Chiropractic practice inclusion of telemedicine services clarification provision; Board of Chiropractic Examiners having the authority to discipline a chiropractor who is not following executive order provision; Recognition of animal chiropractic sessions provision
The bill endows the Board of Chiropractic Examiners with increased authority, particularly in enforcing compliance with executive orders and implementing disciplinary measures against chiropractors who fail to adhere to such directives. This reinforces the regulatory framework intended to uphold professional standards and ensure public safety within chiropractic practices. Furthermore, the provisions to outline animal chiropractic practices are significant; they highlight the importance of veterinary referrals and additional training for chiropractors wishing to treat animal patients.
SF1686 proposes amendments to various statutes concerning chiropractic practice, specifically to integrate telemedicine services into chiropractic care. The bill clarifies that providing chiropractic services can include telehealth options, thus modernizing practices to improve accessibility for patients who may not be able to attend in-person appointments. This amendment reflects an evolving view in healthcare towards adopting technology to enhance patient services and care delivery.
Some points of contention surrounding SF1686 involve the potential overreach of the Board of Chiropractic Examiners in disciplining practitioners and the specifics of the training requirements laid out for animal chiropractic. Critics express concerns that stringent new rules could impose unrealistic expectations on chiropractors, limiting their scope of practice and potentially discouraging new practitioners from entering the field. Furthermore, the delineation between human and animal chiropractic practices raises questions about conflicts of interest and the integration of these practices within the existing healthcare framework.