Chiropractic
The practice of chiropractic means one or a combination of the following, without the use of drugs or surgery: (continued description)
The diagnosis and analysis of the living human body for the purpose of detecting ailments, disorders, and disease by the use of diagnostic x-ray, physical and clinical examination, and routine procedures including urine analysis; or
The science and art of treating human ailments, disorders, and disease by locating and removing any interference with the transmission and expression of nerve energy in the human body by chiropractic adjustment, chiropractic physiotherapy, and the use of exercise, nutrition, dietary evidence, and colonic irrigation. The use of x-rays beyond the axial skeleton shall be solely for diagnostic purposes and shall not expand the practice of chiropractic to include the treatment of human ailments, disorders, and disease not permitted when the use of x-rays was limited to the axial skeleton.
Chiropractic Practitioner;
Chiropractic practitioners shall observe and be subject to all state and municipal laws and regulations relative to the control of contagious and infectious diseases, and all matters pertaining to public health. They shall report to the proper health officers the same as other practitioners. Chiropractic practitioners may sign death certificates. When performing acupuncture, a chiropractor licensed under the Uniform Credentialing Act shall provide the same standard of care to patients as that provided by a person licensed under the Uniform Credentialing Act to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathy, or osteopathic medicine and surgery when such person performs acupuncture.
To receive a credential to practice chiropractic, an individual must meet the following qualifications:
Age and Good Character: Be at least 19 years old and of good character;
Citizenship/Resident Information: Be a citizen of the United States, an alien lawfully admitted into the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) and who is eligible for a credential under the Uniform Credentialing Act, or a nonimmigrant whose visa for entry, or application for visa for entry, is related to employment in the United States.
Education: Have graduated from a board approved accredited college of chiropractic.
Examination: Pass an examination which consists of the following components:
Parts I, II, and the Physiotherapy section of the examination given by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners with a scaled score of at least 375 in each section;
Part III, the written Clinical Competency Examination given by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners with a scaled score of at least 375; and
The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Practical Examination Part IV with a scaled score of at least 375; OR
The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Special Purpose Examination for Chiropractic (SPEC) with a scaled score of at least 375. The SPEC Examination may be substituted for Part IV only.
Procedure to Apply for Licensure:
To qualify for licensure based on examination you must submit the following:
Completed application ;
Proof of Age: Evidence of at least 19 years of age (i.e.: driver’s license, birth certificate, marriage license, school transcript, US State ID card, Military ID, or similar documentation);
Proof of Citizenship, lawful permanent residence, and/or immigration status: You must submit a copy of at least one of the following documents
A U.S. Passport (unexpired or expired);
A birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority or outlying possession of the United States bearing an official seal;
An American Indian Card (I-872);
A Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570);
A Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561);
Certification of Report of Birth (DS-1350);
A Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America (FS-240);
Certification of Birth Abroad (FS-545 or DS-1350);
A United States Citizen Identification Card (I-197 or I-179);
A Northern Mariana Card (I-873);
An Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551, otherwise known as a “Green Card”);
An unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired Temporary I-551 stamp bearing the same name as the passport;
A document showing an Alien Registration Number (“A#”) with visa status; or
A form I-94 (arrival-departure Record) with visa status;
The transcript from an accredited chiropractic program or institution showing the graduation date sent directly to the Department;
The examination scores sent directly to the Department from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners;
Court records and letter of explanation if convicted of a misdemeanor or felony;
Official court records, which includes charges and disposition;
Copies of arrest records;
A letter from you explaining the circumstances surrounding the conviction;
If the conviction involved a drug and/or alcohol related offense, all addiction/mental health evaluations and proof of treatment (if treatment was obtained and/or required); and
If you are currently on probation, a letter from your probation officer addressing probationary conditions and your current status.
NOTE: If you have any criminal charges or license disciplinary actions pending that results in conviction or license discipline, you are required to report such actions to this department within 30 days.
Completion of the jurisprudence examination. The Jurisprudence Examination is not a requirement for licensure in Nebraska. The Board of Chiropractic feels that if you do not participate in this test, you may not have the knowledge of what is needed to practice Chiropractic in Nebraska
To qualify for licensure based on licensure from another state you must submit the following:
A completed application;
Proof of Age: Evidence of at least 19 years of age (i.e.: driver’s license, birth certificate, marriage license, school transcript, US State ID card,Military ID, or similar documentation);
Proof of Citizenship, lawful permanent residence, and/or immigration status: You must submit a copy of at least one of the following documents:
A U.S. Passport (unexpired or expired);
A birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority or outlying possession of the United States bearing an official seal;
An American Indian Card (I-872);
A Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570);
A Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561);
Certification of Report of Birth (DS-1350);
A Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America (FS-240);
Certification of Birth Abroad (FS-545 or DS-1350);
A United States Citizen Identification Card (I-197 or I-179);
A Northern Mariana Card (I-873);
An Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551, otherwise known as a “Green Card”);
An unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired Temporary I-551 stamp bearing the same name as the passport;
A document showing an Alien Registration Number (“A#”) with visa status; or
A form I-94 (arrival-departure Record) with visa status;
The examination scores sent directly to the Department from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners;
Court records and letter of explanation if convicted of a misdemeanor or felony;
Official court records, which includes charges and disposition;
Copies of arrest records;
A letter from you explaining the circumstances surrounding the conviction;
If the conviction involved drug; and/or alcohol related offense, all addiction/mental health evaluations and proof of treatment (if treatment was obtained and/or required); and
If you are currently on probation, a letter from your probation officer addressing probationary conditions and your current status.
NOTE: If you have any criminal charges or license disciplinary actions pending that results in conviction or license discipline, you are required to report such actions to this department within 30 days.
Provide documentation that the chiropractic requirements for licensure in the other state, territory, or District of Columbia, are equivalent to those in Nebraska; and
Provide documentation of being currently licensed in another state, jurisdiction, or District of Columbia; Have the licensing or certifying agency submit to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Licensure Unit:
A certification that the applicant is duly licensed or certified, that his or her license or certificate has never been suspended or revoked, and that so far as the record of the agency is concerned, the applicant is entitled to its endorsement on a form provided by the Department or on a form provided by the other state licensing office. (Certifications from each jurisdiction or state where applicant is currently or previously licensed are required.) Such certification shall include:
The nature of disciplinary actions, if any taken against the applicant’s license or certificate;
The date of the applicant’s license or certificate;
The name of the examination on which licensure was based;
The score attained on the examination; and
Documentation of the requirements for licensure or certification in the other jurisdiction which are currently in effect and which were in effect at the time the license was issued.
8. Court records and letter of explanation if convicted of a misdemeanor or felony;
Official court records, which includes charges and disposition;
Copies of arrest records;
A letter from you explaining the circumstances surrounding the conviction;
If the conviction involved a drug and/or alcohol related offense, all addiction/mental health evaluations and proof of treatment (if treatment was obtained and/or required); and
If you are currently on probation, a letter from your probation officer addressing probationary conditions and your current status.
NOTE: If you have any criminal charges or license disciplinary actions pending that results in conviction or license discipline, you are required to report such actions to this department within 30 days.
Completion of the jurisprudence examination. The Jurisprudence Examination is not a requirement for licensure in Nebraska. The Board of Chiropractic feels that if you do not participate in this test, you may not have the knowledge of what is needed to practice Chiropractic in Nebraska
If the state, jurisdiction or District of Columbia does not provide the examination and education information on their certification, you must submit the following:
An official transcript (official means issued and sealed by the issuing institution) showing graduation from a chiropractic program accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education;
Documentation that proves passage of the following examinations;
Parts I, II, and the Physiotherapy: section of the examination given by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners with a scaled score of at least 375 in each section;
Part III, the written Clinical Competency Examination given by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners with a scaled score of at least 375; and
The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Practical Examination Part IV with a scaled score of at least 375; OR
The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Special Purpose Examination for Chiropractic (SPEC) with a scaled score of at least 375.
The qualifying examination for chiropractic licensure is administered through the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE). Please contact the NBCE for information regarding the examination:
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
901 54th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80634
Phone: (970) 356-9100
Fax: 1-800-450-0519
e-mail Address: processing@nbce.org
www.nbce.org
Jurisprudence Examination
The
jurisprudence examination is not a requirement for licensure in Nebraska. The Board of Chiropractors feels that if you do not participate in this test, you may not have the knowledge of what is needed to practice Chiropractic in Nebraska.
