May 2005

Arkansas court: PT cannot practice chiropractic

The Arkansas Supreme Court has upheld the findings of lower courts that found it illegal for a physical therapist to practice chiropractic.

On April 7, 2005, the Arkansas Supreme Court said the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners had the authority and acted correctly in prosecuting a physical therapist for practicing chiropractic without a license. The findings of the Arkansas State Board and the $10,000 fine it imposed on Michael Teston, PT, were upheld.

To support the chiropractic position and the Arkansas Board of Chiropractic Examiners, both the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and the International Chiropractors Association (ICA) filed amicus curiae (friend of the court) briefs because of its potential to halt the efforts of the physical therapy profession to expand into chiropractic’s unique territory. The briefs were filed in September 2004.

The case involved a physical therapist in Arkansas who was performing “spinal manipulations,” for which only chiropractors are licensed. The Arkansas Board of Chiropractic Examiners found the defendant to be in violation of the Chiropractic Practice Act. The PT appealed the decision to the Arkansas Supreme Court.

Sources:
International Chiropractors Association, www.chiropractic.org; American Chiropractic Association, www.acatoday.com

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