← The business of practice, every jurisdiction
What Alabama’s statute, administrative rules and chiropractic board publish on eight topics of running a practice, quoted as published, each with its citation as printed, its source and the date we read it. Read on 9 October 2026.
Advertising · Titles and claims · Prepaid care and financial arrangements · Discounts, free services and inducements · Record retention · Assistants and delegation · Corporate practice and ownership · Telehealth
The State Board of Chiropractic Examiners shall have the right to regulate the advertising of chiropractic services by chiropractors or permit holders within the limits prescribed by this article and the rules and regulations governing the practice of chiropractic in this state.Section 34-24-121 · chiro.alabama.gov · CodeUPDATED26.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(b) The State Board of Chiropractic Examiners may invoke disciplinary action as outlined in subsection (c) whenever the licensee or permit holder shall be found guilty of any of the following:Section 34-24-166(b) · chiro.alabama.gov · CodeUPDATED26.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(13) Advertising in any manner which violates the rules and regulations established by the board.Section 34-24-166(b)(13) · chiro.alabama.gov · CodeUPDATED26.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(1) A chiropractor or non-licensed clinic owner shall not make or cause to be made a false communication about the chiropractor or the chiropractor’s services. A communication is false if it contains a material misrepresentation of fact or law or omits a material fact rendering the statement when considered as a whole to be false.190-X-5-.04(1) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(2) A communication is defined as information in any manner or medium designed or intended to attract public attention to the chiropractor or his/her practice.190-X-5-.04(2) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(3) The chiropractor or non-licensed clinic owner shall have ultimate responsibility for all communications which are approved by him or her or his or her agents or associates. All communications regardless of form, including but not limited to recorded and printed communications, shall be approved by the chiropractor. In the case of broadcast communications, the actual transmission shall be retained and in the case of printed communications, a copy of the publication in which the communication is displayed shall be retained. Copies of communications, including but not limited to the transmission and publication referenced above, shall be retained by the chiropractor for one hundred eighty (180) days following the final appearance or use of the communication. The chiropractor is responsible for making copies of the communications available to the Board within ten (10) days following a request by the board.190-X-5-.04(3) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(3) Advertising which is false or fraudulent is considered unprofessional.190-X-5-.05(3) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(a) Direct in-person uninvited solicitation except as authorized in paragraph (4) below, a licensee or permit holder, or a person or entity acting on their behalf, shall not by any direct, in-person, uninvited solicitation solicits an engagement to perform professional services. A licensee or permit holder, or a person or entity acting on their behalf, who has engaged in direct, in-person, uninvited solicitation shall not accept employment resulting from that solicitation, except that a licensee may accept employment from a close friend, relative, former patient (if the solicitation is germane to the former treatment), or one who the licensee reasonably believes to be a patient.190-X-5-.06(2)(a) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to practice chiropractic unless he or she shall have first obtained a valid license as provided in this article and possesses all the qualifications prescribed by the terms of this article. Any person who shall practice or attempt to practice chiropractic without such a license or any person who shall buy or fraudulently obtain such a license or shall violate any of the terms of this article, or shall use the title "chiropractic," "D.C.," or any word or title to induce the belief that he or she is engaged in the practice of chiropractic, without first complying with the provisions of this article, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or by imprisonment in the county jail for not less than 30 days nor more than one year, either or both, at the discretion of the court. All subsequent offenses shall be separate and distinct offenses and punishable in like manner.Section 34-24-123(a) · chiro.alabama.gov · CodeUPDATED26.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(f) Each licensed chiropractor who is actively engaged in practice or who holds himself or herself out as a chiropractor shall place or cause to be placed in a conspicuous place at the entrance of his or her office or place in which he or she practices a sign in intelligible lettering not less than one inch in height containing the name of the chiropractor and in lettering no smaller than half the size of the name of the chiropractor, the words "CHIROPRACTOR" or "CHIROPRACTIC." The intent of this requirement is that the office of the licensee be clearly identified by name and profession.Section 34-24-161(f) · chiro.alabama.gov · CodeUPDATED26.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(1) Any permit holder or chiropractor who is actively engaged in the operation of a clinic or the practice of chiropractic is required to place a sign or cause or require a sign to be placed in a conspicuous place at the entrance of the office or place of practice which must include the following information:190-X-5-.13(1) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(b) The word chiropractor, chiropractic, chiropractors, chiropractic physician or chiropractic physicians. These terms shall be displayed with similar prominence as the name of the practice.190-X-5-.13(1)(b) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(c) If any permit holder or licensed chiropractor is unable to comply with this rule because of circumstances such as being a member of a multi-discipline practice, not owning or controlling the building where the practice is located, etc., the chiropractor shall document and use their best efforts to have their name listed and in similar prominence the word chiropractor, chiropractic, chiropractors, chiropractic physician or chiropractic physicians at the entrance of the office place of practice.190-X-5-.13(1)(c) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