The following open book jurisprudence examination is provided for your benefit to assist you in gaining further knowledge about the practice of chiropractic in the state of Nebraska in order to protect your license.
These forms may be completed online; however, they cannot be submitted via e-mail due to the fact that all applications and forms require original signatures. If you complete the form online, you must print the form and mail it to the address below.
Fees (if applicable) are payable to DHHS/Licensure Unit
Licensure Unit
PO Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
All chiropractic licenses expire August 1 of each even-numbered year. The Department will send all active license holders a renewal notice at least 30 days before August 1 of each even-numbered year to the license holder’s last address of record. The licensee must choose one of the following options during the renewal period:
Active Status: Submit the renewal notice, the renewal fees of $ 144, and, attestation of completing 36 hours of continuing education during the preceding 24 month period; or
Inactive Status: Submit the renewal notice with a check in the box marked inactive. No fee is required for inactive status
All renewal must be postmarked on or before August 1 to avoid expiration. If you continue to practice you will be subject to an administrative penalty of $10 per day up to a maximum of $1,000.
Inactive means that you cannot practice but may represent yourself as having an inactive license. To change from inactive to active status you must meet renewal requirements which are in effect at the time status change is requested.Persons who placed their credentials on inactive or lapsed status during the last renewal period or during prior renewal periods will not be sent a renewal notice.
Chiropractors in Nebraska must complete thirty-six (36) hours of continuing education which include eight (8) mandatory hours, biennially as a condition for license renewal. Note: Mandatory hours are changed each renewal period. The time period for accruing the continuing education hours is August 2, 2008 through August 1, 2010. The eight hours of mandatory continuing education for the August 1, 2010 renewal must include:
Four hours related to technical skills in one or a combination of the following categories
Continuing education designed to enhance the practitioner’s technical and clinical skill related to x-ray physics, quality control, x-ray production, and interpretation of diagnostic imaging; and
Continuing education designed to enhance the practitioner’s skill in utilizing chiropractic adjustive techniques; and
Four hours in one or a combination of the following three categories:
Continuing education pertaining to HIV/AIDS, infectious diseases and related conditions as tehy relate to chiropractic;
Continuing education designed to enhance the practitioner's skill related to ordering laboratory tests and interpreting information from laboratory tests; and/or
Continuing education related to prevention of fraud, system set-ups, coding, quality control, and standards of practice.
Continuing education related to the use of unlicensed personnel.
The remainder of the hours must be in other acceptable continuing education. In order for a continuing education activity to be accepted for renewal or reinstatement of a license, the continuing education activity must relate to the practice of chiropractic. A continuing education activity will be acceptable when:
It constitutes a formally organized and planned program of learning which directly contributes to the professional competency of the licensee;
The objectives of the continuing education activity relate to the practice of chiropractic;
It has a date, location, course title, number of contact hours, signed certificate of attendance and is open to all licensees;
The instructor has specialized experience or training to meet the objectives of the course;
The presenter of any course on interpreting diagnostic imaging must be;
A Diplomat of the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology or its equivalent; or
Have five year’s experience in teaching diagnostic imaging.
It is no more than eight hours in length. Licensees may complete a maximum of 6 hours of continuing education by self-study each 24 month renewal period. The self-study program must have a testing mechanism scored by the provider of the self-study activity. The mandatory continuing education hours pursuant to
The Board does not pre-approve continuing education programs but will accept as continuing education for renewal of a license or reinstatement of a license the following continuing education activities.
Programs at State and National Association meetings e.g., a meeting of the Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association or other state chiropractic associations and/or the American Chiropractic Association or the International Chiropractic Association (ICA) or similar organizations. A licensee’s documentation must include a certificate of attendance and a program outline and/or objectives;
One hour credit of hour of attendance, and only the portion of the meeting which meets the definition of continuing education, can be approved for credit.
Workshops, seminars, and/or conferences where the content of the continuing education activity relates to the practice of chiropractic. A licensee’s documentation must include a certificate of attendance, and a program outline and/or objectives.
