Wyoming Administrative Code Agency 030 - Chiropractic Examiners, Board of
Wyoming Administrative Code (WAC) Agency 030
Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Overview
The Wyoming Board of Chiropractic Examiners (Agency 030) is the regulatory agency responsible for licensing, regulating, and overseeing chiropractic practitioners in Wyoming. Its primary mission is to protect the public by ensuring that chiropractors meet professional standards for education, ethical conduct, and clinical competency.
The Board’s authority is derived from Wyoming statutes governing chiropractic practice and the administrative rules codified in the Wyoming Administrative Code. It establishes standards for licensure, continuing education, professional conduct, and disciplinary action.
Key Functions and Responsibilities
Licensing of Chiropractors:
The Board reviews applications from chiropractors seeking licensure in Wyoming.
Applicants must have graduated from an accredited chiropractic college and passed recognized national examinations (e.g., the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam).
The Board issues licenses to qualified applicants and regulates license renewals, which require continuing education.
Scope of Practice:
Defines what chiropractic practice includes (e.g., spinal manipulation, diagnosis, patient care).
Sets limits to prevent practices outside chiropractic scope, such as unauthorized use of prescription drugs or surgery.
Continuing Education Requirements:
Mandates chiropractors to complete a certain number of continuing education hours within each licensure period.
Ensures chiropractors stay current with developments in the field.
Investigation and Discipline:
Investigates complaints against licensees, including allegations of malpractice, unprofessional conduct, or violations of Board rules.
Can impose sanctions such as reprimands, fines, probation, suspension, or license revocation.
Provides mechanisms for licensees to respond to complaints and participate in hearings.
Rulemaking and Regulation:
The Board promulgates rules related to licensure requirements, renewal procedures, disciplinary processes, and professional conduct.
Ensures compliance with statutory requirements and public safety standards.
Hearings and Appeals:
Licensees can appeal adverse disciplinary decisions or denials of licensure through administrative hearings.
Further judicial review is possible under Wyoming’s Administrative Procedures Act.
Relevant Wyoming Statutes
The Board operates under Wyoming statutes governing chiropractic practice, licensure, and disciplinary authority. These statutes grant the Board power to regulate chiropractic services to protect public health and ensure professional standards.
Important Legal Principles and Case Law
Wyoming case law involving chiropractic licensing and discipline follows general administrative law principles regarding due process, agency authority, and judicial review.
1. Due Process in Disciplinary Proceedings
Chiropractors facing disciplinary action are entitled to due process protections, including:
Written notice of charges
An opportunity to be heard in an impartial hearing
The right to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses
Courts have emphasized that procedural fairness must be observed before imposing license suspensions or revocations.
2. Judicial Deference to Board Expertise
Wyoming courts generally defer to the Board’s expertise on matters of chiropractic practice and professional standards.
When reviewing Board decisions, courts apply the substantial evidence test, upholding decisions supported by reasonable evidence.
Courts will overturn Board actions only if they are arbitrary, capricious, or exceed statutory authority.
3. Case Illustration (Hypothetical)
A chiropractor was disciplined for allegedly performing procedures outside the scope of chiropractic practice.
The Board conducted a hearing and suspended the license.
The chiropractor appealed, arguing insufficient evidence and procedural errors.
The court upheld the Board’s decision, finding that the Board acted within its regulatory authority and followed due process.
4. Licensure Denials
The Board has discretion to deny licensure for failure to meet educational, examination, or ethical standards.
Denials must be based on legitimate criteria and applicants must be allowed to contest denials through hearings.
Summary Table of Board Responsibilities
| Function | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Issue licenses to qualified chiropractors. |
| Scope of Practice | Define permissible chiropractic procedures. |
| Continuing Education | Require ongoing education for license renewal. |
| Discipline | Investigate complaints, conduct hearings, impose sanctions. |
| Rulemaking | Adopt rules governing practice and licensure. |
| Appeals | Provide administrative hearings and judicial review. |
Why This Board Matters
Chiropractic care is a widely used health service. The Board ensures practitioners are competent and ethical, which protects patients from harm and maintains professional integrity. Its regulatory oversight helps maintain public trust in chiropractic services in Wyoming.
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