FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5817

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background: Chiropractic practice is governed by the Washington State Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission. An individual must be licensed as a chiropractor to practice chiropractic adjustment in Washington. Certain individuals are permitted to practice chiropractic without a license:

individuals may temporarily practice chiropractic in Washington if they hold a license in another state, territory, or country; and
individuals serving a period of postgraduate chiropractic training under the direct supervision and control of a chiropractor may practice as part of their duties as a postgraduate trainee.

Senior students in accredited schools of chiropractic approved by the Commission may practice chiropractic, except for the administration of a chiropractic adjustment, if the practice is part of a regular course of instruction and the student is under the direct supervision and control of a licensed chiropractor.

Summary: Senior chiropractic students are permitted to administer chiropractic adjustments as part of a regular course of instruction and under the direct supervision and control of a licensed chiropractor. A senior student practicing chiropractic must pass an open book written jurisprudence examination approved by the Commission prior to administering a chiropractic adjustment.

The Commission may adopt rules requiring the student and their supervising licensed chiropractor to file information with the Commission regarding the practice of chiropractic, including the name and contact information of the student and of the supervising licensed chiropractor, and the location where the student will be practicing.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	45
House	93	(House amended)
Senate	47	(Senate concurred)