Table of CONTENTS

Colorado Board of Chiropractic Examiners 
Rules Effective July 30, 2007
RULES EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 30, 2007

3 CCR 707-1 

Rule 1 – Inactive License Status 
Rule 2 – Reinstatement of an Expired License 
Rule 3 – Professional Liability 
Rule 4 – Judgments, Settlements and/or Board Actions 
Rule 5 – Duplicate License 
Rule 6 – Patient Assessment and Electrotherapy/Physical Remedial Measures 
Rule 7 – Scope of Practice 
RULE 8 14- Untrue, Deceptive and Misleading Practices REGARDING UNPROVEN AND OR UNNECESSARY SERVICES
Rule 9 15 – Procedures Which are Unproven and Require Informed Consent 
Rule 10 8 – Continuing Education 
Rule 11 9– Renewal of License 
RULE 12 10- Electrotherapy/Physical Remedial Measures Certification
RULE 12 - regarding misleading , deceptive, false, or unethical advertising
RULE 13 - ADVERTISEMENT OF FREE OR DISCOUNTED SERVICES
Rule 13 11– Use of the title “Doctor” 
Rule 14 – Advertisement of Free or Discounted Services 
Rule 15 – Advertisement of Free or Discounted X-Rays 
Rule 16 – Declaratory Orders 
Rule 17 – Acupuncture 
Rule 18 – Providing Patient Records 
Rule 19 – Safety Training for Unlicensed Chiropractic Personnel 
Rule 20 – Termination of Practice upon Suspension, Relinquishment or Revocation 
Rule 21 – Animals in the Office 
Rule 22 – Record Keeping Requirements 
Rule 23 – Solicitation of Accident Victims 
Rule 24 – General Licensing Provisions 
Rule 25 – Chiropractor Patient Relationships 
Rule 26 – Sanitary and Hygienic Remedial Measures

Colorado Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Rules Effective October 30, 2007
PROPOSED RULES NOVEMBER 15, 2007 EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 30, 2007

Rule 1 Inactive License Status

A.	Inactive status requires that the licensee not engage in the practice of chiropractic within the
State of Colorado. The inactive licensee shall pay the renewal fee set by the Board. Such inactive status shall be noted on the face of the license issued.

B.	While on inactive status, the licensee need not complete 15 hours of continuing education 
per year.  However, to reactivate an inactive license, the licensee shall comply with provisions in §24-34-102(8), C.R.S. (2004) and the following.

1.	Any chiropractor whose application for reactivation indicates that he/she has been in 
active practice or teaching in another state which has a comparable continuing education requirement shall submit proof of fulfillment of the continuing education requirements of the other state.

2.	If the chiropractor has been in active practice or teaching in a state which has no 
comparable continuing education requirement, the chiropractor shall submit proof of completion of continuing education to be approved by the Colorado Board.

C.	Any chiropractor whose application for reactivation indicates that he/she has not been in 
active practice or teaching during the period of time in which his/her license has been inactive shall document 15 hours of continuing education completed within the previous year.

D.	Any chiropractor applying for reactivation shall submit proof, on a form approved by the 
Board, that a chiropractic license held in any other state or jurisdiction is presently in good standing.

E.	Any chiropractor applying for reactivation may be required, at the discretion of the Board, to 
take the appropriate national examination.

Rule 2 Reinstatement of an Expired License

A. A licensee shall not practice with an expired license beyond the 60 day grace period after the
expiration of the license provided in §24-34-102(8)(c), C.R.S.

B. To be considered for licensure reinstatement the applicant must submit the following:

1. Completed application for reinstatement with the appropriate fee; and

2. Attestation in a form determined by the Board that the applicant has not violated the 
statute, rules and regulations. The Board may require additional information to determine applicant’s ability and competence to practice with reasonable skill and requisite safety based on the information provided by applicant; and

3. The Declaration page of the applicant’s current malpractice insurance that meets the
requirements of Rule 3; and

4. Verification of completion of continuing education that meets the requirements of 
Rule 108.

C. If the license has been expired for more than six (6) months, the applicant must submit a 
verification from each state in which applicant holds or has ever held a chiropractic license that the license is in good standing.

D. The Board may deny an applicant for reinstatement upon a finding that the applicant has 
violated any provisions of this statute, rules and regulations. Denial would be pursuant to §12-33-117, et. seq., C.R.S.

E. The fee for reinstatement of a chiropractic license shall be as follows:

1. The renewal fee established pursuant to §24-34-102 (8) and 24-34-105, C.R.S.; and

2. The reinstatement fee which shall be determined and collected pursuant to §12-33-
114, C.R.S.

F.	If the license has expired for more than 2 years, the applicant shall satisfactorily demonstrate 
to the Board that the person is competent to practice chiropractic. The Board shall require one or more of the following as a demonstration of competency to practice.

1.	A license from another state that is in good standing where the applicant 
demonstrates active practice for a period of time satisfactory to the Board.

