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.
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