J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1995 Jan; 18(1): 16-20.

Chiropractic scope of practice: what the law allows--update 1993.

Lamm LC, Wegner E, Collord D.

Division of Continuing Education and Postgraduate Studies, Western States Chiropractic College, Portland, OR 97230, USA.

OBJECTIVE: To determine on a state by state, province by province basis what diagnostic and treatment procedures are allowed by statute in the various practice acts. DESIGN: A survey administered by mail. SUBJECTS: All state and provincial licensing boards. RESULTS: The response rate to the survey was 90%. More than 50% of the responding licensing boards allow chiropractors to order or perform clinical lab procedures, conduct components of a routine physical exam, examine the female pelvis, perform rectal exams, and conduct electromyographic, electrocardiographic and nerve conduction studies. More than 80% can perform a variety of X-ray procedures, use thermography, administer a vascularizer (Doppler) and order CT or MRI studies. More than 90% of the respondents permit chiropractors to employ some form of physiotherapy, adjust soft tissue or extremities, supplement with vitamins and conduct impairment ratings. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that the chiropractic profession offers a broad range of diagnostic and treatment procedures.