2. Practice for a specified time in Colorado under a restricted license.

3. Successful completion of prescribed remedial courses ordered by the Board.

4. Successful completion of any continuing education requirements prescribed by the 
Board.

5. Successful completion of the Special Purposes Chiropractic Examination (SPEC) 
offered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners or Part IV of the National Licensing Examination of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners to demonstrate that the applicant has retained the qualifications equivalent to this state's requirements for licensure.

6. Any other professional standard or measure of continued competency as determined 
by the Board.

G.	An applicant may petition the Board for reinstatement with a waiver of the competency 
requirements in Paragraph F of this rule, upon demonstration by the applicant of personal hardship. In so making such determination, the Board, in its discretion, may grant such waiver and reinstatement so long as protection of the public is given consideration.

Rule 3 Professional Liability

A.	A chiropractor who qualifies for one of the following categories is exempt from the 
professional liability requirements outlined in §12-33-116.5, C.R.S.: 

1. A chiropractor who performs chiropractic services exclusively as an employee of the 
United States government.  

2. A chiropractor who holds an inactive license. 

3. A chiropractor who provides uncompensated chiropractic care and who does not 
otherwise engage in any compensated patient care whatsoever. 
 
4. A chiropractor who holds an active license and does not engage in any patient care
whatsoever in the state of Colorado. 
 
5. A chiropractor who provides services for the Olympic Training Center as long as the
chiropractor is covered under professional liability required by the Olympic Training Center with the minimal amounts required for a chiropractor licensed in Colorado. 

B.	The professional liability insurance must cover all acts within the entire legal scope of 
practice defined in §12-33-102, C.R.S. Coverage is required for acupuncture and electrotherapy only if the licensee is authorized to perform such acts.

C.	Professional liability insurance shall remain in effect without a lapse in coverage. Licensees 
shall notify the Board when professional liability insurance policy lapses, and immediately cease the practice of chiropractic until such time that professional liability insurance is reinstated or obtained. 

Rule 4 Judgments, Settlements and/or Board Actions

A.	Malpractice judgments as referenced in §12-33-117 (1)(j), C.R.S. include out-of-court 
settlements.  Licensees must report malpractice settlements or judgments within sixty (60) days of the date of the final action to the Board. A copy of the Complaint, the Answer, and the Judgment or Settlement must be submitted at the same time the licensee submits the notice of settlement to the Board. The Board may require the licensee to submit other documents in addition to the aforementioned.

B. The reporting of actions referenced in §12-33-117(1)(z), C.R.S. requires submission in written 
form within sixty (60) days of the date of the final action to the Board. A copy of the final action must be submitted at the same time the licensee submits the notice of action to the Board. The Board may require the licensee to submit other documents relating to the action.

C. The reporting of actions referenced in §12-33-117(1)(c), C.R.S. requires submission in written 
form within sixty (60) days of the date of the entry of the guilty plea or plea of nolo contendere or imposition of a deferred sentence to the Board. A copy of the final action must be submitted at the same time the licensee submits the notice of action to the Board. The Board may require the licensee to submit other documents relating to the action.

Rule 5 Duplicate License

The Board shall issue only one license to a licensee. In the event of a lost or damaged license the
licensee shall submit a signed statement to the Board explaining the loss or damage. A duplicate license
shall be marked “Duplicate” on its face. The licensee shall return a damaged license before the issuance
of a duplicate. The licensee shall notify the Board if a lost license is found. In such case, the duplicate
license shall be returned to the Board.

Rule 6 Patient Assessment and Electrotherapy/Physical Remedial Measures

A. Electrotherapy

1. In the practice of chiropractic, the implementation of electrotherapy as referenced in 
§12-33-102 (3), C.R.S. may include, but is not limited to:

a. Diagnostic, functional or psychometric patient assessment/evaluation, 
designed to facilitate the evaluation, administration and modification of patient care and/or case management.

b. Patient and/or social, educational or consultation considerations designed to 
educate the audience as to the nature, incidence and effects of conditions falling within the scope of the Chiropractic Practice Act.

2. Physical agents of electrotherapy include but are not limited to:

a. Heat.

b. Cold.

c. Sound.

d. Air.

e. Electricity.

f. Light.

g. Compression.

h. Vibration.

i. Topical, homeopathic and/or herbal agents (e.g., analgesic, anti-inflammatory, 
   healing, astringent, antiseptic, etc.) if used in conjunction with an agent listed
   in (a) through (h) above.

j. Cold or soft laser for uses approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

3. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) includes physical remedial measures as          
referenced in §12-33-102 (1), C.R.S. PMR includes, but is not limited to:

a. Tests (physical, functional, mechanical, computerized).

b. Exercise therapeutics (instruction, passive, active, resistive, cardiovascular).

c. Work hardening.

d. Gait/locomotion training.

e. Manual therapies (massage, mobilization, manipulation).

f. Traction.

g. Postural drainage.

h. Biofeedback (when done to facilitate chiropractic care).

i. Functional activities with or without assistive devices.

j. Postural re-education.

