. The Board partners with CE Broker for tracking.
Professional Ethics (§ 0260-02-.13): General standards of professional conduct.
Disciplinary Actions, Civil Penalties, Screening Panels, Subpoenas, and Assessment of Costs (§ 0260-02-.15): Defines grounds for disciplinary action (e.g., incompetence, fraud, unprofessional conduct), the investigation process, and potential penalties (fines, suspension, revocation).
Advertising (§ 0260-02-.20): Regulations concerning advertising practices, ensuring they are not misleading or deceptive.
Chiropractic Preceptor Program (§ 0260-02-.21): Rules for supervised practice programs for new graduates.
Mandatory Release of Patient Records (§ 0260-02-.18): Rules regarding patient record confidentiality and release.
Chiropractic Professional Corporations (CPC) and Chiropractic Professional Limited Liability Companies (CPLLC) (§ 0260-02-.24): Regulations for professional entities.
Free Health Clinic and Volunteer Practice Requirements (§ 0260-02-.25): Specific rules for chiropractors practicing in volunteer settings.
Chiropractic Records (§ 0260-02-.26): Requirements for maintaining patient records.
Chapter 0260-03 - General Rules Governing Chiropractic X-Ray Technologists: This chapter specifically regulates individuals who operate X-ray equipment under the supervision of a chiropractor, including their qualifications, training, and scope of practice.
Chapter 0260-05 - General Rules Governing Chiropractic Therapy Assistants: This chapter covers the specific requirements for Chiropractic Therapy Assistants (CTAs), who perform therapeutic services under the supervision of a licensed chiropractor. This includes:
Completion of an approved 50-hour instructional program.
Passage of the CTA State Exam.
Accrual of 1,200 clinical internship hours.
Requirements for supervision by a licensed chiropractic physician.
In essence, Title 0260 provides the detailed regulatory framework through which the Tennessee Board of Chiropractic Examiners licenses, monitors, and disciplines chiropractic physicians, X-ray technologists, and therapy assistants, ensuring a high standard of care and safeguarding the well-being of patients in Tennessee.
RELATED Blog
0 comments