Formal education courses given at accredited institutions of higher education which relate directly to the practice of chiropractic. No more than 15 hours of continuing education credit will be awarded by the Board for each semester hour earned.
Programs approved by Providers of Approved Continuing Education (PACE) sponsored by the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB);
Formal self study where the self study activity content relates to the practice of chiropractic, e.g. videotapes, Internet courses, CDs and correspondence courses. Licensees may complete a maximum of 6 hours of continuing education by self-study each 24 month renewal period. The self-study program must have a testing mechanism scored by the provider of the self-study activity. The mandatory continuing education hours pursuant to 172 NAC29-008.01, item 2 may not be obtained by completing formal self- study activities.
Subject matter acceptable for continuing education credit hours includes, but is not limited to i.e. acupuncture, philosophy, nutrition.
Documentation and Audit:
Audit of Continuing Competency Requirements: The Board may biennially select, in a random manner, a sample of the license renewal applications for audit of continuing competency requirements. A minimum of 5% and a maximum of 20% of licensees will be randomly selected for audit. Each licensee must be responsible for maintaining in his/ her personal file documentation of attendance received from continuing education programs. Licensees selected for audit are required to produce satisfactory documentation of his/her attendance at those continuing education programs attested to on his/her renewal application.
The Department will notify each selected credential holder by mail. Failure to notify the Department of a current mailing address will not absolve the credential holder from the requirement for audit.
Within 30 days, each selected credential holder must respond by submitting documentation that s/he has met the requirements for continuing competency. An extension beyond 30 days for submission of the documentation may be granted at the discretion of the Department. Documentation submitted by the credential holder will not be returned.
Acceptable documentation that the credential holder has met the continuing competency requirements includes those documents outlined in 172 NAC 29-008. Examples are:
Copies of certificates; and
Course outlines; or
Letters documenting attendance from providers; or
Copies of transcripts from educational institutions.
An individual whose credential has expired, been placed on inactive status, voluntarily surrendered unrelated to discipline, been placed on lapsed status or non-disciplinary revocation may apply for reinstatement at any time. The applicant must:
Submit a completed reinstatement application;
Obtain 36 hours of continuing education according to 172 NAC 29-008; and
Pay the fee(s);
An individual whose credential was suspended or limited may apply for reinstatement at any time. An individual whose credential has been revoked may apply for reinstatement after a period of two years has elapsed from the date of revocation. An individual whose credential was voluntarily surrendered may apply for reinstatement according to the order entered by the Director. To apply for reinstatement, the individual must contact the Licensure Unit for further direction. (402-471-2299).
To request an address change, you can contact any staff member at (402) 471-2299 or e-mail Sue Kopera-Crumb at susan.koperacrumb@nebraska.gov.
When the request is to return to a name that is already on the registry record (e.g., maiden name or previous married name), written proof of the legal basis for the name change is not required.
If you wish to change your name on your Licensing & Regulatory Affairs record, you must complete the
Licensure Unit
Chiropractic
P.O. Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
Duplicates: A duplicate large license or small license card may be requested at the time of initial licensure. A $10.00 fee, per document, is required.
Reissue: A large license and/or small license card may be reissued when the licensee requests: additional documents; replacement of original document(s) due to loss, mutilation or destruction; or replacement of document(s) due to a name change.
To request a reissued license, you must submit a
Licensure Unit
Chiropractic
PO Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
Rules and Regulations/Statutes
The Board of Chiropractic advises the Department of Health and Human Services Regulation and Licensure on all issues related to the regulation of chiropractic. The composition of the board is three Doctors of Chiropractors and one consumer/public member.
Membership:
3 Doctors of Chiropractors
1 Public MemberLength of Term:
5 years, no more than 2 consecutive full 5-year terms.
Professional Requirements:
Been actively engaged in the practice of chiropractic in the State of Nebraska, under a license issued in this state, for a period of 5 years just preceding his/her appointment.
Public Member:
- Be a resident of this state who has attained the age of majority;
- Represent the interests and viewpoints of consumers; and
- Not be a present or former member of a credentialed profession, an employee of a member of a credentialed profession, or an immediate family or household member of any person presently regulated by such board.