B. Patient assessment may include, but is not limited to the following:

1. Physical examination.

2. Neurologic testing (central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, motor, 
    sensory, cranial nerves, long tracts signs, pathological reflexes).

3. Orthopedic testing (provocative/ functional testing).
4. Chiropractic testing.

5. Range of motion examination.

6. Strength testing (manual, mechanical, computerized).

7. Postural examination.

8. Gait/movement analysis.

9. Activities of daily living.

10. Psychometric questionnaires.

11. Nocioception.

12. Cardiac, pulmonary, and vascular examination.

13. Fitness examination.

14. Work site assessment.

15 Home assessment.

16. Photosensitivity testing.

17. Impairment or disability ratings.

18. Functional capacity evaluation.

Rule 7 Scope of Practice

A.	Practices that are not within the scope of chiropractic practice and invoke the duty to refer 
provision in §12-33-117 (1)(bb), C.R.S. include, but are not limited to: 

1. Treatment of the disease cancer. This does not preclude screening and diagnostic
procedures for the prevention and early detection of cancer or the chiropractic treatment of other concomitant conditions that the patient may have. In addition, a qualified chiropractor may collaboratively treat cancer in conjunction with, but not replacing, drugs, surgery, or chemotherapy. 

2. Obstetrics. 

3. Surgery. 

4. Administration of anesthetics, with the exception of topical or over-the-counter 
anesthetics.

5. Prescription of drugs not referenced in Rule 7 C. 

6. Hypnosis unless used as a procedure to make the adjustment or manipulation more 
effective and unless the practitioner presents evidence to the Board of having obtained education in hypnosis from an accredited college. 

B.	A chiropractor must have the knowledge, skill, ability, and documented competency to 
perform an act that is within the chiropractic scope of practice. Procedures with specific clinical, didactic requirements, and qualifications include, but are not limited to: 

1. Paraspinal Surface Electromyography (EMG) 

a. Ten (10) hours of initial training with demonstrated competency. 

b. Procedures may be delegated to a qualified technician and must be 
supervised and interpreted by an on-site qualified and licensed doctor of chiropractic. 

c. Procedures must be performed in a manner consistent with generally 
accepted parameters, including any relevant standards of the Center for Communicable Diseases and meet safe and professional standards. 

2. Surface Electromyography excluding paraspinal, Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) 
and Needle Electromyography (EMG) 

a. One hundred and twenty (120) hours of initial clinical and didactic training with
demonstrated competency in electromyography (paraspinal surface electromyography excluded). 

b. Procedures may not be delegated to a technician and must be directly 
performed by a qualified and licensed doctor of chiropractic. 

c. Procedures must be performed in a manner consistent with generally 
accepted parameters, including clean needle techniques, and standards of the Center for Communicable Diseases and meet safe and professional standards. 

3. Electrocardiography (EKG/ECG) 

a. One hundred and twenty (120) hours of initial and related clinical with didactic 
training and demonstrated competency in cardiac medicine. 

b. Procedures may not be delegated to a technician and must be directly 
performed by a qualified and licensed doctor of chiropractic. 

c. Procedures must be performed in a manner consistent with generally 
accepted parameters, including any relevant standards of the Center for 
Communicable Diseases and meet safe and professional standards. 

4. Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA) 

a. Thirty six (36) hours of didactic and clinical training, successful completion of 
a competency examination, and nationally recognized certification.  

b. Professional liability insurance coverage to specifically include MUA. 
 
c. Procedures must be performed in a manner consistent with generally 
accepted parameters and standards of practice. 

d. Procedures shall be performed at either an ambulatory surgical center or 
outpatient hospital facility. 

e. The role of the chiropractor shall be limited to the scope of chiropractic 
practice as defined in § 12-33-102(1), C.R.S. 

C. Nutritional Remedial Measures as referenced in § 12-33-102(1), C.R.S., means that a doctor 
of chiropractic may administer, prescribe, recommend, compound, sell and distribute homeopathic and botanical medicines, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants, enzymes, glandular extracts, non-prescription drugs, durable and non-durable medical goods and devices.

Rule 8 14 Untrue, Deceptive and Misleading Practices REGARDING UNPROVEN AND OR UNNECESSARY SERVICES

Practices which are untrue, deceptive and misleading pursuant to §12-33-107(1)(h), C.R.S. include but are not limited to the use of promotional materials which have the effect of enticing patients to a provider’s office for unproven and/or unnecessary services as listed in Rule 915, unless the advertisement has an adequate disclaimer.

Rule 9 15 Procedures Which are Unproven and Require Informed Consent

A. When an unproven procedure is provided, the chiropractor must obtain the written informed 
consent of the patient or the patient’s legal representative.

B. The following criteria will be used to determine, by a preponderance of evidence, whether a 
procedure is unproven:

1. Whether the procedure is taught as part of the regular curriculum of at least one 
college of chiropractic approved by the Council on Chiropractic Education.

