87R2554 KKR-F By: Stephenson H.B. No. 1270 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the practice of chiropractic. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 201.002(a), Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subdivision (3-a) to read as follows: (3-a) "Neuromusculoskeletal system" means the musculoskeletal and nervous systems in relation to disorders that manifest in both systems, including disorders of a biomechanical or functional nature. SECTION 2. Section 201.002(b), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: (b) A person practices chiropractic under this chapter if the person: (1) uses objective or subjective means to diagnose, analyze, examine, or evaluate the biomechanical condition of the spine and neuromusculoskeletal [musculoskeletal] system of the human body; (2) performs nonsurgical, nonincisive procedures, including adjustment and manipulation, to improve the subluxation complex or the biomechanics of the neuromusculoskeletal [musculoskeletal] system; (3) represents to the public that the person is a chiropractor; or (4) uses the term "chiropractor," "chiropractic," "doctor of chiropractic," "D.C.," or any derivative of those terms or initials in connection with the person's name. SECTION 3. Section 201.003, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows: (b-1) This chapter does not permit the unauthorized practice of medicine. SECTION 4. The amendments made by this Act are a clarification of existing law in light of ongoing litigation over whether any part of the nervous system is within the scope of chiropractic and do not imply that existing law may be construed as inconsistent with the law as amended by this Act. SECTION 5. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2021.