Chapter 4734-6 | Licensing

Rule 4734-6-01 | Application for licensure.

• Effective: August 1, 2019
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Notwithstanding endorsement applicants as outlined in rule 4734-6-02 of the Administrative Code, each applicant for licensure to practice chiropractic in the state of Ohio shall submit satisfactory evidence of his or her qualifications as prescribed by section 4734.20 of the Revised Code. A complete application, including a non-refundable application fee in the amount of two hundred fifty dollars made payable to the treasurer, state of Ohio, and all required credentials, facts, and materials as the board requires must be filed with the board. Applications and fees are valid for one year from the initial application date.

(B) Each applicant shall submit to the board a detailed history of his or her chiropractic education to include locations, institutions and dates attended. Transcripts shall be sent directly from the institution or program.

(C) Each applicant who graduated from a doctor of chiropractic degree program on or after June 30, 2010 shall submit a transcript reflecting that he or she possesses a bachelor, masters, or doctorate degree from an institution accredited by a national accrediting agency recognized by the secretary of the United States department of education. Foreign educated applicants shall submit proof of the equivalent education. Transcripts shall be sent directly from each educational institution.

(D) Each applicant shall be responsible for submission of a national board of chiropractic examiners transcript as outlined in section 4734.20 of the Revised Code. The transcript shall be sent directly to the board office by the national board of chiropractic examiners.

(E) Each applicant shall be responsible for the submission of verification of licensure and good standing from all states in which a chiropractic license was ever issued. The verification shall be issued by the licensing authority and shall be valid for one hundred eighty days after receipt.

(F) Each applicant shall submit to a fingerprint criminal background check from the records maintained by the federal bureau of investigation and the bureau of criminal identification and investigation in accordance with sections 4734.20 and 4734.202 of the Revised Code. Applicants shall be responsible for submitting properly executed fingerprints and the appropriate fees to the bureau of criminal investigation and identification. The criminal background check shall be completed no earlier than one hundred eighty days preceding application for licensure and shall be valid for one hundred eighty days after receipt.

(G) Each applicant shall submit with his or her application a passport type photograph taken within the preceding one hundred eighty days.

(H) Each applicant has an ongoing obligation to update and supplement all information provided to the board in writing within ten days of any change.

(I) Each applicant will be notified by the board as to his or her eligibility for the jurisprudence examination not later than ten days after board review.

(J) In the event an applicant fails to achieve a minimum score of seventy-five percent on the jurisprudence examination, the applicant shall be eligible to retake the examination without additional charge providing the credentials supplied have not expired as outlined in this rule.

(K) The board may refuse or deny an applicant for licensure if the applicant does not meet the licensure requirements as outlined in section 4734.20 of the Revised Code or has committed any act which indicates the applicant does not possess the character and fitness to practice chiropractic, including any act that would be grounds for disciplinary action as outlined in section 4734.31 of the Revised Code. The burden of proof is on the applicant to prove by clear and convincing evidence to the board that he or she meets the conditions for licensure.

(L) Any applicant that the board proposes to refuse or deny licensure shall be entitled to a hearing on the question of such proposed refusal or denial.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4734.10
Amplifies: 4734.20, 4734.22, 4734.31
Five Year Review Date: 8/1/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 4/5/2009

Rule 4734-6-02 | Licensure by endorsement.

• Effective: August 1, 2019
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Each applicant for licensure to practice chiropractic in the state of Ohio by endorsement of a chiropractic license held in any other jurisdiction shall submit satisfactory evidence of his or her qualifications as prescribed by sections 4734.20 and 4734.23 of the Revised Code. Each applicant shall submit proof that he or she has held a valid unrestricted license in good standing as a chiropractic physician for five consecutive years immediately prior to the date of application.

(B) A complete application, including a non-refundable application fee in the amount of five hundred dollars made payable to the treasurer, state of Ohio, and all required credentials, facts and materials as the board requires must be filed with the board. Applications and fees are valid one year from the initial application date.

(C) Each applicant shall submit to the board a detailed educational history of his or her chiropractic education to include locations, institutions and dates attended. Transcripts shall be sent directly from the institution or program.

(D) Each applicant who graduated from a doctor of chiropractic degree program on or after June 30, 2010 shall submit a transcript reflecting that he or she possesses a bachelor, masters, or doctorate degree from an institution accredited by a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States department of education. Foreign educated applicants shall submit proof of the equivalent education. Transcripts shall be sent directly from each educational institution.

(E) Each applicant who has taken any examinations offered by the national board of chiropractic examiners shall be responsible for submission of a transcript. The transcript shall be sent directly to the board office by the national board of chiropractic examiners.

(F) Each applicant shall be responsible for the submission of verification of licensure and good standing from all states in which a chiropractic license was ever issued. The verification shall be issued by the licensing authority and shall be valid for one hundred eighty days after receipt.

(G) Each applicant shall submit to a fingerprint criminal background check from the records maintained by the federal bureau of investigation and the bureau of criminal identification and investigation in accordance with sections 4734.20 and 4734.202 of the Revised Code. Applicants shall be responsible for submitting properly executed fingerprints and the appropriate fees to the bureau of criminal investigation and identification. The criminal background check shall be completed no earlier than one hundred eighty days preceding application for licensure and shall be valid for one hundred eighty days after receipt.

(H) Each applicant shall submit with his or her application a passport type photograph taken within the preceding one hundred eighty days.

(I) Each applicant has an ongoing obligation to update and supplement all information provided to the board in writing within ten days of any change.

(J) Each applicant will be notified by the board as to his or her eligibility for the jurisprudence examination not later than ten days after board review.

(K) In the event an applicant fails to achieve a minimum score of seventy-five percent on the jurisprudence examination, the applicant shall be eligible to retake the examination without additional charge providing the credentials supplied have not expired as outlined in this rule.

(L) The board may refuse or deny an applicant for licensure if the applicant does not meet the licensure requirements as outlined in sections 4734.20 and 4734.23 of the Revised Code or has committed any act which indicates the applicant does not possess the character and fitness to practice chiropractic, including any act that would be grounds for disciplinary action as outlined in section 4734.31 of the Revised Code. The burden of proof is on the applicant to prove by clear and convincing evidence to the board that he or she meets the conditions for licensure.

(M) Any applicant that the board proposes to refuse or deny licensure shall be entitled to a hearing on the question of such proposed refusal or denial.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4734.10
Amplifies: 4734.20, 4734.22, 4734.23, 4734.31
Five Year Review Date: 8/1/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 8/12/2002

Rule 4734-6-04 | Preceptorships.

• Effective: August 1, 2019
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) In accordance with section 4734.27 of the Revised Code, the board may approve the limited practice of chiropractic in this state by a student intern of a board approved doctor of chiropractic degree program or institution that offers a preceptorship program.

(B) Definitions.

(1) Preceptorship program is a clinical program in which chiropractic interns participate under direct supervision of an Ohio licensed chiropractic physician. Only board approved doctor of chiropractic degree programs may conduct preceptorship programs in this state.

(2) Preceptor is an Ohio licensed chiropractic physician approved by the intern's doctor of chiropractic degree program and the board to provide direct supervision of the limited practice of chiropractic in this state by a student intern.

(3) Intern is an individual enrolled in a doctor of chiropractic degree program who has completed all requirements for the doctor of chiropractic degree except for the final clinical phase of the program and is approved by the board to practice chiropractic in Ohio in accordance with section 4734.27 of the Revised Code.

(4) Direct supervision of an intern means initial and ongoing direction, procedural guidance, observation, and evaluation by the approved preceptor who shall remain on the premises and shall supervise and monitor the intern's performance.

(C) Preceptor approval.

(1) The board may approve a chiropractic physician to be a preceptor if the chiropractic physician certifies to the board, on forms prescribed by the board, that he or she meets all of the following conditions:

(a) The licensee has been continuously licensed and actively practicing in Ohio for five years preceding the date of application;

(b) The licensee has no pending disciplinary action;

(c) Within the seven years preceding the date of application there has been no disciplinary action in any jurisdiction against the licensee;

(d) The licensee is approved by the intern's doctor of chiropractic degree program;

(e) The licensee shows proof of current valid malpractice insurance during the time period of the preceptorship program.

(2) The board may refuse to approve, or withdraw its approval of the preceptor at any time.

(D) Intern approval.

(1) Each intern shall apply for a special limited license and shall submit satisfactory evidence of his or her qualifications as prescribed by section 4734.27 of the Revised Code and this rule. A complete application, including a non-refundable application fee in the amount of seventy-five dollars made payable to the treasurer, state of Ohio, and all required credentials, facts and materials as the board requires must be filed with the board.

(2) An application for a special limited license shall include the following:

(a) An attestment from the academic dean that the applicant is in good academic standing with the doctor of chiropractic degree program and has completed all requirements for the doctor of chiropractic degree except for the clinical phase of the program;

(b) A passport type photograph taken within the preceding six months.

(3) Applicants have an ongoing obligation to update and supplement all information provided to the board in writing within ten days of any change.

(4) The board may refuse or deny an applicant for a limited license to participate in a preceptorship program in this state if the applicant does not meet the licensure requirements as outlined in section 4734.27 of the Revised Code or this rule, or if the applicant has committed any act which indicates that the applicant does not possess the character and fitness to practice chiropractic, including any act that would be grounds for disciplinary action as outlined in section 4734.31 of the Revised Code. The burden of proof is on the applicant to prove by clear and convincing evidence to the board that he or she meets the conditions for licensure.

(5) Any applicant that the board proposes to refuse or deny limited licensure shall be entitled to a hearing on the question of such proposed refusal or denial.

(6) The board may take disciplinary action against any intern upon proof, satisfactory to the board, that the intern has engaged in practice in this state outside the scope of the preceptorship program for which he or she has been approved, or upon other proof, satisfactory to the board, that the intern has engaged in conduct that is grounds for action under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code.

(7) Any violation of Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code or agency 4734 of the Administrative Code by the intern constitutes grounds for the board to:

(a) Prohibit the intern from taking the examination for licensure; and

(b) Take appropriate disciplinary action against the supervising preceptor.

(E) Preceptorship standards and procedures.

(1) The preceptor shall exercise direct on-premises supervision of the intern at all times during which the intern is engaged in any facet of patient care in the preceptorship program.

(2) The preceptor shall identify the intern to the patients of the preceptorship practice in such a way that no patient will be misled as to the status of the intern.

(3) The intern shall display a name badge identifying the intern's status as an intern at all times when the intern is providing direct care to a patient.

(4) The preceptor must monitor and track the intern's activity and regularly evaluate the intern's performance.

(5) Interns may assist preceptors in the performance of those duties that are lawful and ethical under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code and agency 4734 of the Administrative Code including but not limited to physical examinations, patient consultation, radiologic procedures, x-ray interpretation, specific chiropractic adjustment procedures and physical therapeutics.

(6) Interns are required to document all patient encounters in a logbook. Entries shall be made for all patient encounters, including observation. These entries should accurately reflect patient identification, involvement, and services rendered.

(a) Copies of logbook entries may be requested by the board at any time.

(b) Failure to provide logbook copies upon request by the board or falsification of logbooks may result in punitive measures.

(7) The preceptor shall maintain copies of all logbook records for one year following conclusion of the preceptorship program.

(8) The board may conduct random inspections of a preceptor site, including inspection of all pertinent documents to determine whether the program maintains the minimum standards required by the board.

(F) Preceptorship prohibitions. In addition to the prohibitions set forth in Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code and agency 4734 of the Administrative Code, an intern shall not:

(1) Diagnose the condition of a patient;

(2) Establish a plan of treatment or prognosis for a patient;

(3) Perform any service, except at the direction and supervision of an approved preceptor;

(4) Bill independently of the supervising preceptor for any service rendered; or

(5) Sign insurance forms or any other forms which require a licensed chiropractic physician's signature.

(G) Preceptorship termination. A preceptorship shall terminate upon the occurrence of the earliest applicable of the following:

(1) An intern participating in a preceptorship program completes the preceptorship;

(2) An intern is formally charged with a criminal offense, the circumstances of which substantially relate to the practice of chiropractic.

(3) An intern is found to have violated the statutes or administrative rules pertaining to the practice of chiropractic.

(4) An intern is formally named in a civil or malpractice action.

(H) Any change in preceptor must be pre-approved by the board in writing.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4734.10
Amplifies: 4734.10, 4734.27
Five Year Review Date: 8/1/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 5/25/2014

Rule 4734-6-05 | License for voluntary public service.

• Effective: January 1, 2019
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) An individual who previously held an unrestricted license to practice chiropractic in the state of Ohio who plans to offer gratuitous chiropractic services as a voluntary public service may apply for a special limited license to practice chiropractic .

(B) Each applicant for a license for voluntary public service shall submit a completed application, which can be obtained by contacting the board office, and a non-refundable application fee in the amount of seventy-five dollars. The application shall include a description of the gratuitous chiropractic services to be performed and documentation verifying that current valid malpractice insurance is in place. The applicant must attest that his or her practice is to be exclusively and totally devoted to providing gratuitous chiropractic care .

(C) The granting of a license for voluntary public service constitutes authority to practice chiropractic in Ohio only within the scope of services as described in the application as approved.

(D) All licenses for voluntary public service issued by the board shall bear the legend "limited to gratuitous chiropractic services."

(E) Any applicant that the board proposes to refuse or deny a special limited license shall be entitled to a hearing on the question of such proposed refusal or denial.

(F) If the board proposes to discipline a holder of a special limited license the licensee shall be entitled to a hearing on the question of such proposed discipline.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4734.10
Amplifies: 4734.27
Five Year Review Date: 1/1/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 9/3/2002

Rule 4734-6-06 | Jurisprudence examination.

• Effective: October 1, 2017
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

The board shall require all applicants for licensure to successfully complete a jurisprudence examination administered by the board with a minimum score of seventy-five per cent.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4734.10
Amplifies: 4734.20, 4734.22, 4734.23, 4734.27, 4734.34
Five Year Review Date: 3/30/2023
Prior Effective Dates: 12/1/2012

Rule 4734-6-07 | Addresses of licensees.

• Effective: January 1, 2019
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Licensees shall maintain current contact information with the board. Current contact information is defined as a valid email address, residence address and telephone number, and address and telephone number for all locations where activities related to the practice of chiropractic and/or acupuncture are conducted. No licensee may provide a post office box as a mailing address without disclosing the actual physical address of the residence or location where he or she conducts activities related to the practice of chiropractic and/or acupuncture.

(B) Licensees shall provide and maintain current contact information via the eLicense Ohio portal.

(C) Changes to contact information shall be made within thirty days of the change.

(D) A licensee's failure to receive notification of renewal due to failing to advise the board of a change of contact information shall not constitute an error on the part of the board, nor shall it exonerate the licensee from making such renewal.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4734.10
Amplifies: 4734.10
Five Year Review Date: 1/1/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 7/11/1988

Rule 4734-6-08 | Pre-chiropractic educational requirements.

• Effective: May 25, 2014
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Applicants who enrolled in a doctor of chiropractic degree program prior to January 1, 2002 shall have earned a minimum of sixty semester hours of appropriate pre-professional education at an institution accredited by a national accrediting agency recognized by the secretary of the United States department of education.

(B) Applicants who enrolled in a doctor of chiropractic degree program on or after January 1, 2002 and graduated on or before June 29, 2010 shall have earned a minimum of ninety semester hours of appropriate pre-professional education at an institution accredited by a national accrediting agency recognized by the secretary of the United States department of education.