2. Whether the procedure is based upon anatomical, physiological and/or structural 
 	relationships which can be verified through standard diagnostic procedures.

3. Whether the procedure has been supported by a body of evidence using standard 
scientific research methodology and whether the procedure has had periodic 
review by the Board based on current research as evidenced by:

a. Publication in a peer reviewed professional or scientific journal (e.g. Spine, 
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT), Bone and Joint Surgery).

b. Supportive preliminary results in a peer review journal.

c. Investigation in progress, sponsored by an agency independent of the 
procedure’s proponents and/or developers (e.g., Federation of Chiropractic Education and Research).

d. Hypothesis clearly derived from supportive literature published in peer 
reviewed journals or texts.

C. Informed consent shall consist of the following: the patient shall be notified in writing that the
procedure has been designated “unproven” by the Board and that its effectiveness has not been demonstrated.

D. The patient shall be required to sign a written consent form before a licensee may use a 
procedure designated “unproven” . The consent form shall indicate conspicuously that  the procedure anticipated for use has been designated “unproven” by the Colorado State Board of Chiropractic Examiners and that permission is granted by the patient to proceed. A copy of this signed consent form shall be given to the patient for the patient’s retention.

E. Procedures, protocol, analysis or methodology which are unproven and require informed 
consent include, but are not limited to:

1. Soft or cold laser for uses not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
2. Reams Procedure.

3. Iridology.

4. Reflexology.

5. Contact reflex analysis.

6. Diagnostic spinal ultrasound for the use of diagnosing paraspinal muscle 
inflammation, posterior joint swelling, nerve root inflammation, or other spinal pathology in the adult population.

7. Any practice system, analysis, method, or protocol which does not include the 
complete assessment, evaluation, or diagnosis of the condition to be treated before beginning treatment of the patient.

8. Any practice system, analysis, method or protocol which relies upon diagnostic 
methods that are not generally recognized or accepted within the profession or which do not have scientific validity.

9. Any practice system, analysis, method, or protocol which is represented as a means 
of attaining spiritual growth, comfort, or well-being.

Rule 10 8 Continuing Education
A.  The Board will accept continuing education that falls within these regulations and relies upon each individual chiropractor’s integrity in complying with this requirement.
B.  Continuing chiropractic education program sponsors need not apply for nor expect to receive prior Board approval for a formal continuing chiropractic education program.  The number of credit hours may be determined by counting the credit hours of instruction and rounding to the nearest quarter hour.  The Board relies upon the integrity of the program sponsors to present continuing chiropractic education that constitutes a meritorious learning experience and complies with §12-33-116 and 12-33-111, C.R.S.  If the Board discovers that a sponsor has falsified information regarding the course, the sponsor may be required to have all future courses pre-approved.
C.  Each licensed Colorado chiropractor in active practice within the state of Colorado is required annually to attend not less than fifteen hours of scientific clinics, forums, or chiropractic educational study consisting of subjects basic to the field of the healing arts as set forth in §12-33-111, C.R.S.  "Annually" is defined as the twelve month period between August 1 and July 31.  Each renewal period contains two years (24 months).  Each licensed Colorado chiropractor is required to maintain “Health Provider Level Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation” (CPR) as is necessary to keep current and maintain valid certification, as provided by the American Heart Association or other organizations deemed equivalent by the Board.  All current licensees must maintain proof of such certification.  The hours necessary to maintain this cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification may be used towards the continuing education hours required.
D.  Annual Requirements
1.  The continuing education (CE) requirements for the licensee’s first renewal period is 
as follows:

a.	Licensed less than twelve months – no CE required to renew license.
b.	Licensed twelve to twenty-four months – 15 hours of CE must be completed.
2.  Two of the fifteen hours of the annual continuing education requirements shall at a 
minimum be in recordkeeping and documentation.

E.  Course content is limited to scientific subject matter basic to the field of the healing arts and includes, but is not limited to:  Anatomy, embryology, histology, physiology, psychology, biochemistry, pathology, bacteriology, toxicology, pharmacology, public health, hygiene, sanitation, first aid, diagnosis (including but not limited to physical, laboratory and all other recognized diagnostic procedures), x-rays, obstetrics and gynecology, and principles and practice of chiropractic including but not limited to professional boundary issues, ethics, and adjustive technique.
F.  Offerings in the promotion of practice building or office management shall not be approved for continuing education.
G.  Offerings dealing with practices designated as untrue, misleading, and deceptive pursuant to Rule 8 14 and offerings dealing with practices outside the chiropractic scope of practice shall not be approved for continuing education.
H.  Instructors must be qualified, as determined by the Board, to teach the course outlined.
I.  Up to ten (10) hours per year of continuing education credit may be obtained by distance learning including, but not limited to, video and audio tapes or internet education programs.  To obtain continuing education credit for distance learning, successful completion of a proficiency testing component is required.
J.  The Board may conduct a random compliance audit of renewal applicants to verify course content, instructor qualifications, and number of hours completed.  If the Board determines that the applicant has not obtained continuing education that falls within the subject matter defined in §12-33-111, C.R.S. or the applicant fails to submit proof of continuing education satisfactory to the Board, the Board may consider disciplinary action for failure to comply with §12-33-116, C.R.S.
K.  The licensee must maintain in his/her own file, the dates of the program, certificate of attendance that includes hours in attendance, synopsis of the course content, identity of the course sponsor, and the qualifications of the instructor.
Rule 11 9 Renewal of License

