Wisconsin Administrative Code Chiropractic Examining Board
Wisconsin Administrative Code: Chiropractic Examining Board
1. Overview
The Chiropractic Examining Board in Wisconsin is a state regulatory agency responsible for licensing, regulating, and overseeing the practice of chiropractic care in Wisconsin. It ensures that chiropractors meet professional standards and practice safely and ethically to protect public health.
The Board operates under the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) and derives its authority from state statutes and administrative codes.
2. Purpose and Functions
The primary purposes and functions of the Chiropractic Examining Board include:
Licensing Chiropractors: Reviewing and approving applications from individuals seeking to practice chiropractic medicine in Wisconsin.
Setting Standards: Establishing educational, examination, and professional standards necessary for licensure.
Regulating Practice: Adopting and enforcing rules and regulations governing chiropractic practice, including ethical standards and scope of practice.
Disciplinary Actions: Investigating complaints, conducting hearings, and disciplining chiropractors who violate laws or professional standards.
Continuing Education: Requiring licensees to complete continuing education to maintain competence and keep current with developments in chiropractic care.
3. Regulatory Framework: Wisconsin Administrative Code
The rules and regulations governing chiropractors are set out in specific chapters of the Wisconsin Administrative Code. These codes detail the licensure requirements, examination procedures, scope of practice, and disciplinary procedures.
Key Areas Covered:
Licensing Requirements:
Specifies educational qualifications (usually graduation from an accredited chiropractic college), examination requirements (such as passing national and state exams), and other criteria.
Scope of Practice:
Defines what chiropractors are authorized to do, including diagnosis, treatment through manual adjustments, and other therapies related to musculoskeletal conditions.
Examination Procedures:
Sets forth the procedures for the state licensing examination or acceptance of national examination results.
Continuing Education:
Details the number of hours and types of courses required to renew a license periodically.
Professional Conduct:
Provides guidelines on ethical practice, advertising, record-keeping, and maintaining patient confidentiality.
Disciplinary Actions:
Enumerates grounds for disciplinary measures such as suspension or revocation of licenses, and the procedures for hearings and appeals.
4. Role of the Chiropractic Examining Board
The Board functions as the regulatory body to:
Evaluate and Approve Applications: Review applications for initial licensure and license renewal.
Issue Licenses: Grant licenses to qualified chiropractors.
Monitor Compliance: Ensure chiropractors comply with laws and rules.
Discipline Violations: Conduct investigations and hearings for complaints related to malpractice, unprofessional conduct, or violation of laws.
Educate Licensees: Inform chiropractors about new laws, regulations, and best practices.
Advise the Legislature: Provide input on chiropractic-related legislation and regulatory changes.
5. Licensing Process
To become a licensed chiropractor in Wisconsin, an applicant typically must:
Graduate from an accredited chiropractic college.
Pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) examinations.
Pass the Wisconsin state jurisprudence exam, testing knowledge of state laws and rules.
Submit an application with necessary fees.
Provide evidence of good moral character.
Complete any additional requirements set by the Board, such as continuing education or background checks.
6. Continuing Education
Licensed chiropractors must complete a specified number of continuing education (CE) hours during each renewal period to maintain their license. CE courses typically focus on:
Advances in chiropractic techniques.
Ethics and professional responsibility.
Patient safety and care standards.
State-specific laws and regulations.
7. Disciplinary Procedures
If a chiropractor violates professional standards or laws, the Board can:
Investigate complaints.
Hold formal hearings.
Impose sanctions, including reprimands, fines, suspension, or revocation of licenses.
Require corrective actions such as additional education or supervision.
8. Summary Table
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Authority | Chiropractic Examining Board under Wisconsin DSPS |
Purpose | License and regulate chiropractic practice in Wisconsin |
Licensing Requirements | Accredited chiropractic degree, national and state exams |
Scope of Practice | Diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions |
Continuing Education | Mandatory CE hours for license renewal |
Disciplinary Powers | Investigate, hold hearings, impose sanctions |
Professional Standards | Ethical practice, confidentiality, advertising rules |
9. Importance
The Chiropractic Examining Board ensures that chiropractors in Wisconsin provide safe, effective, and ethical care. By maintaining high standards and monitoring professional conduct, the Board protects patients and promotes public trust in chiropractic services.
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