SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6499

BYSenators Johnson, Kreidler, Smith, Niemi, Kiskaddon and Bauer

Clarifying practice rights for chiropractors.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 3, 1988

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

AS OF FEBRUARY 1, 1988

BACKGROUND:

In Washington, chiropractic is defined as the activities preparatory to, or complementary to, and including the manipulation of the human spinal structure.  It includes x-ray diagnostic procedures and the giving of dietary advice.

In 1987 the State Health Coordinating Council (SHCC) reviewed a proposal to expand the scope of practice of the chiropractic profession.  The proposal allowed chiropractors to make adjustments to body joints, use physical therapies, administer nutritional supplements and use broad diagnostic procedures.  After reviewing the proposal, the SHCC recommended against expanding the scope of practice to extent described in the proposal.  It did recommend a more modest change allowing some limited use of physical therapies when preparatory or complementary to chiropractic spinal adjustments.

SUMMARY:

The bill clarifies the definition and scope of practice of chiropractic.

The use of adjustment or manipulative procedures is limited to those with a focus on the spine. 

Certain physiological therapies are permitted when preparatory or complementary to a chiropractic spinal adjustment.  The use of heat, cold, water, exercise and other physiological therapies authorized by the Chiropractic Disciplinary Board is allowed. The use of sound, diathermy or electricity is not permitted.

Chiropractic diagnostic procedures are limited to those allowing the practitioner to (1) arrive at a conclusion on the appropriateness and type of chiropractic care, and (2) recognize abnormalities for referral to other licensed health care practitioners.  The Chiropractic Disciplinary Board will approve acceptable diagnostic methods and devices.

Chiropractors may provide advice and counseling on diet, hygiene, sanitation, prevention, and rehabilitation of the patient when it relates to chiropractic treatment.

The Chiropractic Examining and Disciplinary Boards are authorized to recognize national accrediting agencies that designate chiropractic specialties.  The terms "doctor of chiropractic", "chiropractic physician" and "chiropractor" are considered synonymous.

The use of colonic irrigation and venipuncture is prohibited.

Physical therapists are permitted to use treatment procedures involving skeletal mobilization, but prohibited from using manual manipulation.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 27, 1988