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Table 1 A list of statements from 14 chiropractic regulatory boards in the UK, Australia, the US and Canada, which discourage the use of chiropractic care in the prevention and treatment for COVID-19 or to boost immunity in general

From: Misinformation, chiropractic, and the COVID-19 pandemic

Regulatory board

Web-page

Statement

UK- General Council on Chiropractic

www.gcc-uk.org/

It has come to our attention that some chiropractors are claiming or implying in published material that spinal adjustment and/or manipulation may protect patients from contracting COVID-19, boosting the immune system or aiding recovery. The General Council on Chiropractic is clear that there is no credible scientific evidence that supports this and chiropractors must not make such a claim, or link treatment to COVID-19, in any way. Any chiropractors making such claims in any way, or making other unsubstantiated claims, run a very serious risk of being in breach of the requirements set out in the Code and regulatory action will be taken accordingly.

Chiropractic Board Australia

www.chiropracticboard.gov.au/

Other than sharing health information from authoritative sources, registered health practitioners should not make advertising claims on preventing or protecting patients and health consumers from contracting COVID-19 or accelerating recovery from COVID-19. To do so involves risk to public safety and may be unlawful advertising. For example, we are seeing some advertising claims that spinal adjustment/manipulation, acupuncture and some products confer or boost immunity or enhance recovery from COVID-19 when there is no acceptable evidence in support.

US- Arizona

https://chiroboard.az.gov/

Chiropractors should refrain from any communication that suggests spinal adjustment/manipulation may protect patients from contracting COVID-19 or will enhance their recovery. Doing otherwise is potentially dangerous to public health.

US- Minnesota

https://mn.gov/boards/chiropractic-examiners/

All licensees are advised that anyone making claims that adjustments can provide immunity to the flu or coronavirus is likely in violation of statute and rule relating to both scope of practice and advertising claims.

US- Texas

http://www.tbce.state.tx.us/

The Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners agrees with and endorses the statements made by the World Federation of Chiropractic relating to chiropractic treatment and COVID-19

US- West Virginia

https://boc.wv.gov/

Any licensed DC who advertises or makes false, deceptive or misleading statements that he or she can cure the coronavirus is in violation of state statute pertaining to the scope of practice and advertising. Our scope does not provide disease-based treatment.

British Columbia Canada

https://www.chirobc.com/

The College of Chiropractors of British Columbia has become aware that some registrants are promoting treatment or supplements as a means to boost the immune system and may imply that this will prevent infection from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Any such claims made by registrants are inappropriate. When such claims are brought to the attention of the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia they will be forwarded immediately to the Inquiry Committee for investigation. As stated in part 9.5 of the Professional Conduct Handbook “, The prevention and treatment of infectious disease is not within the scope of chiropractic practice.”

Alberta Canadaa

https://albertachiro.com/

It is not appropriate to suggest that anecdotal remedies or adjustments will treat or prevent illness. No marketing should be executed around COVID-19

Saskatchewan Canadaa

https://saskchiro.ca/

Link to WFC statement

Ontario, Canada

https://www.cco.on.ca/

… with respect to inappropriate claims about COVID-19 made for chiropractic in social media and advertising. Where it was required, College of Chiropractors Ontario acted quickly and forcefully in reaching out to members whose posts may have crossed the line.

Quebec, Canada

https://www.ordredeschiropraticiens.ca/

We would like to remind everyone that the scope of chiropractic practice is the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of neuromusculoskeletal disorders. Any communication suggesting that chiropractic care can help people cope with the COVID-19 pandemic should be reported to the College.

New Brunswick, Canadaa

https://nbchiropractic.ca/

Chiropractors should avoid making any unsubstantiated claims concerning the role of chiropractic care in preventing or managing COVID-19, or related viral infections. The New Brunswick Chiropractic Association will be monitoring social media and online content to ensure compliance with advertising standards. Failure to comply may lead to a complaint.

Nova Scotia, Canada

https://www.knowyourback.ca/

Private communications to registrants about not making false and misleading claims about chiropractic treatment and immunity regarding COVID-19.

Prince Edward Island, Canadaa

https://www.peichiropractic.ca/

Members should avoid making any unsubstantiated claims concerning the role of chiropractic care in preventing or managing COVID-19, or related viral infections. The Prince Edward Island Chiropractic Association will be monitoring social media and online content to ensure compliance with advertising standards. Failure to comply may lead to a complaint.

  1. ain some Canadian provinces, the professional association and the regulatory college exist as one entity