Externs performing chiropractic procedures under the supervision and direction of a Preceptor shall not represent themselves to the public as licensed Chiropractors or use terms such as "Chiropractor", "Doctor of Chiropractic" or "D.C."190-X-7-.02(2)(e) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(2) CHIROPRACTIC AGREEMENT or AGREEMENT. A contract between a chiropractor and a patient or his or her legal representative in which the chiropractor or the chiropractor's chiropractic practice agrees to provide chiropractic services to the patient for an agreed upon fee and period of time.Section 34-24-125(a)(2) · chiro.alabama.gov · CodeUPDATED26.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(f) To be considered a chiropractic agreement for the purposes of this section, the agreement shall satisfy all of the following:Section 34-24-125(f) · chiro.alabama.gov · CodeUPDATED26.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(6) Specify the duration of the agreement and any automatic renewal periods and require that no more than 12 months of the periodic fee be paid in advance.Section 34-24-125(f)(6) · chiro.alabama.gov · CodeUPDATED26.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(8) Provide that, upon termination of the agreement by the patient, all unearned fees are to be returned to the patient.Section 34-24-125(f)(8) · chiro.alabama.gov · CodeUPDATED26.pdf · read 9 October 2026
A chiropractor who offers any treatment plan which includes payment of fees for services, goods, or appliances to be performed or supplied in the future i.e., prior to the furnishing or supplying of any services, goods or appliances shall comply with all of the following requirements.190-X-5-.07 · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(a) Maintain for each patient a signed statement which explains fully and completely the services, goods, or appliances to be provided and the terms and conditions of payment. This statement shall include provisions for an accounting to the patient upon request as well as provisions for the return of all unearned fees in the event the patient chiropractic relationship is terminated.190-X-5-.07(a) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(b) The treatment plan shall include an accurate description of the services, goods, or appliances to be performed or supplied as well as the period of time in which the referenced services, goods or appliances will be performed or supplied.190-X-5-.07(b) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(c) Complete records of such account funds shall be maintained for five (5) years after the performance or supplying of the services goods or appliances or from the termination of treatment. In addition, records shall include a ledger of all funds received and payments made which must be patient specific.190-X-5-.07(c) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(b) The State Board of Chiropractic Examiners may invoke disciplinary action as outlined in subsection (c) whenever the licensee or permit holder shall be found guilty of any of the following:Section 34-24-166(b) · chiro.alabama.gov · CodeUPDATED26.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(8) Division of fees or agreeing to split or divide fees received for professional services with any person for bringing or referring a patient.Section 34-24-166(b)(8) · chiro.alabama.gov · CodeUPDATED26.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(4) A chiropractor shall not engage in the following:190-X-5-.08(4) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(a) Routinely waive copayments or deductibles for the purpose of financial gain; or190-X-5-.08(4)(a) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(b) Waive copayments or deductibles for the purpose of enticing or encouraging individuals to become patients.190-X-5-.08(4)(b) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
Chiropractors and clinic permit holders should maintain legible well documented records reflecting the history, findings, diagnosis, and course of treatment in the care of a patient.190-X-5-.09(1) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
Any licensee or clinic permit holder or permit holder who fails to keep for a minimum of five (5) years all written chiropractic records which justify the particular course of treatment of the patient engages in unprofessional conduct as defined in Rule 190-X-5-.05.190-X-5-.09(1) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(a) Upon request of a patient or authorized agent of a patient, licensees and clinic permit holders are required to, at a minimum, turn over to a patient or his or her authorized agent legible and accurate copies of any pertinent chiropractic records of the patient when requested to do so by the patient or his or her authorized agent for a legitimate purpose which is stated in writing and signed by the patient.190-X-5-.09(2)(a) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(3) Request for records from another healthcare practitioner or the Board of Chiropractic Examiners must be released within 10 working/business days.190-X-5-.09(3) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(4) Upon receipt of a properly signed and executed release from the patient, the licensee or clinic permit holder, at his discretion, may release the original or a copy of x-ray film and a copy of the patient records, etc. to the patient or their designee.190-X-5-.09(4) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(7) Transfer or Disposal of Records. When a licensee retires, terminates employment, or otherwise leaves a chiropractic practice, the licensee/permit holder is responsible for ensuring that active patients receive reasonable notification and are given the opportunity to arrange for the transfer of their patient records.190-X-5-.09(7) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
Such notification shall be provided no later than 30 days after retirement, termination, or any other reason for leaving.190-X-5-.09(7) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
