Chiropractic

The practice of chiropractic is defined as being one or a combination of the following, without the use of drugs or surgery: (continued description)

Applications Board Information Brochures Certification/Verification Complaints Contacts           Contact Us           Other Related Contacts Continuing Education Duplicates/Reissue Examination Requirements

Fees Jurisprudence Examination License Lookup      License Information System Licensee Assistance Program Listings Name and Address Changes Procedures to Apply for Licensure Renewal Information Requirements for Licensure Rules & Regulations/Statutes

description continued.....

1. 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
2. The science and art of treating human ailments, disorders, and disease by locating and removing any interference with the transmission and expression or 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.

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Requirements for Licensure

To qualify for licensure based on examination you must:

1. Be of good moral character;
2. Have attained at least the age of majority (All persons under 19 years of age are declared to be minors, except any person married under the age of 19 years);
3. Have graduated from a chiropractic program accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education;
4. 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.

To qualify for licensure based on licensure from another state you must:

1. Be of good moral character;
2. Have attained at least the age of majority (All persons under 19 years of age are declared to be minors, except any person married under the age of 19 years);
3. Have graduated from a chiropractic program accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education;
4. 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.

5. Provide documentation that the chiropractic requirements for licensure in the other state, territory, or District of Columbia, are equivalent to those in Nebraska; and
6. Provide documentation of being currently licensed in another state, jurisdiction, or District of Columbia.

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Procedure to Apply for Licensure

To apply for licensure by examination, you must submit the following:

1. A completed application;
2. Licensure fee of $125.00 plus a Licensee Assistance Program (LAP) fee of $1 if the application is submitted between August 1, even- numbered year and July 31, odd-numbered year or $2 if the application is submitted after August 1of even-numbered year and July 31, of odd-numbered year;
3. 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;
4. 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;

5. A notarized copy of a driver’s license or an official birth or marriage certificate.

If convicted of a felony or misdemeanor applicant must submit:

• Official court records showing the nature of charge(s), disposition of the case and a short letter explaining the charge.

To apply for licensure based on a license issued in another state, territory or District of Columbia, you must submit the following:

1. A completed application;
2. Licensure fee of $125.00 plus a Licensee Assistance Program (LAP) fee of $1 if the application is submitted between August 1, even- numbered year and July 31, odd-numbered year or $2 if the application is submitted after August 1of even-numbered year and July 31, of odd-numbered year;

Have the licensure or certifying agency submit to the Department:

3. A certification on a form provided by the Department of Health and Human Services Regulation and Licensure (Attached to the application form) or on an alternate format which can be provided by the licensing agency in the other state, jurisdiction, or the District of Columbia. The certification must show that the applicant is duly licensed, that his/her license has never been suspended or revoked, and that as far as the record of the agency is concerned, the applicant is entitled to its endorsement.
4. A copy of the standards for licensure that were in effect at the time the applicant was originally licensed and the laws and rules and regulations relating thereto; and
5. A notarized copy or a driver’s license or an official birth or marriage certificate to show evidence of having attained at least the age of majority.

If the state, jurisdiction or District of Columbia does not provide the examination and education information on their certification, you must submit the following:

1. 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;
2. 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.

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Examination Requirements

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

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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.

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Fees

Fee Schedule

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Applications

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 the "Licensing & Regulatory Affairs".

Licensing & Regulatory Affairs
PO Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986

Chiropractic Application
Duplicates/Reissue Form
Name Change Form

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Renewal Information

All chiropractic licenses expire August 1 of each even-numbered year. The Licensing & Regulatory Affairs Division 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:

1. Active Status:  Submit the renewal notice, the renewal fees of $200, and, attestation of completing 36 hours of continuing education during the preceding 24 month period; or
   
2. Inactive Status:  Submit the renewal notice with a check in the box marked inactive and the inactive fee of $25; or
   
3. Lapsed Status:  Submit the renewal notice with a check in the box marked lapsed.

All renewal must be postmarked on or before August 1 to avoid a late fee. If the renewal is postmarked or submitted in person after the expiration date, a penalty fee of $25 will be assessed and you may not practice until the license is renewed. Licenses not renewed within 30 days following the expiration date will be revoked for non-payment of the renewal fee. 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.

Lapsed means that you cannot practice not represent yourself as a licensed person. To change from Lapsed to Active status, you must make application and meet requirements for initial licensure which are in effect at the time status change is requested.

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Continuing Education

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. 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: 

a. Four hours related to technical skills in one or a combination of the following categories: 

1. 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

2. Continuing education designed to enhance the practitioner's skill in utilizing chiropractice adjustive techniques, and;

b. Four hours in one or a combination of the following three categories:

1. Continuing education pertaining to HIV/AIDS, infectious diseases and related conditions as they relate to chiropractic

2. Continuing education designed to enhance the practitioner's skill related to ordering laboratory tests and interpreting information from laboratory tests; and/or

3. Continuing education related to prevention of fraud, system set-ups, coding, quality control, and standard of practice.

