HCS HB 1246 -- CHIROPRACTORS

SPONSOR:  Behnen (Portwood)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Professional Registration and Licensing by a vote of 14 to 0.

This substitute makes changes to the laws regarding the practice
of chiropractic.  The substitute:

(1)  Allows for the practice of chiropractic across state lines.
Chiropractors licensed in other states are not required to obtain
a Missouri license to practice chiropractic while in consultation
with a chiropractor licensed to practice in this state as a
result of the transmission of patient data through electronic or
other means.  The chiropractor licensed in this state retains
ultimate authority and responsibility for the diagnosis and
treatment of the patient;

(2)  Removes the equivalent reciprocal licensing requirements
which must be met prior to allowing licensees from other states
to be eligible for licensure in Missouri without examination;

(3)  Allows licensed chiropractors to make application with the
State Board of Chiropractic Examiners for certification in
meridian therapy/acupressure/acupuncture.  The board is
authorized to establish minimum requirements for the specialty
certification;

(4)  Increases from three to five years the time a licensee may
let their license lapse prior to being required to attend an
accredited chiropractic college for training in order to have
their license reinstated;

(5)  Establishes provisions for inactive licenses and authorizes
the board to create the requirements necessary to gain inactive
status.  Persons having discontinued their licenses because of
retirement will be allowed to practice on themselves and their
immediate family.  Persons holding inactive licenses are not
required to comply with continuing education requirements; and

(6)  Creates record-keeping requirements.  Licensees are required
to maintain patient records for a minimum of seven years.  All
additions, corrections, and changes to any records must be made
within 48 hours after the final entry made into the record and
signed by the chiropractor.  The board cannot initiate
disciplinary action against a licensee solely on the basis of
inadequate record keeping.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on General Revenue Fund in FY 2005, FY
2006, and FY 2007.  Estimated Income on Other State Funds of
$2,500 in FY 2005, $75 in FY 2006, and $77 in FY 2007.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this is a clean-up bill.  It
contains provisions needed to update the statutes in order to
improve the practice of chiropractic in Missouri.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Portwood; and State
Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that they have concerns
with the intent of certain language relating to diagnosis,
treatment, and prescribing.

Testifying against the bill was Missouri Association of
Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons.

Bob Dominique, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:15 am