An act to add Article 3 (commencing with Section 1070) to Chapter 2 of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts.
Impact
The bill could significantly alter the landscape of chiropractic practices as it pertains to animal care. By establishing a structured registration and certification process, it aims to enhance the quality and safety of chiropractic treatment provided to animals. The law will compel practitioners to maintain records for a minimum of three years and demonstrate compliance with various regulations relevant to their practice. Importantly, it clarifies that animal chiropractic is not meant to replace traditional veterinary care but serves as an alternative complementary therapy, thereby delineating the scope and responsibilities of both veterinarians and chiropractors in animal health.
Summary
Senate Bill 687, introduced by Senator Ochoa Bogh, aims to regulate the practice of animal chiropractic within California. This legislation proposes to designate specific requirements for chiropractors who wish to practice chiropractic care on animals. It stipulates that a chiropractor must be registered as an animal chiropractic practitioner by the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners to legally engage in this form of practice, unless they are under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Additionally, chiropractors must obtain a valid certification from recognized organizations such as the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association or similar bodies as defined by future regulations set by the board.
Contention
Notable points of contention could arise surrounding the restrictions placed on chiropractors wishing to practice on animals without veterinary supervision. Opponents of the bill might argue that these regulations create unnecessary barriers that could limit access to alternative health treatments for animals. Additionally, with the exemption of animal chiropractic practitioners from the provisions of the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, concerns may be raised regarding the implications for animal welfare and the potential for overlapping scopes of practice between veterinarians and chiropractors. The legislation inherently suggests a funding framework to manage these changes while addressing any local costs incurred, as it specifies that no state reimbursement will be necessary for local agencies under these new provisions.
An act to repeal and add Article 14 (commencing with Section 2340) of Chapter 5 of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts.
An act to add Article 10 (commencing with Section 1980) to Chapter 4 of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts. amend Section 84513 of the Government Code, relating to the Political Reform Act of 1974.
An act to repeal and add Article 2.7 (commencing with Section 1645.4) of Chapter 4 of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts.
An act to add Section 2126.1 to, and to add Article 6.2 (commencing with Section 2128) to Chapter 5 of Division 2 of, the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts.
In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in licensure and regulation, further providing for refusal, suspension or revocation of license and for reporting of multiple licensure; providing for certified chiropractic assistants; in supportive personnel, further providing for supportive personnel; in penalty provisions, further providing for violation of other provisions and for civil penalty; and making an editorial change.
Establishes option for students nearing completion of program in chiropractic medicine to participate in preceptorship provided by State-licensed chiropractor.