ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-seventh Legislature

First Regular Session

House: HHS DP 12-0-0-0

HB 2840: doctor of chiropractic; unprofessional conduct

Sponsor: Representative Heap, LD 10

Caucus & COW

Overview

Adds to the lists of acts that are grounds for disciplinary action for licensed chiropractors.

History

Established in 1921, the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners (Board) was created to protect the health, welfare and safety of the public through the enforcement of the laws governing the practice of chiropractic. The Board accomplishes this by investigating complaints, administering disciplinary actions and establishing education and training standards for the profession (A.R.S. § 32-904).

Statute describes the actions that constitute grounds for disciplinary action of a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) by the Board. Upon the Board's own motion or on receipt of a complaint, is authorized to investigate any information that appears to show that a DC is or may be in violation of the laws and Board rules that govern the practice of chiropractic in Arizona, or that indicates the DC may be mentally or physically unable to safely engage in the practice of chiropractic. The Board must notify the licensee as to the content of the complaint as soon as is reasonable. Any person who reports or provides information to the Board in good faith is not subject to civil damages as a result of that action. The Board may require a licensee under investigation to be interviewed by the Board or its representatives and require a licensee to undergo, at the licensee's expense, any combination of medical, physical or mental examinations that the Board finds necessary to determine the licensee's competence (A.R.S. § 32-924).

Provisions

1. Deems the act of dividing a professional fee or offering, providing or receiving any form of consideration for patient referrals between a DC and any other health professional, licensee or business unless the division of fees occurs among individuals or entities engaged in a bona fide employment, partnership or corporate relationship for the delivery of professional services as grounds for disciplinary action. (Sec. 1)

2. Designates harassing, exploiting or retaliating against a patient, former patient, research subject, supervisee, coworker, witness or complainant in a disciplinary proceeding involving a licensee or certificate holder as grounds for disciplinary action. (Sec. 1)

3. Declares the following acts as grounds for disciplinary action:

a) practicing under the name of another licensed DC; and

b) practicing under any name other than the name that appears on the DC's license or under any trade name, title or abbreviation that misrepresents the practice of chiropractic. (Sec. 1)

4. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1)

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8. HB 2840

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