Washington

Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards

Washington

/ /

WASHINGTON CHIROPRACTIC QUALITY ASSURANCE COMMISSION
Licensure Date: 1919

Directory page last updated 2/4/2019

The Federation does not provide interpretation of the scope of practice laws or rules of any chiropractic licensing authority, nor can we provide specific details regarding licensing requirements. The educational and testing requirements for each State or Province set forth in this Directory are intended as a general guide. It is strongly recommended that anyone interested in becoming licensed in a particular State or Province contact the Board office or the Secretary of the respective board to secure current and complete details before matriculating in any school.

The Federation does not provide interpretation of the scope of practice laws or rules of any chiropractic licensing authority, nor can we provide specific details regarding licensing requirements. The educational and testing requirements for each State or Province set forth in this Directory are intended as a general guide. It is strongly recommended that anyone interested in becoming licensed in a particular State or Province contact the Board office or the Secretary of the respective board to secure current and complete details before matriculating in any school.

Bob Nicoloff, Executive Director (360) 236-4924
For CE/Commission Requests & Correspondence: Department of Health Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission P.O. Box 47858 Olympia, WA 98504-7858 cqac@doh.wa.gov For Transcripts & Application Materials: Department of Health Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission P.O. Box 47858 Olympia, WA 98504-7858 Mailing Licensing and Renewal Fees: Department of Health Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission P.O. Box 1099 Olympia, WA 98507-1099 Physical Address: 111 Israel Rd, SE Tumwater, WA 98504	For Licensing Information Contact: Contact: Jenny Yeam (360) 236-2822 For Disciplinary or Investigation Information Contact: Tammy Kelley (360) 236-2326 For Disciplinary Compliance Information Contact: Jenny Yeam (360) 236-2824 For Commission Membership or Meeting Information Contact: Bob Nicoloff(360) 236-4924 Chris Gerard, Assistant Attorney General Adviser Fax: (360) 236-2360 (Do not use FAX for applications) E-Mail Address: cqac@doh.wa.gov bob.nicoloff@doh.wa.gov jenny.yeam@doh.wa.gov tammy.kelley@doh.wa.gov bob.nicoloff@doh.wa.gov Time Zone: Pacific Office Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; M-F Counter Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, M-F
Web address: www.doh.wa.gov/CQAC

Term: Annual (on birthday) Criminal background check: Yes Fingerprinting: Out-of-state applicants only	Application fee and Jurisprudence Exam fee: $446* (non-refundable) License Renewal fee: $396* * includes the required $25 Univ of WA library access fee

Preceptor/Intern/Extern Program: Students may intern under licensed D.C., provided D.C.s licensed for more than 5 years and in good standing, maintains malpractice insurance and applies to become an approved supervisor. Read WAC 246-808-190 for more details.
Require supervised practice prior to full licensure: No	License(s) Required for Practice: Chiropractic Optional Certification: n/a

CONTINUING EDUCATION:
Requirements: 25 hours per year (birthdate renewal) Distance Credits Allowed: up to 12 online/multimedia; 13 hours must be from attended, classroom setting. Program Criteria: WAC 246-808-150 “Commission approved continuing education” (1) Licensed chiropractors must complete twenty-five hours of continuing education as required in RCW 18.25.070. The Commission is conducting rulemaking & revising, condensing and repealing rules. All "CE" requirements are listed in WAC-246-808-150.	Requires sexual boundaries training: No Requires AIDS awareness/risk prevention training: Initial licensure 4 hours Other specific CE training required: 3 hours one time in suicide screening and referral (EHB 1424)

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

Requirements: 25 hours per year (birthdate renewal)
Distance Credits Allowed: up to 12 online/multimedia; 13 hours must be from attended, classroom setting.
Program Criteria: WAC 246-808-150 “Commission approved continuing education” (1) Licensed chiropractors must complete twenty-five hours of continuing education as required in RCW 18.25.070.

The Commission is conducting rulemaking & revising, condensing and repealing rules. All "CE" requirements are listed in WAC-246-808-150.

Requires sexual boundaries training: No
Requires AIDS awareness/risk prevention training: Initial licensure 4 hours
Other specific CE training required: 3 hours one time in suicide screening and referral (EHB 1424)

CONDITIONS FOR RECIPROCITY/ENDORSEMENT: A license to practice chiropractic in another jurisdiction, credentials and qualifications that are substantially equivalent to Washington’s full-time practice of chiropractic, or has taught at an accredited college, has not been convicted of a crime, and pass the state law and rule examination.
EXAMINATIONS ADMINISTERED BY STATE: Open Book written Jurisprudence is mailed to candidate when application and fee is received. Passing score of 95%.

NATIONAL BOARD EXAMINATIONS
Part I: Required Part II: Required Part III (WCCE): Required Part IV: Required Physiotherapy: Not within regulatory statute	Acupuncture: Not accepted SPEC: Not required for initial licensure; Required if license has been expired for at least three years and there is no active license in another jurisdiction. Reinstatement Lapsed License: Discretion of Commission Disciplinary Cases: Discretion of Commission Impairment Review: Discretion of Commission

PHYSIOTHERAPY: Chiropractic treatment or care includes the use of procedures involving spinal adjustments, and extremity manipulation. Chiropractic treatment also includes the use of heat, cold, water, exercise, massage, trigger point therapy, dietary advice and recommendation of nutritional supplementation, the normal regimen and rehabilitation of the patient, first aid, and counseling on hygiene, sanitation, and preventive measures. Chiropractic care also includes such physiological therapeutic procedures as traction and light, but does not include procedures involving the application of sound, diathermy, or electricity.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Min. # years pre-professional education required for licensure: One-half baccalaureate degree, graduation from approved and accredited chiropractic college. Accreditation for Chiropractic Programs/Institutions: WAC 246-808-020 Colleges-Policy. (1) In determining a college’s eligibility for accreditation the commission may utilize, at its discretion, recognized chiropractic accrediting associations, recognized regional accreditation associations, and appropriate professional firms, agencies, and individuals. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATES OF FOREIGN COLLEGES: Must meet all licensing requirements

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Min. # years pre-professional education required for licensure: One-half baccalaureate degree, graduation from approved and accredited chiropractic college.
Accreditation for Chiropractic Programs/Institutions: WAC 246-808-020 Colleges-Policy. (1) In determining a college’s eligibility for accreditation the commission may utilize, at its discretion, recognized chiropractic accrediting associations, recognized regional accreditation associations, and appropriate professional firms, agencies, and individuals.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATES OF FOREIGN COLLEGES: Must meet all licensing requirements

SUMMARY OF SCOPE OF PRACTICE: (Contact State for precise definition by state law) (1) Chiropractic is the practice of health care that deals with the diagnosis or analysis and care or treatment of the vertebral subluxation complex and its effects, articular dysfunction, and musculoskeletal disorders, all for the restoration and maintenance of health and recognizing the recuperative powers of the body. (2) Chiropractic treatment or care includes the use of procedures involving spinal adjustments, and extremity manipulation. Chiropractic treatment also includes the use of heat, cold, water, exercise, massage, trigger point therapy, dietary advice and recommendation of nutritional supplementation, the normal regimen and rehabilitation of the patient, first aid, and counseling on hygiene, sanitation, and preventive measures. Chiropractic care also includes such physiological therapeutic procedures as traction and light, but does not include procedures involving the application of sound, diathermy, or electricity. (3) As part of a chiropractic differential diagnosis, a chiropractor shall perform a physical examination, which may include diagnostic x-rays, to determine the appropriateness of chiropractic care or the need for referral to other health care providers. The chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission shall provide by rule for the type and use of diagnostic and analytical devices and procedures consistent with this chapter. (4) Chiropractic care shall not include the prescription or dispensing of any medicine or drug, the practice of obstetrics or surgery, the use of x-rays or any other form of radiation for therapeutic purposes, colonic irrigation, or any form of venipuncture. (5) Nothing in this chapter prohibits or restricts any other practitioner of a 'health profession' defined in RCW 18.120.020(4) from performing any functions or procedures the practitioner is licensed or permitted to perform, and the term 'chiropractic' as defined in this chapter shall not prohibit a practitioner licensed under chapter 18.71 RCW from performing medical procedures, except such procedures shall not include the adjustment by hand of any articulation of the spine.

SUMMARY OF SCOPE OF PRACTICE: (Contact State for precise definition by state law)
(1) Chiropractic is the practice of health care that deals with the diagnosis or analysis and care or treatment of the vertebral subluxation complex and its effects, articular dysfunction, and musculoskeletal disorders, all for the restoration and maintenance of health and recognizing the recuperative powers of the body. (2) Chiropractic treatment or care includes the use of procedures involving spinal adjustments, and extremity manipulation. Chiropractic treatment also includes the use of heat, cold, water, exercise, massage, trigger point therapy, dietary advice and recommendation of nutritional supplementation, the normal regimen and rehabilitation of the patient, first aid, and counseling on hygiene, sanitation, and preventive measures. Chiropractic care also includes such physiological therapeutic procedures as traction and light, but does not include procedures involving the application of sound, diathermy, or electricity. (3) As part of a chiropractic differential diagnosis, a chiropractor shall perform a physical examination, which may include diagnostic x-rays, to determine the appropriateness of chiropractic care or the need for referral to other health care providers. The chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission shall provide by rule for the type and use of diagnostic and analytical devices and procedures consistent with this chapter. (4) Chiropractic care shall not include the prescription or dispensing of any medicine or drug, the practice of obstetrics or surgery, the use of x-rays or any other form of radiation for therapeutic purposes, colonic irrigation, or any form of venipuncture. (5) Nothing in this chapter prohibits or restricts any other practitioner of a 'health profession' defined in RCW 18.120.020(4) from performing any functions or procedures the practitioner is licensed or permitted to perform, and the term 'chiropractic' as defined in this chapter shall not prohibit a practitioner licensed under chapter 18.71 RCW from performing medical procedures, except such procedures shall not include the adjustment by hand of any articulation of the spine.