4. 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:

1. It constitutes a formally organized and planned program of learning which directly contributes to the professional competency of the licensee;

2. The objectives of the continuing education activity relate to the practice of chiropractic;

3. It has a date, location, course title, number of contact hours, signed certificate of attendance and is open to all licensees;

4. The instructor has specialized experience or training to meet the objectives of the course;

             a. The presenter of any course on interpreting diagnostic imaging must be:

        1. A Diplomat of the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology
            or its equivalent; or

        2. Have five year’s experience in teaching diagnostic imaging.

              5. 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 172 NAC 29-008.01, item 2 may not be obtained by completing formal self-study activities,

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.

1. 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;

   1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Programs approved by Providers of Approved Continuing Education (PACE) sponsored by the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB);

5. 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.

6. Subject matter acceptable for continuing education credit hours includes, but is not limited to i.e. acupuncture, philosophy, nutrition.

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Name and Address Change

To request an address change, you can contact any staff member at (402) 471-2299 or e-mail Sue Kopera-Crumb at susan.koperacrumb@dhhs.ne.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 Affidavit of Name Change form and submit it along with a copy of the legal document verifying name change to:

Licensing & Regulatory Affairs
Chiropractic
P.O. Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986

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Duplicates/Reissue

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 request for reissuance, and include a fee in the amount of $10.00 per document. Submit said request to:

Licensing & Regulatory Affairs
Chiropractic
PO Box 94986
Lincoln NE 68509-4986

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Rules and Regulations/Statutes

Regulations Governing the Practice of Chiropractic - 172 NAC 29
Regulations Defining and Governing the use of Routine Procedures by Chiropractors - 172 NAC 30
Rules and Regulations concerning the Reporting and Control of Communicable Diseases and Poisonings - 173 NAC 1
Statutes Relating to Chiropractic
Statutes relating to the Uniform Licensing Law
Regulations relating to Mandatory Reporting
Mandatory Reporting Forms

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Board Information

 

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.

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@dhhs.ne.gov

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Contact Us

Office Address:

Phone: (402) 471-2115
Fax: (402) 471-3577

Office Hours:

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (central time)
Monday through Friday

Chiropractic Licensing & Continuing Education Questions:

Sue Kopera-Crumb
Licensing & Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Phone: (402) 471-2299
e-mail: susan.koperacrumb@dhhs.ne.gov

Chiropractic Scope of Practice & Board Related Questions:

Delores James
Licensing & Regulatory Affairs Coordinator
Phone: (402) 471-2299
e-mail: delores.james@dhhs.ne.gov

Chiropractic Scope of Practice Questions

Diane Hansmeyer, Section Administrator
Phone: (402) 471-2299
e-mail: diane.hansmeyer@dhhs.ne.gov

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Other Related Contacts

Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association
Lou Anderson, Executive Director
13215 Birch Street, Suite 102
Omaha, NE 68164
Phone: (402) 934-4744
e-mail: lwortman@ncpa.net

National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
901 54th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80634
Phone: (970) 356-9100
Fax: (970) 356-6134
www.nbce.org

Federation 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.org

American Chiropractic Association
1701 Clarendon Blvd
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (703) 276-8800 or (800) 986-4636
Fax: (703) 243-2593
www.amerchiro.org

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Brochures

Chemical Dependency in Health Care Professionals

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Certification/Verification

Certification and Verification information can be obtained by checking the website at: www.dhhs.ne.gov/lis/lisindex.htm

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 Licensing & Regulatory Affairs, State of Nebraska.

Certification

1. Fee - $25.00
2. Certification includes:
   1. Name
   2. Profession
   3. License number
   4. Issuance date
   5. Expiration date
   6. Whether the license was granted by examination, or reciprocity
   7. Examination information, if available
   8. Whether disciplinary action has been taken against the license. If so, the type(s) and date(s) of the action will be included.
   9. SEAL of the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services

Verification

1. Fee - $5.00
2. Verification includes:
   1. Name
   2. Profession
   3. License Number
   4. Expiration Date
   5. 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.

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Licensee Assistance Program

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 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-172.02 and is funded by the addition of one dollar ($1.00) per year to the current fee for each license issued, renewed, or reinstated.

LAP telephone number: (800) 851-2336 or (402) 354-8055. You may also visit their website at www.lapne.org

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Complaints

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 Forms

• Mandatory Reporting Summary (chart showing who is to report and what is to be reported)
• Mandatory Reporting Regulations

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 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-172.01 except as provided in such section.

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
• Disciplinary Process Chart
• Uniform Licensing Law

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