Chiropractic assistants; scope of practice
The bill amends existing statutes and introduces new regulations concerning the education, registration, and required training for chiropractic assistants. Notably, from January 2026 onwards, assistants must acquire a valid fingerprint clearance card, promoting a heightened level of accountability and safety when dealing with patient care. The legislation also mandates that chiropractic assistants complete continuing education as a condition for renewing their registration, fostering ongoing professional development and skills enhancement which is beneficial both for the healthcare industry and patients alike.
House Bill 2877, titled 'Chiropractic Assistants; Scope of Practice', seeks to establish clear guidelines regarding the scope of practice for chiropractic assistants in Arizona. The bill outlines specific clinical duties that these assistants can perform under the direct supervision of licensed chiropractors, ensuring that patient care maintains its integrity while allowing chiropractors to delegate certain tasks. Among these duties are taking patient histories, performing first aid, and assisting with examinations and treatments, which reflects a significant role for chiropractic assistants in the healthcare process.
Despite the positive reception of the bill by some stakeholders who believe it enhances healthcare standards, there may be potential concerns regarding the limitations placed on chiropractic assistants. The bill explicitly prohibits individuals with any prior suspension or revocation of healthcare licenses from serving as chiropractic assistants. Additionally, the differentiation between administrative duties and clinical duties may lead to debate regarding what constitutes adequate experience and training for assistants within the field. Balancing regulation with accessibility in the profession remains a point of discussion among practitioners.