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LD 649

An Act To Certify Chiropractic Assistants Who Perform X-Rays As Radiologic Technologists

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Rick Bennett and 5 co-sponsors

Chiropractic assistants who perform x-rays must obtain a separate chiropractic radiographer certification in addition to their license.

Became Law without Governor's Signature
#healthcarepersonnel #licensing #radiologictechnologists
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Bill Summary · LD 649

Summary — LD 649 (132nd Maine Legislature)

Title: An Act To Certify Chiropractic Assistants Who Perform X‑rays as Chiropractic Radiographers
Status: Became law without the Governor’s signature (06/15/2025)
Introduced: 02/20/2025 — Sponsor: Rep. Wadsworth of Hiram
Committee: Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services

Purpose / Intent

The bill requires that individuals employed in chiropractic offices who perform or produce x‑rays must hold a specific radiography certification in addition to their existing chiropractic assistant license. The goal is to ensure that staff who operate x‑ray equipment in chiropractic settings meet recognized training/certification standards for radiologic safety and technique.

Key provisions

  • Adds a certification requirement for chiropractic assistants who perform x‑rays. As amended (Committee Amendment A, H‑269), the required credential is specified as certification as a "chiropractic radiographer" (original drafts used the term “radiologic technologist”).
  • The certification is required in addition to the existing license as a chiropractic assistant — it does not replace the chiropractic assistant license.
  • The Board of Chiropractic Licensure will administer the certification program, including collecting initial certification and renewal fees.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Chiropractic assistants employed in chiropractic offices whose duties include producing x‑rays. These individuals must obtain the additional chiropractic radiographer certification to continue performing x‑rays.
  • Secondary: Chiropractors and chiropractic practices (employers) — will need to ensure staff compliance and may be affected by staffing/training/credentialing timelines and costs.
  • Regulatory body: Board of Chiropractic Licensure — responsible for implementing certification, collecting fees, and any related rulemaking.

Fiscal impact

  • The bill is expected to increase dedicated (Other Special Revenue) receipts to the Board of Chiropractic Licensure from certification and renewal fees. The fiscal notes for the original bill, the committee amendment, and the engrossed version all report a revenue increase for the current biennium, but do not estimate amounts.
  • Additional implementation costs for the Board are described as minor and are expected to be absorbable within existing budgeted resources.

Legislative and procedural timeline (selected)

  • 02/20/2025: Bill received and referred to committee.
  • 03/19/2025: Work session; committee voted OTP‑AM (ought to pass as amended).
  • 05/23/2025: Reported out — OTP‑AM.
  • 05/27–05/28/2025: Passed by both chambers as amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H‑269).
  • 06/15/2025: Became law without the Governor’s signature.

Implementation notes / next steps

  • The Board of Chiropractic Licensure will need to establish certification procedures, any required standards or coursework, and fee levels (if not already defined). Those details and any rulemaking should be consulted to determine exact training/education requirements, timelines for current staff to comply, and fee amounts.
  • Employers and affected staff should check the Board’s guidance and any administrative rules that follow enactment for compliance deadlines and application processes.

For precise licensing standards, fee amounts, and effective dates beyond the enactment date, consult the Board of Chiropractic Licensure or the enacted statutory text and subsequent rules.

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

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