Chiropractic scope of practice: what the law allows--update 1993.
OBJECTIVE
To determine on a state by state, province by province basis what diagnostic and treatment procedures are allowed by statute in the various practice acts.


METHODS
A survey administered by mail.


METHODS
All state and provincial licensing boards.


RESULTS
The response rate to the survey was 90%. More than 50% of the responding licensing boards allow chiropractors to order or perform clinical lab procedures, conduct components of a routine physical exam, examine the female pelvis, perform rectal exams, and conduct electromyographic, electrocardiographic and nerve conduction studies. More than 80% can perform a variety of X-ray procedures, use thermography, administer a vascularizer (Doppler) and order CT or MRI studies. More than 90% of the respondents permit chiropractors to employ some form of physiotherapy, adjust soft tissue or extremities, supplement with vitamins and conduct impairment ratings.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings demonstrate that the chiropractic profession offers a broad range of diagnostic and treatment procedures.
Lamm
L C
LC
Division of Continuing Education and Postgraduate Studies, Western States Chiropractic College, Portland, OR 97230, USA.
Wegner
E
E
Collord
D
D
D002684:Chiropractic / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008004:Licensure; D008297:Male; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014481:United States