Bill
S 5860
S5860 modernizes chiropractors' scope of practice and repeals outdated language to update allowed services, orders, and licensure requirements.
Status snapshot
- Bill number: S5860 (Print Nos. S5860A / S5860B)
- Title: Relates to modernizing the chiropractic scope of practice; repealer
- Introduced: March 3, 2025
- Current status: Passed Senate (6/10/2025); delivered to Assembly and referred to the Assembly Higher Education Committee (6/10/2025)
- Sponsors: Senator Andrew Gounardes (primary); Dean Murray and James Skoufis (co-sponsors)
- Companion/related legislation: A4706 (companion); prior-session related bills S7427, S5415, S1319, S6047
Note on source material
- The version content supplied contained embedded/garbled PDF data rather than a readable bill text. The summary below therefore combines the clear metadata and legislative actions provided with a plain-language explanation of the bill’s purpose based on its title. For an authoritative analysis of specific statutory changes, please provide the bill text or a link to the legislative web page.
Purpose and intent
- Based on the bill title, S5860 aims to “modernize” the statutory scope of practice for chiropractors in the state and includes one or more repealer provisions to remove older, conflicting, or obsolete statutory language. The intent of such legislation typically is to update what services chiropractors may provide, clarify training or licensing requirements, and harmonize law with current clinical practice and education.
Possible key provisions (illustrative — confirm against bill text)
- Expand or clarify allowable diagnostic and treatment modalities (e.g., spinal manipulation, soft-tissue therapies, rehabilitative exercises).
- Define or broaden authority to order diagnostic imaging or interpret results.
- Clarify ability to use ancillary modalities (physical therapy modalities, certain injections or therapies) or to make referrals.
- Update educational, continuing education, or supervision/licensure requirements.
- Modify patient record, consent, or collaboration/consultation requirements with other health professionals.
- Repeal outdated statutory sections that conflict with modern powers or licensure structure.
Who would be affected
- Chiropractors and chiropractic educational programs (changes to training or practice authorities).
- Patients seeking musculoskeletal care (potentially expanded access/services).
- Other health professionals (physicians, physical therapists) if referral, collaboration, or overlapping authorities change.
- Insurers and state regulatory boards (possible changes to scope-of-practice enforcement, reimbursement, and licensing rules).
Procedural/timeline notes
- Multiple amendments and printings: S5860A (5/21/2025) and S5860B (6/4/2025).
- Committee activity: Referred to Higher Education (3/3/2025); amended and recommitted several times; committee discharged and committed to Rules (6/10/2025); ordered to third reading and passed Senate (6/10/2025); delivered to Assembly and referred to Assembly Higher Education (6/10/2025).
- Next steps: Assembly committee consideration; possible further amendments, floor votes, and reconciliation if the Assembly passes a different version.
Recommended actions to understand impact
- Obtain and review the full text of S5860B (latest print) and the companion A4706 for detailed changes and repealer targets.
- Check the bill’s fiscal note and agency (licensing board) analyses for budgetary or regulatory impacts.
- Review stakeholder testimony (chiropractic associations, physician groups, consumer advocates) submitted to the Higher Education Committee.
If you want, I can:
- Locate the full bill text and fiscal note and produce a line-by-line summary, or
- Compare S5860 to the companion A4706 and prior related bills to show changes over time.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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