There are a number of laws affecting chiropractors in the State of Oregon.
Many of the rules governing the conduct and requirements for chiropractors in the State of Oregon are enforced by the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, a seven-member body appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state's senate, five of whom must be chiropractors. The group is required by law to be both ethnically and geographically diverse.
Definitions
Oregon statutes define chiropractic as the "adjusting with the hands the articulations of the bony framework of the human body, and the employment and practice of physiotherapy, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy and minor surgery" as well as the chiropractic "diagnosis treatment and prevention of body dysfunction; correction, maintenance of the structural and functional integrity of the neuro-musculoskeletal system and the effects thereof or interferences therewith by the utilization" of chiropractic procedures.
Licensing
Unless an individual is licensed in another state and only practicing in Oregon on a temporary basis, all chiropractors must be licensed by Oregon's State Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Applicants must pass an examination and submit a certificate of proficiency from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, proof of at least two years of college or university liberal arts and science education, a diploma from a chiropractic school, evidence of good moral character and $150 (as of 2010). If an applicant licensed in another state can prove to the board he possesses the requisite qualifications, the examination is waived. Applicants may retake all or part of an examination at the board's discretion for a fee of $100.
Renewal
A fee of no more than $300 is required annually to renew a chiropractic license, $175 if the practice is inactive. The chiropractor must also meet additional requirement by being able to show continuing education credits in the form of a pain management program and 20 hours of chiropractic education.
Revocation
Licenses can be revoked by the state board for a variety of reasons. These include conviction of crime, fraud, misrepresentation in advertising, unprofessional conduct, performing unnecessary tests, malpractice, incompetence, revocation of the chiroprator's license in another state, and the advertising of secret methods of treatment. The board also can schedule a competency examination for a chiropractor suspected of not practicing safely.
Allowances and Prohibitions
Chiropractors may not give out or write prescriptions for drugs, nor can they perform major surgery. Chiropractors also are prohibited from practicing optometry or naturopathic medicine using their chiropractic licenses. Chiropractors may sign birth and death certificates. Practicing chiropractic without proper licensing is a Class A misdemeanor in the State of Oregon.
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