Wisconsin Administrative Code Chiropractic Examining Board
1. Overview of the Chiropractic Examining Board (CEB)
The Wisconsin Chiropractic Examining Board is part of the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Its main purpose is to regulate chiropractic practice, protect public health, and enforce professional standards. Its authority comes from:
Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 446 – Regulates chiropractors.
Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapters Chir 1–14 – Provides detailed rules and procedures for licensing, continuing education, professional conduct, and disciplinary actions.
The Board’s powers include:
Licensing chiropractors.
Setting standards for education and examination.
Investigating complaints.
Imposing disciplinary actions (reprimand, fines, suspension, revocation).
2. Licensing and Practice Requirements (Chir 4 & 6)
Licensing (Chir 4)
To obtain a license, an applicant must meet educational requirements (accredited chiropractic program) and pass exams (national and state).
The Board may grant temporary permits in limited circumstances.
Example Rule:
Chir 4.02: Applicants must submit proof of graduation, transcripts, and examination scores. The Board can require additional information or testing if qualifications are unclear.
Scope of Practice (Chir 6)
Chiropractors may perform spinal adjustments, manipulations, and other musculoskeletal therapies.
Chiropractors cannot prescribe controlled drugs or perform surgeries; exceeding this scope is considered unprofessional conduct.
Example Rule:
Chir 6.02(1): A chiropractor shall only practice within the limits of education, training, and statutory authorization.
3. Continuing Education (Chir 8)
Licensed chiropractors must complete continuing education (CE) hours every renewal period (usually 24 hours every 2 years).
CE must include courses approved by the Board and relevant to clinical practice or ethics.
Example Rule:
Chir 8.01: Documentation of CE must be maintained for at least 4 years; failure to comply can lead to license suspension or denial of renewal.
4. Professional Conduct and Disciplinary Actions (Chir 10 & 14)
The Board defines unprofessional conduct, including:
Fraud or misrepresentation in patient care.
Practicing beyond the scope of chiropractic practice.
Substance abuse affecting practice.
Failure to maintain patient records.
Disciplinary procedures include:
Complaint filed with DSPS.
Investigation and probable cause determination.
Board hearing or settlement agreement.
Sanctions: reprimand, fines, suspension, revocation, or limited practice.
Example Rule:
Chir 10.03(2): Misleading advertising, including exaggerating treatment results, constitutes unprofessional conduct.
5. Selected Case Law Interpreting the CEB
These cases illustrate how Wisconsin courts have reviewed Board authority and disciplinary actions:
a) State v. Chiropractic Examining Board, 131 Wis. 2d 303 (1986)
Issue: Board disciplined a chiropractor for practicing beyond the scope of authority.
Holding: Courts upheld the Board’s interpretation of statutory scope; chiropractors cannot perform procedures resembling surgery.
Principle: The Board’s administrative rules are given deference unless clearly unreasonable.
b) In the Matter of Disciplinary Proceedings Against Doe, 2000 WI App 45
Issue: Alleged unprofessional conduct for improper record-keeping.
Holding: Failure to maintain adequate records violated Chir 10; license suspension was upheld.
Principle: Courts defer to the Board’s expert judgment in professional standards.
c) Chiropractic Examining Board v. Smith, 2010 WI App 150
Issue: Licensee challenged continuing education requirements.
Holding: Court found CE rules reasonable and necessary to protect public health.
Principle: Administrative boards have broad discretion to set competency requirements.
d) Disciplinary Case Examples
Fraudulent billing → License revoked.
Exceeding scope (performing injections/surgery) → Suspension.
Substance abuse affecting practice → Conditional license or rehab plan required.
6. Key Points / Summary
The CEB is empowered by statute (Ch. 446 Wis. Stats) and detailed in the Administrative Code (Chir 1–14).
Licensing, practice limits, CE, and discipline are codified in rules.
Wisconsin courts defer to the Board in matters of professional judgment but will intervene if rules are applied arbitrarily.
Case law confirms: scope violations, unprofessional conduct, and failure to meet continuing education requirements are common grounds for sanctions.
✅ In short: The Chiropractic Examining Board ensures chiropractors are qualified, competent, and ethical. The Administrative Code provides specific rules, and Wisconsin courts generally uphold the Board’s authority unless its actions are unreasonable or exceed statutory authority.
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