TEXAS BOARD OF CHIROPRACTIC EXAMINERS
333 Guadalupe, Tower III, Suite 825
Austin, Texas 78701
November 11, 2003
Charles L. Blum, D.C.
1752 Ocean Park Blvd.
Santa Monica, California 90405
Re: Is it within the scope of a licensed doctor of chiropractic in the state
of Texas to perform
“Craniopathy” or “cranial manipulative therapy”?
Dear Dr. Blum,
The Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners formally met on November 6, 2003,
and as part of its duly posted agenda, considered your inquiry dated September
1, 2003 as to whether or not it is within the scope of a licensed doctor of
chiropractic in the state of Texas to perform craniopathy and/or cranial manipulative
therapy?
The Board ratified the recommendation of the Technical Standard Committee
that the following
statement be issued.
As long as a licensee practices within the established scope of practice
as delineated in the
Texas Occupations Code section 201.002 (b-c) then a person is considered
to be practicing
chiropractic. The Texas Occupations Code section 201.002, Sec. (b) states
"A person practices
chiropractic under this chapter if the person: (I) uses objective means
to analyze, examine, or evaluate
the biomechanical condition of the spine and musculoskeletal system of the
human body; (2) performs
nonsurgical, nonincisive procedures, including but not limited to adjustment
and manipulation, in order
to improve the subluxation complex or the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal
system..”
Given the provision outlined in the Texas Occupation Code 201.002., the
board feels that craniopathy
and/or cranial manipulative therapy is within the scope of practice in the
state of Texas for a licensed
doctor of chiropractic. However, I would like to call your attention to
occupation Code, Section 201.502,
under “Ground for refusing, revoking or suspending (a) license”. One of
the stipulations states that if a
licensee “fails to use proper diligence in the practice of chiropractic
or using gross inefficiency in the
practice of chiropractic.” In other words, if a licensee uses certain techniques
or devices on a patient he
is obligated to be proficient in its use or application.
We hope this clarification assists you and we appreciate your interest.
If we can be of additional
assistance to you in the future, please don not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Serge P. Francois, D.C., Chairman
Sandra Jensen, D.C. President
Technical Standards Committee
Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners