On March 21, Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed into law Virginia Senate Bill 1015 (SB1015), a legislative measure that allows DCs to recommend supplements to patients, expanding their state-licensed scope of practice.
Virginia Senate Bill 1015 permits DCs to recommend or direct patients on the use of vitamins, minerals or food supplements, provided the recommendation meets certain conditions.
Prior to this legislation, the definition of “practice of chiropractic” in Virginia did not explicitly give DCs authority to advise patients on or recommend supplements. SB1015 amends this definition, allowing DCs to incorporate nutritional guidance into patient care strategies.
Specifically, it stipulates that DCs must document any supplement recommendations in the patient’s record. DCs must also base their recommendations on a reasonable expectation of a favorable health outcome, a term which includes preventative practices. The law prohibits DCs from selling, dispensing or recommending supplements if their use would negatively impact a patient’s medical condition.
How Virginia Senate Bill SB1015 became law
The bill, introduced by Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg, received unanimous support in both legislative chambers, passing the Virginia Senate with a 39-0 vote and the House with a 94-0 vote. Its legislative history shows its smooth progression through various committees, reflecting bipartisan support for the measure.
For more information on other pending state and federal chiropractic legislation, visit the Chiropractic News section of ChiroEco.com.
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