← The business of practice, every jurisdiction · North Carolina licensure
What North Carolina’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
Unethical conduct is defined as:§ 90-154.2 · www.ncleg.gov · Article_8.html · read 9 October 2026
(5) Violation of the Rules of Ethics of Advertising and Publicity.§ 90-154.2 · www.ncleg.gov · Article_8.html · read 9 October 2026
Prohibited Advertising. The following shall constitute false or misleading advertising, which constitutes unethical conduct pursuant to G.S. 90-154.2:21 NCAC 10 .0302 · reports.oah.state.nc.us · chapter 10 rules.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(1) Advertising that purports to guarantee a beneficial result from chiropractic treatment.21 NCAC 10 .0302 · reports.oah.state.nc.us · chapter 10 rules.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(2) Advertising that promotes a treatment, therapy, or service that constitutes unethical conduct as defined by G.S. 90-154.2 or any rule promulgated by the Board pursuant to G.S. 90-154.3(b).21 NCAC 10 .0302 · reports.oah.state.nc.us · chapter 10 rules.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(a) In-Person and Telephone Solicitation of Auto Accident Victims. In order to protect the public from misrepresentation, coercion, or undue influence, it shall be unlawful for a doctor of chiropractic, or the doctor's employee, to initiate direct personal contact or telephone contact with any person who has been injured in a motor vehicle collision, or with any person residing in the injured person's household, for a period of 90 days following the collision, if the purpose of initiating contact is, in whole or part, to solicit the injured person to become a patient of the doctor.21 NCAC 10 .0303 · reports.oah.state.nc.us · chapter 10 rules.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(c) Solicitation of Auto Accident Victims by Mail. A doctor of chiropractic may solicit persons injured in motor vehicle collisions at any time through the use of posted communications such as letters, brochures, information packages, and sound or video recordings. The words, "This is an advertisement for chiropractic services" must appear on the communication's envelope or mailing container in print large enough to be easily read.21 NCAC 10 .0303 · reports.oah.state.nc.us · chapter 10 rules.pdf · read 9 October 2026
It is the position of the North Carolina Board of Chiropractic Examiners that advertising or publicity that is deceptive, false, or misleading constitutes unprofessional conduct under the Chiropractic Practice Act.ADVERTISING AND PUBLICITY (no section number printed) · ncchiroboard.com · Advertising-and-Publicity_082019.pdf · read 9 October 2026
Unethical conduct is defined as:§ 90-154.2 · www.ncleg.gov · Article_8.html · read 9 October 2026
(4) Any licensee's failure to use the words Chiropractic Physician, Chiropractor or the initials D.C. in conjunction with the use of his name in his capacity as a Chiropractor on all reports, statements of claim for services rendered and on all signs, letterheads, business cards, advertising, and any other items of identification.§ 90-154.2 · www.ncleg.gov · Article_8.html · read 9 October 2026
Prohibited Advertising. The following shall constitute false or misleading advertising, which constitutes unethical conduct pursuant to G.S. 90-154.2:21 NCAC 10 .0302 · reports.oah.state.nc.us · chapter 10 rules.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(3) Advertising in which the licentiate is identified as a specialist, unless the licentiate has complied with the requirements of 21 NCAC 10 .0304 and any reference to the specialty is immediately preceded by the term "chiropractic." Illustrations are as follows:21 NCAC 10 .0302 · reports.oah.state.nc.us · chapter 10 rules.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(4) Advertising which would lead a reasonable person to believe the licensee holds any other licenses authorized under Chapter 90 of the North Carolina General Statutes when the licensee does not hold such license, including but not limited to a medical physician, physical therapist, massage therapist, or acupuncturist.21 NCAC 10 .0302 · reports.oah.state.nc.us · chapter 10 rules.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(c) Any licentiate wishing to request a specialty designation not listed in Paragraph (b) of this Rule shall first submit a written request to the Board and provide evidence that the designation meets the criteria set forth in Paragraph (d) of this Rule. A licentiate shall not publish the specialty designation until the Board has approved, in writing, the specialty designation requested.21 NCAC 10 .0304 · reports.oah.state.nc.us · chapter 10 rules.