Section 312 - Illegal PracticeUnlicensed individuals are not permitted to diagnose, analyze, or perform a chiropractic adjustment. An "unlicensed individual" is defined as any person, including a student or graduate of a chiropractic institution, who does not hold a valid California chiropractic license. An exemption is hereby created for student doctors participating in board approved preceptorship programs.
The permitted activities of unlicensed individuals are as follows:
(a) Unlicensed individuals may take the history of a patient. However, this activity is separate from the consultation which at all times must be conducted by the licensed doctor.(b) Unlicensed individuals may conduct standard neurological, orthopedic, physical and chiropractic examinations, except they may not perform such examinations which require diagnostic or analytic interpretations nor may they render a conclusion either verbally or in writing regarding the patient's physical condition. As an example, unlicensed individuals may not perform evaluations of heart or lung soundings. Such individuals shall be at all times under the immediate and direct supervision of a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic. "Immediate and direct supervision" means the licensed Doctor of Chiropractic shall be at all times on the premises where the examinations are being conducted. The licensed Doctor of Chiropractic shall be responsible for the verification of the recorded findings and will be solely responsible for rendering a conclusion based on the findings.
(c) Unlicensed individuals may administer physical therapy treatments as an adjunct to chiropractic adjustment, provided the physical therapy treatment is conducted under the adequate supervision of a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic. Adequate supervision shall include all of the following: (1) The doctor shall be present in the same chiropractic facility with the unlicensed individual at least fifty percent of any work week or portion thereof the said individual is on duty unless this requirement has been waived by the board. The doctor shall be readily available to the said individual at all other times for advice, assistance and instruction.(2) The doctor shall initially examine and prepare a written treatment program for a patient prior to the providing of physical therapy treatment by the unlicensed individual.(3) The doctor shall provide periodic reevaluation of the treatment program and of the individual's performance in relation to the patient. "Periodic reevaluation" shall mean at least once every thirty days the patient is under active care.(4) The doctor shall perform and record an evaluation of the patient and his or her response to treatment at the termination thereof.(d) Unlicensed individuals may mark X-ray films administered by a Doctor of Chiropractic. "Marking X-rays" is defined as drawing and measuring between reference points and making angular and linear measurements. Unlicensed individuals are not permitted to make any diagnostic conclusions or chiropractic analytical listings, and the licensed doctor is responsible for any pathological entities covered or obstructed by the markings.(e) Unlicensed individuals may not administer X-rays unless they hold a valid X-ray technician certificate from the Department of Health Services, or participate under the direct supervision of a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic in a training program approved by that department and set forth in Section 25668.1 of the California Health and Safety Code. This prohibition, set forth in Section of Title 1730403 of Title 17 of the California Administrative Code includes the following activities: (1) Positioning of patient;(2) Setting up of X-ray machines;(4) Developing of films. The Department of Health Services has determined that unlicensed individuals may develop X-ray film if that is their sole radiologic responsibility. Unlicensed individuals who exceed the permitted scope of practice set forth in this regulation shall be in violation of Section 15 of the Chiropractic Act and shall be prohibited from applying for a California chiropractic license for such time as may be determined by the board. Student doctors participating in board approved preceptorship programs are not to be considered "unlicensed individuals" when working in said program.
Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 16, § 312
1. Repealer and new section filed 7-16-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 29).
2. Amendment filed 2-1-80; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 80, No. 5). Note: Authority cited: Section 4(b) of the Chiropractic Initiative Act of California (Stats. 1923, p. lxxxviii). Reference: Section 15 of the Chiropractic Initiative Act of California (Stats. 1923, p. lxxxviii) and Section 25668.1, California Health and Safety Code; Section of Title 1730403 of Title 17, California Administrative Code.
1. Repealer and new section filed 7-16-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 29).
2. Amendment filed 2-1-80; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 80, No. 5).