Licensees who obtain licensure during the current two year licensing period shall be required to pay the
entire renewal fee.
Rule 12 10 Electrotherapy/Physical Remedial Measures Certification

A. Electrotherapy certification is required prior to any licensee practicing electrotherapy.

B. To receive certification, the chiropractic applicant shall present evidence of the following:

1. Successful completion of a course of not less than one hundred twenty (120) 
classroom hours in the subject taught by a school having status with the Council on Chiropractic Education or an approved provider; or

2. Successful completion of a Board approved, nationally recognized examination.

C.  A clinical component must be present in the coursework to teach and demonstrate 
competency in the clinical applications of electrotherapy.

Rule 13 11 Use of the Title “Doctor”

A. Only those titles authorized by statute may be used.

B. Post-graduate degrees received from an institution accredited by the Council of Chiropractic
Education or diplomat status may be used in conjunction with those titles authorized by statute.

C. Use of the title "doctor" or "Dr." in all forms of advertisement must be accompanied by the 
word "chiropractor," "chiropractic," or "D.C." somewhere in the advertisement. It must be clear to the public that the advertisement is from a doctor of chiropractic.

Rule 14 Advertisement of Free or Discounted Services

A. Advertisement by licensee of free or discounted services shall be deemed false or misleading
pursuant to §12-33-117 (3), C.R.S. unless:

1. Such advertising claims are truthful and detailed as to specific services provided for 
free or at a discounted price.

2. Prior to the performance of the free or discounted evaluation and the consultation 
regarding that evaluation, the licensee shall provide the patient with written description of what services are being provided free or at a discounted price. This description shall also indicate the price of other services which may be offered for a fee, in conjunction with the free service, but that are not included in the offer for free or discounted services. The licensee shall provide the patient with a copy of this notice for the patient’s retention and maintain a signed copy in the patient’s file.

B. No separate charge shall be made for the professional evaluation of the free or discounted 
diagnostic tests whether such professional evaluation is made at the time of the initial office visit or at a later date.

	C. The free service or reduced fee differential shall not be billed to a third-party payor for 
reimbursement.

rule 12 regarding misleading , deceptive, false, or unethical advertising

Doctors of chiropractic should take special care to advertise truthfully and avoid exploitation of their position of trust. Because of the potential consequences of misinformation regarding health care and the importance of the interests affected by the choice of a doctor of chiropractic, chiropractors must avoid misleading the public. Chiropractors are responsible for the contents of their own advertisements and should review such advertisements to assure adherence to ethical standards.

The following types of advertising constitute misleading, deceptive, false or unethical advertising pursuant to § 12-33-117(1)(i), (p) and (3)(a):

a.)	The misleading use of a claim regarding board certification, or of an unearned or non-health degree in any advertisement that is likely to cause confusion or misunderstanding as to the credentials, education, or licensure of a health care professional; 
b.)	ADVERTISING that has the effect of intimidating or exerting undue pressure;
c.)	ADVERTISING that uses unsubstantiated testimonials;
d.)	ADVERTISING that creates an unjustified expectation or guarantees a cure;
e.)	ADVERTISING that offers gratuitous services or discounts, the purpose of which is to deceive the public;
f.)	ADVERTISING of free or discounted x-ray services; or
g.)	ADVERTISING that is otherwise misleading, deceptive or false.

At the time any type of advertisement is placed, the chiropractor must possess information that would substantiate the truthfulness of any assertion, omission or claim set forth in the advertisement.

RULE 13 ADVERTISEMENT OF FREE OR DISCOUNTED SERVICES Rule 15 Advertisement of Free or Discounted X-rays

Advertisement by licensees of free or discounted x-ray services shall be deemed unethical advertising and grounds for discipline pursuant to § 12-33-117 (3), C.R.S

A.	Advertisement by licensee of free or discounted services shall be deemed false or misleading pursuant to §12-33-117 (3)(A), C.R.S. unless:

1. Such advertising claims are truthful and detailed as to specific  services provided for free or at a discounted price.

2. Prior to the performance of the free or discounted evaluation And the consultation regarding that evaluation, the licensee shall provide the patient with A written description of what services are being provided free or at a discounted price. This description shall also indicate the price of other services which may be offered for a fee, in conjunction with the free service, but that are not included in the offer for free or discounted services. The licensee shall provide the patient with a copy of this notice for the patient’s retention and maintain a signed copy in the patient’s file.

B.	No separate charge shall be made for the professional evaluation
Of the free or discounted diagnostic tests whether such professional evaluation is made at the time of the initial office visit or at a later date.

C.	The free service or reduced fee differential shall not be billed to a
third-party payer for reimbursement.

Rule 16 Declaratory Orders

A. Any person licensed pursuant to Article 33, Title 12, C.R.S., may petition the Board for a 
declaratory order to terminate controversies or to remove uncertainties as to the applicability to the petitioner of any statutory provisions or of any rule or order of the Board.

B. The Board will determine, in its discretion and without notice to petitioner, whether to rule 
upon any such petition. If the Board determines that it will not rule upon such a petition,  the Board shall promptly notify the petitioner of its action and state the reasons for such action.

C. In determining whether to rule upon a petition filed pursuant to this rule, the Board will 
consider the following matters, among others:

1. Whether a ruling on the petition will terminate a controversy or remove uncertainties 
as to the applicability to petitioner of any statutory provision or rule or order of the Board.

2. Whether the petition involves any subject, question or issue which is the subject of a 
formal or informal matter or investigation currently pending before the Board or a court involving one or more of the petitioners.

3. Whether the petition involves any subject, question or issue which is the subject of a 
formal or informal matter or investigation currently pending before the Board or a court but not involving any petitioner.

4. Whether the petition seeks a ruling on a moot or hypothetical question or will result in 
an advisory ruling or opinion.

5. Whether the petitioner has some other adequate legal remedy, other than an action 
for declaratory relief pursuant to Rule 57, C.R.C.P., which will terminate the controversy or remove any uncertainty as to the applicability to the petitioner of the statute, rule or order in question.

D. Any petition filed pursuant to this rule shall set forth the following:

1. The name and address of the petitioner and whether the petitioner is licensed 
pursuant to Article 33, Title 12, C.R.S.

2. The statute, rule or order to which the petition relates.

3. A concise statement of all of the facts necessary to show the nature of the 
controversy or uncertainty and the manner in which the statute, rule or order in question applies or potentially applies to the petitioner.

E. If the Board determines that it will rule on the petition, the following procedures shall apply:

1. The Board may rule upon the petition based solely upon the facts presented in the 
petition. In such a case:

a. Any ruling of the Board will apply only to the extent of the facts presented in 
the petition and any amendment to the petition.

b. The Board may order the petitioner to file a written brief, memorandum or 
statement of position.

c. The Board may set the petition, upon due notice to the petitioner, for a non-
evidentiary hearing.

d. The Board may dispose of the petition on the sole basis of the matters set 
forth in the petition.

e. The Board may request the petitioner to submit additional facts, in writing. In 
such event, such additional facts will be considered as an amendment to the petition.

f. The Board may take administrative notice of facts pursuant to the 
Administrative Procedure Act, C.R.S., 24-4-105 (8), and may utilize its experience, technical competence and specialized knowledge in the disposition of the petition.

g. If the Board rules upon the petition without a hearing, it shall promptly notify 
the petitioner of its decision.

2. The Board may, in its discretion, set the petition for hearing, upon due notice to 
petitioner, for the purpose of obtaining additional facts or information or to determine the truth of any facts set forth in the petition or to hear oral argument on the petition. The notice to the petitioner setting such hearing shall set forth, to the extent known, the factual or other matters into which the Board intends to inquire. For the purpose of such a hearing, to the extent necessary, the petitioner shall have the burden of proving all of the facts stated in the petition, all of the facts necessary to show the nature of the controversy or uncertainty, and the manner in which the statute, rule or order in question applies or potentially applies to the petitioner and any other facts the petitioner desires the Board to consider.

F. The parties to any proceeding pursuant to this rule shall be the Board and the petitioner. Any 
other person may seek leave of the Board to intervene in such a proceeding, and leave to intervene will be granted at the sole discretion of the Board. A petition to intervene shall set forth the same matters as required by Paragraph D of this rule. Any reference to a "petitioner" in this rule also refers to any person who has been granted leave to intervene by the Board.

G. Any declaratory order or other order disposing of a petition pursuant to this rule shall 
constitute agency action subject to judicial review pursuant to C.R.S. 24-4-106.

Rule 17 Acupuncture

A. All chiropractors who choose to practice acupuncture as an adjunct to their regular practice of
chiropractic and who do not already hold a valid current acupuncture registration issued by the director of the Colorado Division of Registrations, must be certified by the Chiropractic Board.  Applications for certification in acupuncture shall be made on forms provided by the Board.  Certification in acupuncture by the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners may be obtained by complying with the following:

1. Completing a minimum of a combined total of 100 hours of theoretical study and 
supervised clinical instruction obtained from a school of chiropractic approved by the Council on Chiropractic Education or the equivalent hours of study and clinical supervision obtained from an instructor approved by the Board; and

2. Completing a minimum of 25 different cases, or

3. Successful completion of a Board approved, nationally recognized examination that satisfies the requirements in 1 and 2 above.

B. The use of needle auriculotherapy or needle meridian therapy is exclusively limited to those 
licensees certified in acupuncture.

Rule 18 Providing Patient Records

A licensee shall provide patient records pursuant to §25-1-802 (1), C.R.S. Failure to do so may be
deemed to be in violation of §12-33-117, C.R.S.

Rule 19 Safety Training for Unlicensed Chiropractic Personnel

A. As provided for in §12-33-202, C.R.S., the Board hereby establishes standards for unlicensed
chiropractic personnel to operate a machine source of ionizing radiation (x-ray machine) or to administer such radiation to a patient for diagnostic purposes.

B. In order to qualify to operate an x-ray machine or to administer such radiation to a patient, 
unlicensed chiropractic personnel must successfully complete a Board approved course that satisfies the following requirements:

1. Basic radiological guidelines - 5 hours.

2. Operator and patient safety - 5 hours.

3. Practical and clinical experience in radiographic production, beam imaging formation, 
density, contrast, filtration, collimation, processing techniques, chart selection, positioning, examinations, high speed film selection, film marking, film storage, and darkroom procedures - 14 hours.

C.  Any licensed chiropractor employing unlicensed chiropractic personnel to operate an x-ray 
machine or to administer such radiation to a patient shall maintain written verification of successful completion and training which must include:

1.	A certificate with the name and authorized signature of the agency/educational 
       institution or individual which provided the training;

2.	Name and signature of the unlicensed person who successfully completed the 
education and training;

3. Verification of completion of hours specified in subsection B;

4. Date of completion; and

5. 	The original of the written verification shall be maintained in the personnel file and a 
copy shall be provided to the unlicensed person upon successful completion of the education and training.

D.  No chiropractor shall allow any unlicensed person to operate an x-ray machine or to 
administer such radiation to any patient unless such unlicensed person has met the standards set forth herein.  Any chiropractor who fails to comply with the provision of this rule may be subject to disciplinary action by the Board as provided for in §12-33-117, C.R.S.

Rule 20 Termination of Practice upon Suspension, Relinquishment or Revocation

A. Upon suspension of license, the licensee shall immediately stop the practice of chiropractic 
and shall tender his/her license to practice chiropractic to the Board within twenty-four (24) hours from the effective date of the suspension. The licensee shall notify all patients that the licensee has ceased the practice of chiropractic and must allow patients to make arrangements for the transfer of patient records. The licensee shall make the patient records or copies of the patient records available to a practitioner designated by the patient, or if the licensee’s practice is sold, to the chiropractor who purchases the practice. Written notice of the termination of practice must be made to all patients of the practice to the patient’s last known address, or by legal notice by
publication.

B. Upon revocation and relinquishment of license, the licensee shall immediately stop the 
practice of chiropractic and shall tender his/her license to practice chiropractic to the Board within twenty-four (24) hours from the effective date of revocation or relinquishment. The licensee shall notify all patients within 30 calendar days that the licensee has ceased the practice of chiropractic and that the patient must make arrangements for the transfer of patient records. The licensee shall make the patient records or copies of the patient records available to the patient, to a practitioner designated by the patient, or if the licensee’s practice is sold, to the chiropractor who purchases the practice. The transfer of patient records must be completed within 60 days. These terms may be set forth in the revocation or relinquishment order. Written notice of the termination of practice must be made to all patients of the practice to the patient’s last known address, or by legal notice by publication.

C. The practitioner who is suspended, relinquished, or revoked cannot be on the premises of the 
office to observe, monitor, or participate in any way in care given. A practitioner may derive no income from the practice either directly or indirectly during the period of suspension, except for treatment provided before the beginning of the suspension.

D. Any request to deviate from this rule must be set forth in writing to the Board. The board may 
review the request and may, upon good cause shown, issue an amended termination order. The decision to amend the terms for the termination of practice is final with the Board. A failure to comply with the provisions of the termination order may be grounds for disciplinary action for violation of a Board Order.

Rule 21 Animals in the Office

If a chiropractor allows animals in his/her office, the chiropractor shall be responsible for their proper care
and feeding, shall have them vaccinated and licensed, as appropriate, and shall maintain compliance at
all times with the sanitation requirements referenced in §12-33-117(1)(g), C.R.S.

Rule 22 Record Keeping Requirements

Documentation of the patient’s health history, presenting complaint(s), progression of care, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan must be reflected in the record keeping and written reports of the patient file.  Records are required to be contemporaneous, legible, utilize standard medical terminology or abbreviations, contain adequate identification of the patient, contain adequate identification of the provider of service and indicate the date the service was performed.  All professional services rendered during each patient encounter should be documented.  Any addition or correction to the patient file after the final form shall be signed and dated by the person making the addition or correction.  The following minimum components must be documented within the patient file:
	A.  Initial Patient Visit:
		
		1.  History:

			a.  Chief complaint(s) described in terms of onset, provocative, palliative, quality, 
radiation, setting, and timing.

b.  Surgical, hospitalization, past/recent illness, trauma, family, social, 
past/recent system review, and past/recent allergies.

c.  Non-prescription, prescription, botanical, homeopathic medicines, and 
vitamin supplements.

			d.  A reasonable effort should be made to obtain and review pertinent records as 

clinically indicated from other health care providers, imaging facilities, or laboratories.