OTHER REFERENCE INFORMATION: Board regulates specialty council certification: No Board permits or authorizes travel-to-treat requirements: Yes, WAC 246-808-140 “Thirty-day permit”. A chiropractor practicing under authority of RCW 18.25.190 (1) shall register with the Commission by: (1) Notifying the commission of the nature and dates of their practice in the state of Washington; (2) Submitting a copy of their current, valid license in the other jurisdiction in which they are licensed; and (3) Submitting a verification of license from the state licensed in. No fee shall be charged to register under this section. Board permits or authorizes telemedicine practices: No Licensees required to carry malpractice insurance: No, but encouraged; preceptors are required to have malpractice insurance under WAC 246-808-190 “Preceptor or direct supervisory doctor” (d) Evidence of malpractice insurance for the unlicensed chiropractic doctor and the preceptor applicant. Additionally legally accepted terms for chiropractor (in addition to Doctor of Chiropractic, D.C., Chiropractor, Chiropractic Doctor): Chiropractic Physician, Ph.C., Dr. or “Doctor” must be used in conjunction with the word chiropractic or chiropractor Peer Review: Established 1991, repealed 1994 See RCW 18.26.320 Certified Clinical Chiropractic Assistants: not regulated at this time Chiropractic X-Ray Technicians: WAC 246-808-215 “Registration of chiropractic x-ray technicians” (1) Chiropractic doctors shall employ only commission registered technicians to operate x-ray equipment.

OTHER REFERENCE INFORMATION:
Board regulates specialty council certification: No
Board permits or authorizes travel-to-treat requirements: Yes, WAC 246-808-140 “Thirty-day permit”. A chiropractor practicing under authority of RCW 18.25.190 (1) shall register with the Commission by: (1) Notifying the commission of the nature and dates of their practice in the state of Washington; (2) Submitting a copy of their current, valid license in the other jurisdiction in which they are licensed; and (3) Submitting a verification of license from the state licensed in. No fee shall be charged to register under this section.
Board permits or authorizes telemedicine practices: No
Licensees required to carry malpractice insurance: No, but encouraged; preceptors are required to have malpractice insurance under WAC 246-808-190 “Preceptor or direct supervisory doctor” (d) Evidence of malpractice insurance for the unlicensed chiropractic doctor and the preceptor applicant.
Additionally legally accepted terms for chiropractor (in addition to Doctor of Chiropractic, D.C., Chiropractor, Chiropractic Doctor): Chiropractic Physician, Ph.C., Dr. or “Doctor” must be used in conjunction with the word chiropractic or chiropractor
Peer Review: Established 1991, repealed 1994 See RCW 18.26.320
Certified Clinical Chiropractic Assistants: not regulated at this time
Chiropractic X-Ray Technicians: WAC 246-808-215 “Registration of chiropractic x-ray technicians” (1) Chiropractic doctors shall employ only commission registered technicians to operate x-ray equipment.

BOARD MEMBERS / TERMS: Members of the commission hold office until their successors are appointed; Note: all correspondence must be sent through commission office.
Aaron Chan, D.C., Chair, Exp. 6/2017 Winfield Hobbs, D.C., Vice Chair, Exp. 6/2017 David Folweiler, D.C., Vice Chair, Exp. 6/2018 Matt Waldron, D.C., Exp. 6/2020 Gary (Gabe) Smith, D.C., Exp. 6/2020 Maria Best, D.C., Exp. 6/2019 Kimberly Corbin-Waters, D.C., Exp. 6/2018	Douglas Long, D.C., Exp. 6/2020 Bryson Langel, D.C., Exp. 6/2019 Robert Schmitt, D.C., Exp. 6/2019 Ronwynn Pratt, D.C., Exp. 6/2019 James Slakey, Public Member, Exp. 6/2018 Louise Stephens, Public Member, Exp. 6/2019 Judy Colenso, Public Member, Exp. 6/2021

STATISTICAL INFORMATION: Total # of Licensees as of 12/27/2017:

# of Active licenses: 2,545 # of Inactive licenses: 125 # of Other Status: (Ex: retired/deceased/terminated/emeritus...)	# of New licensees: 31 # of Resident licenses: # of Non-Resident licenses: # of Chiropractic Assistants:	DC X-ray Technician Active: 217 Inactive: not offered