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(e) Claim of Specialty. Any published claim of specialization outside the recognized specialties or any published claim of specialization made by or at the behest of a licentiate who has not satisfied all applicable provisions of this Rule constitutes false or misleading advertising.21 NCAC 10 .0304 · reports.oah.state.nc.us · chapter 10 rules.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(b) Publication of Unrecognized Credentials Unlawful. It shall constitute a violation of the Rules of Ethics of Advertising and Publicity pursuant to G.S. 90-154.2(5) for a licensee to publish a credential that is not recognized by the Board. For purposes of this Rule, "publication" includes representations made in a licensee's print, broadcast or online advertisement, professional stationery, business cards, and office signage.21 NCAC 10 .0306 · reports.oah.state.nc.us · chapter 10 rules.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(a) Prepaid Treatment Plan Defined. A "prepaid treatment plan" is a contract between a patient and a physician under which the patient, instead of paying for services as they are delivered, agrees in advance to pay a pre-determined total amount to the physician for a series of specified treatments and services to be performed by the physician or the physician's staff in the future and that are not covered by insurance. The patient's financial obligation may be payable in a lump sum or in periodic installments.21 NCAC 10 .0305 · reports.oah.state.nc.us · chapter 10 rules.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(b) Non-Conforming Plans Unlawful. A physician who offers to a patient a prepaid treatment plan that does not conform to this Rule shall be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to G.S. 90-154(b)(9), committing or attempting to commit fraud, deception, or misrepresentation.21 NCAC 10 .0305 · reports.oah.state.nc.us · chapter 10 rules.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(d) Refund Calculation. The patient shall have the right to terminate a prepaid treatment plan at any point prior to the stated expiration without incurring any financial penalty. The physician may charge the patient the full amount for dispensed products that cannot be re-stocked, including opened nutritional supplements and used cervical pillows, orthotic and neurological appliances, and similar durable medical equipment. In all other respects, the amount of the refund payable to the patient shall be calculated strictly pro-rata, based on the measure of duration recited in the plan document (office visits or calendar days). No other method of refund calculation shall be permitted, and any provision in the plan that specifies another method of calculation shall be void.21 NCAC 10 .0305 · reports.oah.state.nc.us · chapter 10 rules.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(e) Notice of Plan Termination; Prompt Refund. The physician may require that a patient give notice of plan termination by delivery of a paper writing dated and signed by the patient or a person authorized to sign on the patient's behalf. The physician shall not impose any other procedural impediments to obtaining a refund. The physician shall issue the appropriate pro-rata refund within ten business days after receiving notice of plan termination.21 NCAC 10 .0305 · reports.oah.state.nc.us · chapter 10 rules.pdf · read 9 October 2026
Unethical conduct is defined as:§ 90-154.2 · www.ncleg.gov · Article_8.html · read 9 October 2026
(2) The billing or otherwise charging of a fee to a third party payor for a service offered by the doctor as a free service, which service is accepted as a free service by any patient when, in fact, the doctor of chiropractic is transmitting any charge to a third-party payor for payment.§ 90-154.2 · www.ncleg.gov · Article_8.html · read 9 October 2026
A health care provider shall not financially compensate in any manner a person, firm, or corporation for recommending or securing the health care provider's employment by a patient, or as a reward for having made a recommendation resulting in the health care provider's employment by a patient.§ 90-401 · www.ncleg.gov · GS_90-401.html · read 9 October 2026
No health care provider who refers a patient of that health care provider to another health care provider shall receive financial or other compensation from the health care provider receiving the referral as a payment solely or primarily for the referral.§ 90-401 · www.ncleg.gov · GS_90-401.html · read 9 October 2026
This section shall not be construed to prohibit a health care provider's purchase of advertising which does not entail direct personal contact or telephone contact of a potential patient.§ 90-401 · www.ncleg.gov · GS_90-401.html · read 9 October 2026
Payment by or to a licensee solely for the referral of a patient is unethical.REFERRAL FEES AND FEE SPLITTING (no section number printed) · ncchiroboard.com · Referral-Fees-and-Fee-Splitting_082019.pdf · read 9 October 2026
It is unethical for licensees to offer financial incentives or other valuable considerations to patients in exchange for recruitment of other patients.REFERRAL FEES AND FEE SPLITTING (no section number printed) · ncchiroboard.com · Referral-Fees-and-Fee-Splitting_082019.pdf · read 9 October 2026
Except in instances permitted by statute, it is the position of the Board that a licensee cannot share revenue on a percentage basis with a non-licensee.REFERRAL FEES AND FEE SPLITTING (no section number printed) · ncchiroboard.com · Referral-Fees-and-Fee-Splitting_082019.pdf · read 9 October 2026
DCs have both a legal and ethical obligation to retain patient records.RETENTION OF PATIENT RECORDS (no section number printed) · ncchiroboard.com · Retention-of-Patient-Records_082019.pdf · read 9 October 2026
State and federal laws currently require that records be kept for a minimum length of time including but not limited to:RETENTION OF PATIENT RECORDS (no section number printed) · ncchiroboard.com · Retention-of-Patient-Records_082019.pdf · read 9 October 2026
1. Medicare and Medicaid Investigations (up to 7-years);RETENTION OF PATIENT RECORDS (no section number printed) · ncchiroboard.com · Retention-of-Patient-Records_082019.pdf · read 9 October 2026
2. HIPPA (up to 6-years);RETENTION OF PATIENT RECORDS (no section number printed) · ncchiroboard.com · Retention-of-Patient-Records_082019.pdf · read 9 October 2026
3. Medical Malpractice (varies depending on the case but should be measured from the date of the last professional contact with the patient – DCs should check with their malpractice insurer); North Carolina has no statute relating specifically to the retention of medical records;RETENTION OF PATIENT RECORDS (no section number printed) · ncchiroboard.com · Retention-of-Patient-Records_082019.pdf · read 9 October 2026
4. Immunization records always must be kept.RETENTION OF PATIENT RECORDS (no section number printed) · ncchiroboard.com · Retention-of-Patient-Records_082019.pdf · read 9 October 2026
Patients should be notified regarding how long the DC will retain medical records.RETENTION OF PATIENT RECORDS (no section number printed) · ncchiroboard.com · Retention-of-Patient-Records_082019.pdf · read 9 October 2026
Records must be accessible to the patient or guardian in a timely fashion.PATIENT RECORD STANDARDS (no section number printed) · ncchiroboard.com · PatientRecordStandards_102519.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(a) "Chiropractic clinical assistant" means a nonlicensed employee of a chiropractic physician whose duties include (i) collecting general health data, such as the taking of an oral history or vital sign measurements, (ii) applying therapeutic procedures, such as thermal, sound, light and electrical modalities, and hydrotherapy, and (iii) monitoring prescribed rehabilitative activities. Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow a chiropractic clinical assistant to provide a chiropractic adjustment, manual therapy, nutritional instruction, counseling, or any other therapeutic service that requires individual licensure.§ 90-143.4(a) · www.ncleg.gov · Article_8.html · read 9 October 2026
(b) Any person employed as a chiropractic clinical assistant shall obtain a certificate of competency from the North Carolina State Board of Chiropractic Examiners (Board) within 180 days after the person begins employment. Certification shall not be required for employees whose duties are limited to administrative activities of a nonclinical nature. Except as otherwise provided in G.S. 90-142.1 and this section, it shall be unlawful for any person to practice as a chiropractic clinical assistant unless duly certified by the Board.§ 90-143.4(b) · www.ncleg.gov · Article_8.html · read 9 October 2026
Unethical conduct is defined as:§ 90-154.2 · www.ncleg.gov · Article_8.html · read 9 October 2026
(6) The allowance of any unlicensed person to practice chiropractic in the office of a licensed chiropractic.§ 90-154.2 · www.ncleg.gov · Article_8.html · read 9 October 2026
For purposes of this Rule, a Certified Chiropractic Assistant – Level 1 is the same as a "chiropractic clinical assistant" as defined in G.S. 90-143.4(a).21 NCAC 10 .0213 · reports.oah.state.nc.us · chapter 10 rules.pdf · read 9 October 2026
Any person practicing chiropractic in this State without possessing a license as provided in this Article shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, except that students of chiropractic participating in a preceptorship program may perform chiropractic services without a license under direct supervision as set forth in G.S. 90-142.1.§ 90-147 · www.ncleg.gov · Article_8.html · read 9 October 2026
(c) Preceptors shall supervise only one student at a time. Preceptors shall obtain verbal consent from every patient who is treated by the student prior to the student commencing treatment. Preceptors shall document consent in the patient's record.21 NCAC 10 .0218 · reports.oah.state.nc.us · chapter 10 rules.pdf · read 9 October 2026
(a) Each partner in a partnership that is engaged in the practice of chiropractic shall be licensed under this Article.§ 90-157.3(a) · www.ncleg.gov · Article_8.html · read 9 October 2026
(b) Each general partner in a limited partnership that is engaged in the practice of chiropractic and each limited partner who takes part in the control of the practice shall be licensed under this Article.§ 90-157.3(b) · www.ncleg.gov · Article_8.html · read 9 October 2026
(c) The provisions of Chapter 55B of the General Statutes shall apply to all business corporations organized under Chapter 55 of the General Statutes and engaged in the practice of chiropractic.§ 90-157.3(c) · www.ncleg.gov · Article_8.html · read 9 October 2026
(a) A chiropractor who seeks to deliver chiropractic services through a professional corporation or professional limited liability company shall first obtain Board approval. Prior to approval, the entity shall submit its Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization to the Board for the purpose of verifying the legal name of the entity.21 NCAC 10 .0217 · reports.oah.state.nc.us · chapter 10 rules.pdf · read 9 October 2026
All shareholders of a chiropractic corporation must be licensed by this board.Incorporation FAQs (no section number printed) · ncchiroboard.com · incorporation-faqs · read 9 October 2026
A corporate entity that provides professional chiropractic services, must be in the form of a Professional Corporation (PC), Professional Association (PA ), or Professional Limited Liability Corporation (PLLC).Incorporation FAQs (no section number printed) · ncchiroboard.com · incorporation-faqs · read 9 October 2026
A chiropractor may not provide chiropractic services through a for-profit business entity unless the entity is a professional entity that is legally engaged in the practice of chiropractic.POSITION STATEMENT ON INTEGRATED PRACTICE GUIDELINES for DOCTORS OF CHIROPRACTIC (no section number printed) · ncchiroboard.com · Integrated-Practice.pdf · read 9 October 2026
A chiropractor may be employed by MDs or DOs to perform chiropractic, but only in circumstances in which chiropractic clinical decisions are entirely under the direction of a licensed chiropractor and as allowed by statutes and rules pertaining to the practice of medicine.POSITION STATEMENT ON INTEGRATED PRACTICE GUIDELINES for DOCTORS OF CHIROPRACTIC (no section number printed) · ncchiroboard.com · Integrated-Practice.pdf · read 9 October 2026
Shown only where the jurisdiction publishes a provision specific to chiropractic.
quotedThe Board cautions, however, that licensees practicing via telemedicine will be held to the same standard of care as licensees employing more traditional in-person chiropractic settings.Telemedicine (no section number printed) · ncchiroboard.com · Telemedicine-Apr21-2023.pdf · read 9 October 2026
The Board does not endorse a separate standard of care for telemedicine.Telemedicine (no section number printed) · ncchiroboard.com · Telemedicine-Apr21-2023.pdf · read 9 October 2026
Licensees using telemedicine technologies to provide care to patients located in North Carolina must provide, or rely upon, an appropriate evaluation prior to diagnosing and/or treating the patient.Telemedicine (no section number printed) · ncchiroboard.com · Telemedicine-Apr21-2023.pdf · read 9 October 2026
The licensee treating a patient via telemedicine must maintain a complete record of the telemedicine patients’ care consistent with the prevailing patient record standards.Telemedicine (no section number printed) · ncchiroboard.com · Telemedicine-Apr21-2023.pdf · read 9 October 2026
The Board deems the practice of chiropractic to occur in the state where the patient is located.Telemedicine (no section number printed) · ncchiroboard.com · Telemedicine-Apr21-2023.pdf · read 9 October 2026
Therefore, any licensee using telemedicine to regularly provide chiropractic services to patients located in North Carolina should be licensed to practice chiropractic in North Carolina.Telemedicine (no section number printed) · ncchiroboard.com · Telemedicine-Apr21-2023.pdf · read 9 October 2026
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.