The Board of Chiropractic meets at least 1 time per year - see Board meeting Schedule for meeting dates and times. Meetings are open to the public, with the exception of investigational matters. Minutes of meeting are available here or by contacting Delores James at (402) 471-2299 or by e-mail at delores.james@nebraska.gov
Office Address:
Mailing Address
Physical Address
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health
Licensure Unit
PO Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986Nebraska State OfficeBuilding
301 Centennial Mall South
14th and M Streets
3rd Floor
Lincoln, NebraskaPhone: (402) 471-2115
Fax: (402) 471-3577Office Hours:
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (central time)
Monday through FridayChiropractic Licensing & Continuing Education Questions:
Sue Kopera-Crumb
Health Licensing Specialist
Phone: (402) 471-2299
e-mail: susan.koperacrumb@nebraska.govChiropractic Scope of Practice & Board Related Questions:
Delores James
Health Licensing Coordinator
Phone: (402) 471-2299
e-mail: delores.james@nebraska.govChiropractic Scope of Practice Questions
Diane Hansmeyer, Administrator of the Office of Rehabilitation and Community Services
Phone: (402) 471-2299
e-mail: diane.hansmeyer@nebraska.gov
Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association
Lou Andersen, CEO
13215 Birch Street, Suite 200
Omaha, NE 68164
Phone: (402) 934-4744
e-mail: lwortman@ncpa.netNational Board of Chiropractic Examiners
901 54th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80634
Phone: (970) 356-9100
Fax: (970) 356-6134
www.nbce.orgFederation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards
5401 W. 10th Street, Suite 101
Greeley, Co 80634-4400
Phone: (303) 356-3500
Fax: (970) 356-3599
e-mail: fclb@fclb.org
www.fclb.orgAmerican Chiropractic Association
1701 Clarendon Blvd
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (703) 276-8800 or (800) 986-4636
Fax: (703) 243-2593
www.amerchiro.org
Certification and Verification information can be obtained by checking the website.
OR
To request either a certification or verification or your license to be sent to another Licensing & Regulatory Affairs/state licensing agency, send your request in writing along with the proper fee to the our office. Checks should be made payable to DHHS/Licensure UnitCertification:
Fee - $25.00
Certification includes:
Name
Profession
License number
Issuance date
Expiration date
School and date of graduation
Whether the license was granted by examination or reciprocity
Examination information, if available
Whether disciplinary action has been taken against the license. If so, the type(s) and date(s) of the action will be included.
Administrator signature
SEAL of the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services
Verification:
1. Fee - $5.00
2. Verification includes written conformation as to whether a license or registration was valid at the time the request was made:
a. Name
b. Profession
c. License Number
d. Expiration Date
e. Department Staff Signature
A verification does not include the SEAL of the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services nor information relating to discipline, school, or examination.
The Licensee Assistance Program (LAP) is an assessment, education, referral, case management, and monitoring service designed to help licensees, certificate holders, and registrants of the State of Nebraska work through substance abuse/addiction problems.
The LAP services are free. However, in some cases treatment from a community resource agency may be needed. If further assistance is needed, the LAP Coordinator will help refer the Licensee to the most appropriate agency. When a treatment referral is made, those expenses become the responsibility of the Licensee.
This program was established by
LAP telephone number: (800) 851-2336 or (402) 354-8055. You may also visit their website at www.lapne.org
How do I file a complaint? To file a complaint, see the Investigations Division web site: www.dhhs.ne.gov/reg/investi.htm
What activities must be reported by a licensee, certificate holder, or registrant? Every credentialed person who has first-hand knowledge of unlicensed, illegal or unethical activities is required to report (includes self-reporting) within 30 days of the occurrence. Failure to report may result in discipline. To view additional information relating to mandatory reporting, click on the options below:
Mandatory Reporting shall not apply:
to the spouse of the person,
to a practitioner who is providing treatment to such person in a practitioner-patient relationship concerning information obtained or discovered in the course of treatment unless the treating practitioner determines that the condition of the person may be of a nature which constitutes a danger to the public health and safety by the person's continued practice, or
when a credentialed person who is chemically impaired enters the Licensee Assistance Program authorized by
How is a complaint reviewed, and what is the disciplinary process? The following provides information relating to the complaint, investigative, and disciplinary process.
Investigations web site www.dhhs.ne.gov/reg/investi.htm
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