January 2006

N.J. DCs anticipate revised scope of practice

A revised scope of practice for New Jersey chiropractors has been submitted to the state legislature and awaits its action, according to Sigmund Miller, DC, executive director of the Association of New Jersey Chiropractors (ANJC).

This will be the first major change to the New Jersey scope of practice since the 1953 practice act, says Bill Cirino, Jr., DC, a representative for the ANJC Board of Directors. The current scope is described as the “most restrictive scope in the country,” and New Jersey chiropractors are unable to do what they have been trained for in chiropractic college and in continuing education seminars and programs.

The proposed scope of practice:

• Defines subluxation. The proposed scope defines subluxation and prohibits anyone but a DC from performing a spinal adjustment or manipulation on an individual to correct a subluxation, essentially protecting chiropractors from encroachment by another profession.

• Restricts opinions to DCs. It also states that only a New Jersey-licensed DC can provide an opinion on the course of care for a chiropractic patient in New Jersey.

• Requires CE. The revised scope also requires that each licensed chiropractor complete 24 continuing education credits during each two-year period. New Jersey is currently the only state that does not have a continuing education requirement, so this requirement brings it into compliance with the rest of the country.

• Expands practice capabilities. While the proposed scope continues to allow subluxation, chiropractors with a broader focus will be able to practice in their specific areas of interest and expertise.

Specifically, the revised scope of practice includes language that allows New Jersey chiropractors to prescribe, administer, dispense and sell nutritional supplements and provide nutritional counseling; perform school sports/pre-employment physicals and certify temporary and permanent disability; perform acupuncture; treat extremities; practice what they have been taught in school and tested on by State Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

The scope of practice has been sent to the state legislature for action.

Source: Association of New Jersey Chiropractors, www.anjc.info

Industry News from:
Chiropractic News from: