Table 3 Statutory legislation in countries where chiropractic is legalized (N = 68)
n | (%) | |
|---|---|---|
The legal framework governing chiropractic is | ||
National/Federal legislation (i.e. covers the entire country) | 43 | (63.2) |
Regional/State/Provincial/Canton legislation | 2 | (2.9) |
A combination of national/federal legislation with regional/state/provincial/canton rules | 3 | (4.4) |
Missing | 20 | (29.4) |
The chiropractic legislation stands alone | ||
Yes | 13 | (19.1) |
No | 55 | (80.9) |
Missing | 0 | – |
The legislation contains provision to establish a statutory regulator | ||
Yes | 44 | (64.7) |
No | 6 | (8.8) |
Missing | 18 | (26.5) |
A statutory regulator exists to set standards | ||
Yes | 27 | (39.7) |
Missing | 41 | (60.3) |
Roles of the statutory regulatora | ||
Maintain a statutory register | 22 | (32.4) |
Set standards of ethics/conduct and proficiency | 22 | (32.4) |
Set standards of education | 14 | (20.6) |
Accredit educational programs | 12 | (17.7) |
Set standards of continuing education | 11 | (16.2) |
Set standards of health | 11 | (16.2) |
Administer fitness to practice (disciplinary and health) hearings and impose sanctions | 18 | (26.5) |
Missing | 41 | (60.3) |
Regulations and/or rules under the legislation to provide for registration or licensure of chiropractors | ||
National/federal level. | 39 | (57.4) |
State/provincial level. | 3 | (4.4) |
None | 8 | (11.8) |
Missing | 18 | (26.5) |
The legal framework contains provision for disciplinary/fitness to practise hearings | ||
Yes | 31 | (45.6) |
No | 10 | (14.7) |
Missing | 27 | (39.7) |
Practicing without a license/without being registered is an offence | ||
Criminal offence | 13 | (19.1) |
Civil offence | 15 | (22.1) |
May practice but cannot use title | 1 | (1.5) |
Missing | 39 | (57.4) |
Sanctions available when a chiropractor has been found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct/serious professional misconduct under the legal frameworka | ||
Removal from the register (striking off) | 23 | (12.0) |
Admonishment | 21 | (11.0) |
Written undertakings | 10 | (5.0) |
Conditions of practice order | 12 | (6.0) |
Suspension from practice | 21 | (11.0) |
Financial penalty/fine | 11 | (6.0) |
Other | 2 | (1.0) |
Missing | 42 | (61.8) |