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Bill

Bill

SB 5899

Creating a license endorsement to allow qualified licensed chiropractors to perform chiropractic diagnosis and adjustments on nonhuman animals.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Perry Dozier and 4 co-sponsors

Washington bill authorizes licensed chiropractors to perform adjustments and diagnostics on animals through a new professional endorsement, expanding regulated alternative animal care options.

By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading.
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Bill Summary · SB 5899

Legislative bill overview

SB 5899 creates a new professional license endorsement in Washington that would allow licensed chiropractors to legally perform chiropractic adjustments and diagnostic services on animals. The bill essentially extends chiropractic practice authority beyond humans to include nonhuman animals under regulated conditions.

Why is this important

This addresses a regulatory gap where animal chiropractic services exist in practice but lack clear legal authorization under Washington's professional licensing framework. The bill provides consumer protection through established practitioner qualifications while potentially expanding healthcare options for pet and livestock owners, though it also raises questions about appropriate scope of practice and animal welfare oversight.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice boundary: Whether chiropractors trained for human anatomy possess sufficient knowledge of diverse animal anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to safely perform adjustments on different species
  • Veterinary jurisdiction overlap: Concerns from veterinary boards that this encroaches on veterinary medicine's traditional authority, particularly regarding diagnosis and treatment of animal conditions
  • Qualification standards: Uncertainty about what additional training or certification chiropractors must complete to earn the animal endorsement, and whether current standards are adequate

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

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