Arizona Chiropractic Board Disciplinary Actions

Arizona Chiropractic Board Disciplinary Actions disciplinary actions are given to chiropractors with a license or certification in Arizona.  If the Board determines formal disciplinary action is necessary it will happen after the completion of an investigation. It’s the job of the Board to review any complaint alleging a violation of Arizona laws and regulations. Chelle Law’s Arizona Chiropractic Board Attorneys have represented over 1,000 healthcare professionals before Arizona licensing boards. At Chelle Law, our attorneys have the experience to help chiropractors with all Arizona Chiropractic Board matters.

Thus, at a Board Meeting, the Board will vote to determine the outcome of each investigation.  The Board can vote on a non-disciplinary outcome or vote to offer the chiropractor formal discipline.  Disciplinary actions can include:

• Dismissal
• Advisory Letter
• Issue an Order to Cease and Desist
• Letter of Concern
• Order of Censure
• Civil Penalty
• Probation
• Refuse to Renew a License
• Nondisciplinary Order for Continuing Education
• Disciplinary Order for Continuing Education
• Suspension
• Revocation

Arizona Chiropractic Board Non Disciplinary Actions

• CASE DISMISSAL:  The Board may dismiss a complaint if they determine the information indicates there was not a violation of the rules of the Arizona Practice Act.  This outcome is not available to the public.
• ADVISORY LETTER: A letter from the Board expressing concern that the chiropractor’s conduct was not ideal; however, the conduct does not necessarily violate the Practice Act or Board policy and no further contact is needed.  This will not affect future licensure or if chiropractor wishes to further their education. This is not shown on license verification.
• NON-DISCIPLINARY ORDER FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION: An order that dictates the chiropractor must complete a number of hours of continuing education for specific topics.

Arizona Chiropractic Board Unprofessional Conduct

• REVOCATION: If the Board revokes a chiropractor’s license the chiropractor will be unable to practice or get licensed again for a minimum of five years. After the five-year period of license revocation, the chiropractor will need to reapply for their license. If the chiropractor reapplies for licensure they must demonstrate the grounds for revocation (substance abuse, mental health problems, criminal convictions) has been rectified through an application program. This is a public document.
• VOLUNTARY SURRENDER: The chiropractor voluntarily gives up their license. The benefit of this voluntary consent is that the Board is usually willing to reduce the amount of time until a chiropractor can reapply. This is usually between two to three years.
• SUSPENSION: A suspension stops the chiropractor from practicing. It prohibits any patient contact or services for a period of time until the Board lifts the suspension.
• PROBATION: The Board offers probation through a consent agreement. The consent agreement requires the chiropractor do certain things (drug testing, work supervision, counseling, continuing education).  Alternatively, they may need to refrain from doing things (unsupervised Medical like home health, working under the Medical licensure compact, using alcohol, etc.) A request for the removal of probation will be needed.
• LETTER OF REPRIMAND: A letter of reprimand is the lowest level of formal discipline against a license or certificate. There are no probationary requirements. However, the action is on the website for five years for the public to inspect. A document removal will occur five years after signing.
• STIPULATED REHABILITATION AGREEMENT: An Agreement that dictates the chiropractor must be monitored and complete rehabilitation. For instance, a chiropractor found to have a substance abuse problem would be subject to drug testing, group or individual therapy, practice restrictions, and supervision.

Arizona Chiropractic Board Complaint

Who can file an Arizona Chiropractic Board Complaint against a chiropractor? Patients, health care facilities, and other professionals, among others. When the Arizona Chiropractic Board receives a complaint, the Board initiates an investigation into the complaint (if the Board has jurisdiction and the Complaint isn’t dismissed). After this happens, the chiropractor receives notice and the board assigns an investigator to the case. Please note, having an attorney during this step can be crucial for chiropractors as they must submit a response, and interview with the investigator while also possibly appearing at an Arizona Chiropractic Board.

Responding to Practice Complaints and Investigations

After receiving an Arizona Chiropractic Board Complaint or self-report, a chiropractor receives a notice from the Board requesting additional information as well as a response to allegations found in the complaint. From here, the Chiropractic Board assigns an investigator to the complaint and they begin to collect evidence. The documents and evidence collected include:

• Patient medical records
• Employment files from the chiropractor’s employer and business
• Criminal records
• Interviews of people associated with the Board Complaint (These interviewees can include the patient, medical director, colleagues, etc.)

Consultation with Chelle Law

If you’re interested in learning more about our Arizona Chiropractic Board Attorney services and how to protect your license, set up a consultation with Chelle Law today.