A licensee/permit holder or their estate(s) transferring patient records in connection with the sale of a practice shall notify the active patients no more than 30 days preceding the sale that the records are being transferred and should provide the patient with information sufficient to secure the transfer of the patient record.190-X-5-.09(7) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(1) The Board finds and declares that any licensee who delegates professional responsibilities to a person when the licensee delegating such responsibilities knows or has reason to know that such person is not qualified by training, experience or licensure to perform them, engages in immoral, unprofessional or dishonorable conduct as defined in Rule 190-X-5-.05.190-X-5-.11(1) · admincode.legislature.state.al.us · 190-X-5 · read 9 October 2026
The Board finds and declares that any licensee who aids, assists, procures or advises any unlicensed person to practice chiropractic as defined in Code of Ala. 1975, §§34-24-120, et seq., engages in immoral, or unprofessional conduct as defined in Rule 190-X-5-.05.190-X-5-.12 · admincode.legislature.state.al.us · 190-X-5 · read 9 October 2026
Tier I extern can perform same services as a chiropractic assistant as long as under the direct supervision of the preceptor doctor and may observe the preceptor doctors treatment of patients.190-X-7-.02(2)(c)1.(i) · admincode.legislature.state.al.us · 190-X-7 · read 9 October 2026
(b) The State Board of Chiropractic Examiners may invoke disciplinary action as outlined in subsection (c) whenever the licensee or permit holder shall be found guilty of any of the following:Section 34-24-166(b) · chiro.alabama.gov · CodeUPDATED26.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(12) Aiding the unauthorized practice of chiropractic.Section 34-24-166(b)(12) · chiro.alabama.gov · CodeUPDATED26.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(4) Dry Needling is a non-delegable procedure to be performed only by licensed chiropractors meeting the requirements of this Rule.190-X-3-.03(4) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person who is not otherwise licensed by the board to own, in whole or in part, any chiropractic practice unless he or she shall have first obtained a valid permit in the name of the chiropractic practice or office. Each applicant must pass an examination administered by the board on this article and the rules of the board. Upon completion of all requirements and passage of the examination, a permit shall be issued. Employment of a chiropractor by a hospital, as defined in Section 22-21-7, shall be excluded from the requirements of this subsection. The board shall establish a reasonable fee for the issuance and renewal of the permit, which shall be renewable annually and shall provide a grace period for any permit to be renewed in the same manner as provided for licensees in Section 34-24-165. The holder of a permit issued pursuant to this subsection shall be subject to this article and any rules or regulations issued pursuant thereto.Section 34-24-123(b) · chiro.alabama.gov · CodeUPDATED26.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(1) Definition. For the purpose of this rule, practice shall mean an office, clinic or other place that offers or provides chiropractic services which is owned in whole or in part by a non-licensed person or entity.190-X-2-.17(1) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(a) A practice shall not offer or provide chiropractic services without all non-licensed owners’ first obtaining a permit or renewal permit from the Board.190-X-2-.17(2)(a) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(d) As a condition of the issuance of the initial non-licensed permit, the applicant if an individual(s) or if an entity the person(s) who will be most directly involved in the operation of the practice shall successfully pass a jurisprudence examination to be administered by the Board.190-X-2-.17(2)(d) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(f) Practice permits shall not be required for licensed hospitals as defined in Code of Ala. 1975, §22-21-7.190-X-2-.17(2)(f) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(3) Any licensed chiropractor who offers or provides chiropractic services for or in a practice as defined in this rule without said practice having first obtained a permit or a timely renewal shall be considered in violation of the Alabama Chiropractic Practice Act. A practice permit shall be subject to the provisions of the Alabama Chiropractic Practice Act in regard to issuance and renewal of the permit or the acts or omission of any licensed chiropractor employed or otherwise engaged to offer or provide chiropractic services.190-X-2-.17(3) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(2) The Board finds and declares that licensees who are employed by clinics or other facilities owned by non-licensees jointly and severally accept the professional responsibility and strict liability under the laws governing the practice of chiropractic and/or these rules and regulations for any violations which may be committed by the non-licensed owner(s), or committed by any non-licensed agent or employee acting at the direction of a non-licensed owner(s), or committed by any non-licensed agent or employee at the direction of another non-licensed agent or employee of a clinic or other facility owned by a non-licensee.190-X-5-.11(2) · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · read 9 October 2026
Shown only where the jurisdiction publishes a provision specific to chiropractic.
not found Not read on 9 October 2026: alisondb.legislature.state.al.us · 150994.htm · ROBOTS-UNREACHABLE (robots unreachable:URLError). Not read on 9 October 2026: admincode.legislature.state.al.us · 190 · JavaScript shell, no document. Not found in what we read on 9 October 2026. Pages read: chiro.alabama.gov · CodeUPDATED26.pdf · chiro.alabama.gov · RulesMarch2026WCAG20260225.pdf · chiro.alabama.gov · chiro.alabama.gov · links.aspx · chiro.alabama.gov · forms.aspx · chiro.alabama.gov · pub_notices.aspx. Searched the text of the act as the board publishes it (sections 34-24-120 to 34-24-177) and the board rules chapters 190-X-1 to 190-X-7 for telehealth, telemedicine, electronic, remote, virtual and internet; the hits were the board’s own electronic copies of records (190-X-1-.18), internet courses for continuing education (190-X-1-.19) and electronic communications in solicitation (190-X-5-.06), and no chiropractic telehealth provision. Absence in what we read is not absence in the jurisdiction’s law.The jurisdiction is the authority on everything here. These pages quote what the statute, the rules and the board publish and the date we read them; they do not interpret it. Laws and rules change. Confirm anything you intend to act on with the board.