		2.  Examination:

			a.  Vital signs as clinically indicated.

			b.  Document examinations or tests ordered or performed and the results of 
each as necessitated by the patient’s clinical presentation consistent with common healthcare practices.

			c.  Document examinations of neuromusculoskeletal conditions using a format of 
inspection, palpation, neurological testing, range of motion, and orthopedic testing.

			d.  Document prognosis and/or outcome expectations.

			e.  When clinically indicated, treatment options/alternatives should be 
documented.
	
			f.  When referring to another healthcare provider, correspondence may be 
provided for patient care coordination.

B.  Established Patient Visit:

1.  Subjective Complaint:  The patient’s description of complaints should be recorded at 
each visit indicating improvement, worsening, or no change.

		2.  Objective Findings: Changes in the clinical signs of a condition should be described 
by the chiropractor at each visit.

		3.  Assessment or Diagnosis:  It is not necessary to update this category at each visit.  
However, periodic clinical re-evaluations should be performed, specifically documented and recorded in the daily entries.  Changes in the patient’s diagnosis should be recorded in the daily entries when clinically indicated.  Prognosis and/or outcome expectations should be updated periodically consistent with the clinical presentation.

		4.  Plan of Management:  A provisional plan of management should be recorded initially 
and further entries should be made as this plan is modified and/or as a patient enters a new phase of treatment or has a diagnosis change.  Changes in procedures should be documented and based on clinical assessment and reasoning.
		
		5.  Procedures:  Daily recording of procedures performed should include a description of 
type and location of procedure.  Units of time should be recorded when appropriate.

C.  Ancillary Documentation:

		1.  Correspondence sent and received.

2.  Specialty reports (diagnostic imaging, laboratory results, nerve conduction studies, 
etc.).

		3.  Communications (telephone conversations, dialogue with patient guardian or other 
healthcare providers).

D.  Patient clinical records shall be maintained for a minimum of seven (7) years after the last date of treatment or examination, or at least two years after the patient reaches the age of eighteen, whichever occurs later.  If patient records are maintained electronically, then a back-up and data recovery system must be in place.
E.  When the destruction cycle is imminent, written notice to the patient’s last known address, or notice by publication, must be made sixty (60) days prior to destruction allowing a thirty (30) day period wherein the patient may claim his/her records.  When a patient claims such records, the records must be provided to the patient, or legal guardian, at no charge; however, recovery of appropriate postage and handling costs is permitted.
F.  Records shall be destroyed in a manner that totally obliterates all information contained in the record such as by incinerating or shredding.
G.  Records may not be withheld for outstanding/past due professional fees.  A reasonable fee for copying records may be assessed to the requesting party.

Rule 23 Solicitation of Accident Victims
Any licensee, either directly or through an agent, engaging in permissible solicitation under §12-29.1-
102(2), C.R.S. shall fully disclose in writing to the patient, prior to establishing a doctor-patient
relationship, the nature of the solicitation as well as the licensee’s relationship with other service
providers.

Rule 24 General Licensing Provisions

A. The following provisions shall be in effect relating to change of name and address.

1. The licensee shall submit legal evidence of name change by court record or marriage
certificate in order for such change to be made on Board records.

2. The licensee shall submit any change of address within 30 days of such change. The 
change of address may be submitted in writing, by fax, or electronically. Telephone notification will not be accepted. Failure to notify the Board of the above changes within the guidelines outlined above may result in Board action against the licensee pursuant to §12-33-114.5, C.R.S.

3. Any notification by the Board to licensees, required or permitted, under §12-33-101 et 
seq., C.R.S. or the Colorado Administrative Procedures Act shall be addressed to the last address provided formally to the Board by the licensee and any such mailing shall be deemed proper service on said licensee.

B. An application for a license or authority not completed within one year of the date of the 
original application shall be deemed null and void. Such applicant shall be required to complete the entire application process again including payment of the application fee.

C. Applications that have not been completed within one year of the date of the original 
application will be purged and destroyed.

Rule 25 Chiropractor Patient Relationships

At no time shall a chiropractor use his/her influence or position of authority as a means to initiate or
promulgate a sexual act or relationship with a patient. Sexually intimate acts and relationships that exist
between life-partners or in a marriage do not preclude the doctor of chiropractic from providing the partner or spouse with chiropractic healthcare. The Board generally does not interpret §12-33-117(1)(aa), C.R.S. to include intimate relationships that exist prior to the initiation of treatment.

Rule 26 Sanitary and Hygienic Remedial Measures

Failure to utilize generally accepted standards of sanitary, hygienic, and public health measures may
violate section 12-33-102(1), C.R.S., and be subject to disciplinary action under section 12-33-117(b) &
(q), C.R.S.