H-4691

AN ACT Relating to chiropractic; amending RCW 18.25.005 and 18.25.006; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. RCW 18.25.005 and 1974 ex.s. c 97 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

((For the purpose of chapters 18.25 and 18.26 RCW, the term "chiropractic" shall mean and include that practice of health care which deals with the detection of subluxations, which shall be defined as any alteration of the biomechanical and physiological dynamics of contiguous spinal structures which can cause neuronal disturbances, the chiropractic procedure preparatory to, and complementary to the correction thereof, by adjustment or manipulation of the articulations of the vertebral column and its immediate articulations for the restoration and maintenance of health; it includes the normal regimen and rehabilitation of the patient, physical examination to determine the necessity for chiropractic care, the use of x-ray and other analytical instruments generally used in the practice of chiropractic: PROVIDED, That no chiropractor shall prescribe or dispense any medicine or drug nor practice obstetrics or surgery nor use x-rays for therapeutic purposes: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That the term "chiropractic" as defined in this act shall not prohibit a practitioner licensed under chapter 18.71 RCW from performing accepted medical procedures, except such procedures shall not include the adjustment by hand of any articulation of the spine: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit the rendering of dietary advice.))

(1) Chiropractic is the practice of health care that deals with the diagnosis or analysis and care or treatment of the vertebral subluxation complex and its effects, articular dysfunction, and musculoskeletal disorders, all for the restoration and maintenance of health and recognizing the recuperative powers of the body.

(2) Chiropractic treatment or care includes the use of procedures involving spinal adjustments, extremity manipulation, heat, cold, water, exercise, massage, trigger point therapy, dietary advice and recommendation of nutritional supplementation, the normal regimen and rehabilitation of the patient, first aid, and counseling on hygiene, sanitation, and preventive measures. Chiropractic care also includes such physiological therapeutic procedures as traction and light, but does not include procedures involving the application of sound, diathermy, or electricity.

(3) As part of a chiropractic differential diagnosis, a chiropractor shall perform a physical examination, which may include diagnostic x-rays, to determine the appropriateness of chiropractic care or the need for referral to other health care providers. The chiropractic disciplinary board shall provide by rule for the type and use of diagnostic and analytical devices and procedures consistent with this chapter.

(4) Chiropractic care shall not include the prescription or dispensing of any medicine or drug, the practice of obstetrics or surgery, the use of x-rays or any other form of radiation for therapeutic purposes, colonic irrigation, or any form of venipuncture.

(5) Nothing in this chapter prohibits or restricts any other practitioner of a "health profession" defined in RCW 18.120.020(4) from performing any functions or procedures the practitioner is licensed or permitted to perform, and the term "chiropractic" as defined in this chapter shall not prohibit a practitioner licensed under chapter 18.71 RCW from performing medical procedures, except such procedures shall not include the adjustment by hand of any articulation of the spine.

Sec. 2. RCW 18.25.006 and 1991 c 3 s 36 are each amended to read as follows:

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Department" means the department of health.

(2) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department of health or the secretary's designee.

(3) "Chiropractor" means an individual licensed under this chapter.

(4) "Board" means the Washington state board of chiropractic examiners.

(5) "Vertebral subluxation complex" means a functional defect or alteration of the biomechanical and physiological dynamics in a joint that may cause neuronal disturbances, with or without displacement detectable by x-ray. The effects of the vertebral subluxation complex may include, but are not limited to, any of the following: Fixation, hypomobility, hypermobility, periarticular muscle spasm, edema, or inflammation.

(6) "Articular dysfunction" means an alteration of the biomechanical and physiological dynamics of a joint of the axial or appendicular skeleton.

(7) "Musculoskeletal disorders" means abnormalities of the muscles, bones, and connective tissue.

(8) "Chiropractic differential diagnosis" means a diagnosis to determine the existence of a vertebral subluxation complex, articular dysfunction, or musculoskeletal disorder, and the appropriateness of chiropractic care or the need for referral to other health care providers.

(9) "Chiropractic adjustment" means chiropractic care of a vertebral subluxation complex, articular dysfunction, or musculoskeletal disorder. Such care includes manual or mechanical adjustment of any vertebral articulation and contiguous articulations beyond the normal passive physiological range of motion.

(10) "Extremity manipulation" means a corrective thrust or maneuver applied to a joint of the appendicular skeleton. The use of extremity manipulation shall be complementary and preparatory to a chiropractic spinal adjustment to support correction of a vertebral subluxation complex and is considered a part of a spinal adjustment and shall not be billed separately from or in addition to a spinal adjustment.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.