Downloads
CS/CS/HB 1063 — Practice of Chiropractic Medicine
by Health & Human Services Committee; Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee; and Rep. Hunschofsky and others (CS/CS/SB 1474 by Rules Committee; Health Policy Committee; and Senator Trumbull)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Health Policy Committee (HP)
The bill expands the scope of practice for chiropractic medicine to include treating the human body through the use of monofilament intramuscular stimulation, also known as dry needling, for trigger points or myofascial pain.
The bill requires the Board of Chiropractic Medicine to establish minimum practice standards, specific education and training requirements, and restrictions on such practice. The bill authorizes the board to take specified actions at the request of a chiropractic physician, creating exceptions to the dry needling practice standards and education requirements by authorizing the board to waive some or all of the educational requirements if a chiropractor presents satisfactory proof of having completed coursework that constitutes adequate training for dry needling.
The bill also gives the board the authority to recognize chiropractic physician applicants for licensure if they provide a credential evaluation report from a board-approved organization that deems the applicant’s education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by an institutional accrediting agency recognized and approved by the U.S. Department of Education. The effect of this change is to create a licensure pathway for chiropractic physicians to practice in Florida when they obtained their bachelor’s degree at a non-U.S. educational institution of higher education.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, the bill takes effect upon becoming law.
Vote: Senate 40-0; House 114-1