California

Animal Chiropractic Laws

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California | Animal Chiropractic Summary

In general in California, animal chiropractic laws fall under the veterinary laws. California law requires a veterinarian referral for all animal chiropractic care, and chiropractors must work under the direct supervision of a veterinarian:

  • Referral
    • A veterinarian referral is required before a pet can see an animal chiropractor.
  • Supervision

    A veterinarian must be present or in the general vicinity when a chiropractor is performing treatment. The veterinarian is responsible for: 

    • Ensuring the chiropractor follows the protocol
    • Confirming that the treatment is appropriate
    • Coordinating complementary treatment
    • Maintaining accurate records of the treatment 
  • Termination
    • If the veterinarian stops working with a chiropractor, the chiropractor must immediately stop treating the animal.
  • Unlicensed practice
    • A chiropractor who fails to comply with these provisions is considered to be practicing veterinary medicine without a license.
  • Unprofessional conduct
    • A veterinarian who fails to comply with these provisions is considered to be engaging in unprofessional conduct. 

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Laws

(a) The term musculoskeletal manipulation (MSM) is the system of application of mechanical forces applied manually through the hands or through any mechanical device to enhance physical performance, prevent, cure, or relieve impaired or altered function of related components of the musculoskeletal system of animals. MSM when performed upon animals constitutes the practice of veterinary medicine.
(b) MSM may only be performed by the following persons:

(1) A veterinarian who has examined the animal patient and has sufficient knowledge to make a diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal, has assumed responsibility for making clinical judgments regarding the health of the animal and the need for medical treatment, including a determination that MSM will not be harmful to the animal patient, discussed with the owner of the animal or the owner’s authorized representative a course of treatment, and is readily available or has made arrangements for follow-up evaluation in the event of adverse reactions or failure of the treatment regimen. The veterinarian shall obtain as part of the patient’s permanent record, a signed acknowledgment from the owner of the patient or his or her authorized representative that MSM is considered to be an alternative (nonstandard) veterinary therapy.
(2) A California licensed doctor of chiropractic (“chiropractor”) working under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. A chiropractor shall be deemed to be working under the direct supervision of a veterinarian where the following protocol has been followed:

(A) The supervising veterinarian shall comply with the provisions of subsection (b)(1) prior to authorizing a chiropractor to complete an initial examination of and/or perform treatment upon an animal patient.
(B) After the chiropractor has completed an initial examination of and/or treatment upon the animal patient, the chiropractor shall consult with the supervising veterinarian to confirm that MSM care is appropriate, and to coordinate complementary treatment, to assure proper patient care.
(C) At the time a chiropractor is performing MSM on an animal patient in an animal hospital setting, the supervising veterinarian shall be on the premises. At the time a chiropractor is performing MSM on an animal patient in a range setting, the supervising veterinarian shall be in the general vicinity of the treatment area.
(D) The supervising veterinarian shall be responsible to ensure that accurate and complete records of MSM treatments are maintained in the patient’s veterinary medical record.
(c) Where the supervising veterinarian has ceased the relationship with a chiropractor who is performing MSM treatment upon an animal patient, the chiropractor shall immediately terminate such treatment.
(d)

(1) A chiropractor who fails to conform with the provisions of this section when performing MSM upon an animal shall be deemed to be engaged in the unlicensed practice of veterinary medicine.
(2) A veterinarian who fails to conform with the provisions of this section when authorizing a chiropractor to evaluate or perform MSM treatments upon an animal shall be deemed to have engaged in unprofessional conduct.

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 16, § 2038

1. New section filed 5-6-98; operative 6-5-98 (Register 98, No. 19).

Note: Authority cited: Section 4808, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 4825, 4826 and 4883, Business and Professions Code.

1. New section filed 5-6-98; operative 6-5-98 (Register 98, No. 19).

Cal. Code Regs. tit. 16 § 2038

Certification Requirements

Scope of Practice

(2) A California licensed doctor of chiropractic (“chiropractor”) working under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. A chiropractor shall be deemed to be working under the direct supervision of a veterinarian where the following protocol has been followed:

(A) The supervising veterinarian shall comply with the provisions of subsection (b)(1) prior to authorizing a chiropractor to complete an initial examination of and/or perform treatment upon an animal patient.
(B) After the chiropractor has completed an initial examination of and/or treatment upon the animal patient, the chiropractor shall consult with the supervising veterinarian to confirm that MSM care is appropriate, and to coordinate complementary treatment, to assure proper patient care.
(C) At the time a chiropractor is performing MSM on an animal patient in an animal hospital setting, the supervising veterinarian shall be on the premises. At the time a chiropractor is performing MSM on an animal patient in a range setting, the supervising veterinarian shall be in the general vicinity of the treatment area.
(D) The supervising veterinarian shall be responsible to ensure that accurate and complete records of MSM treatments are maintained in the patient’s veterinary medical record.

Cal. Code Regs. tit. 16 § 2038

Continuing Education reqirements