233 CMR, § 4.01

Current through Register 1536, December 6, 2024
Section 4.01 - Scope of Practice
(1) A chiropractor who is duly registered with the Board may perform any and all procedures, functions and services which are included within the definition of "Chiropractic" as set forth in M.G.L. c. 112, § 89. Such procedures, functions and services include:
(a) Examining, evaluating, and diagnosing patients of all ages for the purpose of determining the presence or absence of illnesses, injuries, conditions or disorders including, but not limited to, the vertebral subluxation complex/segmental and somatic dysfunction;
(b) Ordering, performing and/or interpreting laboratory, radiological, electrodiagnostic or any other diagnostic studies for which the chiropractor has been appropriately trained by a college of Chiropractic which is accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education, or its equivalent, as defined in 233 CMR 2.01: Definitions;
(c) Correcting subluxations/segmental and somatic dysfunction or treating illnesses, injuries, conditions or disorders through:
1. the administration of Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations, either by hand or by instrumentation, to the body for the purpose of restoring or maintaining health;
2. the administration, dispensing or prescribing of supportive procedures and therapies, as defined and set forth in 233 CMR 2.01: Definitions and 4.02; and
3. the performance of any other therapeutic procedure or service for which the chiropractor has been appropriately trained by a college of Chiropractic which is accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education, or its equivalent, as defined in 233 CMR 2.01: Definitions; and
(d) Counseling and instructing patients of all ages regarding health matters for which the chiropractor has been appropriately trained by a college of Chiropractic which is accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education, or its equivalent, as defined in 233 CMR 2.01: Definitions, including but not limited to the following: nutrition, supplementation, diet, exercise, activities of daily living, ergonomics, and good health habits. Counsel and instruction may be provided by a chiropractor concurrent with or independent from a Primary Chiropractic Procedure.
(2) A chiropractor who is duly registered with the Board is an independent health care practitioner. A chiropractor is not required by law to perform such procedures, functions or services under the direction or supervision of, or upon referral from, any other health care professional, as long as he or she performs such procedures, functions and services in accordance with all applicable requirements of M.G.L. c. 112, §§ 89 through 97 and 233 CMR 2.00 through 4.00.
(3) Chiropractic examination procedures shall be consistent with the patient's subjective symptoms and objective findings, and shall be based upon a proper clinical rationale.
(4) Chiropractic analysis which identifies the existence of a chiropractic subluxation/segmental and somatic dysfunction may be the basis for chiropractic care even in the absence of a subjective complaint. Evidence of chiropractic necessity includes, but is not necessarily limited to, documentation of the presence of the vertebral subluxation complex/segmental and somatic dysfunction.
(5) The term "internal examination", as used in M.G.L. c. 112, § 89, shall mean a gynecological examination. A registered chiropractor shall not conduct or perform such internal gynecological examinations.

233 CMR, § 4.01

Amended by Mass Register Issue 1333, eff. 2/24/2017.