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SD 946

An Act relative to certainty of continuing education for chiropractors

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Cronin

Replaces CE approval for chiropractors from the state board to the Massachusetts Chiropractic Society, affecting course providers and license renewals.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 946

Summary: Senate Docket No. 946 — An Act relative to certainty of continuing education for chiropractors

Overview and intent

  • Purpose: To modify the approval authority for chiropractor continuing education (CE) requirements in Massachusetts, providing clearer and more certain oversight of CE programs.
  • How it achieves this: The bill amends Section 96 of Chapter 112 of the General Laws to substitute the Massachusetts Chiropractic Society (MCS) for the state board as the entity approving continuing education for chiropractors.

Key provisions

  • Amendment details:
    • In Section 96 of Chapter 112, the phrase after “as approved by the” is changed:
    • Replaces the word “board” with “Massachusetts Chiropractic Society.”
    • This replacement occurs in two places within the statute text quoted in the bill.
  • Effect: CE courses and CE credit for chiropractors would be approved by the Massachusetts Chiropractic Society instead of the board (the exact board referenced in current law). No other substantive changes to CE requirements (e.g., hours, topics) are specified in the bill.

Who/what would be affected

  • Chiropractors licensed in Massachusetts who must meet continuing education requirements.
  • The Massachusetts Chiropractic Society (as the new CE-approval authority).
  • The state regulatory framework for chiropractors, as the primary approving body for CE would shift from the board to MCS.
  • Potential implications for providers of CE courses, which would seek approval from MCS to count toward license renewal.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Senate filing: Senate Docket No. 946 (filed 1/15/2025)
  • Legislative actions:
    • Referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health (2025-02-27)
    • House concurrently concurred with the Senate version (2025-02-27)
  • Status: House concurred; the bill has advanced through the House and Senate in the same session.
  • Next steps: Typically, after house concurrence, the bill would proceed toward enrollment and potential signature by the Governor to become law. The summary does not indicate final enactment status beyond House concurrence.

Context and history

  • The bill references similar matter filed in a prior session (Senate No. 1346, 2023-2024), indicating ongoing interest in clarifying CE approval authority for chiropractors.

Potential impact considerations

  • Clarification of CE approval authority can reduce ambiguity for licensees and CE providers.
  • Shifting approval to a professional society (MCS) may affect consistency, oversight standards, and administrative processes for CE approvals.
  • Stakeholders may seek to align CE offerings with the new approving body’s criteria and procedures.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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