(C) Applicants who graduate from a doctor of chiropractic degree program on or after June 30, 2010 shall possess a bachelor, masters, or doctorate degree other than a doctor of chiropractic degree, from an institution accredited by a national accrediting agency recognized by the secretary of the United States department of education.

(D) Foreign educated applicants must meet the appropriate equivalent of the above.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4734.10, 4734.20
Amplifies: 4734.20, 4734.23, 4734.27
Five Year Review Date: 4/30/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 8/1/2007

Rule 4734-6-09 | Character and fitness standards.

• Effective: August 12, 2002
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) The applicant for licensure has the burden to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the he or she possesses the requisite character, fitness, and moral qualifications for licensure for the practice of chiropractic. An applicant's failure to provide requested information, or otherwise cooperate in licensure proceedings before the board, may be grounds for refusal of the application.

(B) The board shall determine an applicant's character, fitness, and moral qualifications in accordance with:

(1) The provisions of Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code;

(2) The provisions of agency-level 4734 of the Administrative Code;

(3) Any code of ethics established or adopted by the board in accordance with section 4734.16 of the Revised Code.

(C) An applicant may be approved for licensure if the applicant's record of conduct justifies the trust of patients, other healthcare colleagues and the public with respect to the professional duties owed to them and demonstrates that the applicant satisfies the essential eligibility requirements for the practice of chiropractic as defined by the board. A record manifesting a significant deficiency in the honesty, trustworthiness, diligence, or reliability of an applicant may constitute a basis for refusal of the applicant. Factors to be considered carefully by the board concerning an applicant's good moral character and fitness to practice shall include, but are not limited to:

(1) Commission or conviction of a crime;

(2) Evidence of an existing and untreated chemical (drug or alcohol) dependency;

(3) Commission of an act constituting the unlicensed practice of chiropractic or other health care discipline requiring licensure;

(4) Violation of the rules of the applicant's chiropractic educational institution or any other academic misconduct;

(5) Evidence of a mental, emotional or psychological disorder that in any way affects or, if untreated, could affect the applicant's ability to practice chiropractic in a competent and professional manner;

(6) A pattern of disregard of the laws of this state, another state, or the United States;

(7) Failure to provide complete and accurate information concerning the applicant's past;

(8) False statements, including omissions;

(9) Acts involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation;

(10) Abuse of the health care system;

(11) Neglect of financial responsibilities;

(12) Neglect of professional obligations;

(13) Violation of an order of a court or licensing authority;

(14) Denial of licensure in another jurisdiction on character and fitness grounds;

(15) Disciplinary action by a chiropractic disciplinary agency or other professional disciplinary agency of any jurisdiction; and

(16) Any other grounds specified in section 4734.31 of the Revised Code.

(D) The board shall determine whether the present character, fitness, and moral qualifications of an applicant qualify the applicant for licensure for the practice of chiropractic. In making this determination, the following factors shall be considered in assigning weight and significance to the applicant's prior conduct:

(1) Age of the applicant at the time of the conduct;

(2) Recency of the conduct;

(3) Reliability of the information concerning the conduct;

(4) Seriousness of the conduct;

(5) Factors underlying the conduct;

(6) Cumulative effect of the conduct;

(7) Evidence of rehabilitation;

(8) Positive social contributions of the applicant since the conduct;

(9) Candor of the applicant in the licensure process;

(10) Materiality of any omissions or misrepresentations;

(11) Public confidence in the chiropractic profession if the applicant is licensed.

(E) In determining an applicant's character, fitness, and moral qualifications for the practice of chiropractic, the board shall not consider factors which do not directly bear a reasonable relationship to the practice of chiropractic, including but not limited to the following impermissible factors:

(1) Age, gender, race, color, national origin, or religion of the applicant; or

(2) Disability of the applicant, provided that the applicant, though disabled, is able to satisfy the essential eligibility requirements for the practice of chiropractic.

Last updated October 30, 2023 at 4:01 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: –
Amplifies: –
Five Year Review Date: