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MississippiHB 9422026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Chiropractors; extend repealer on licensure law.

Sponsored By: Fred Shanks (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Public Health and Human ServicesPublic Health and Welfare

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

10 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 3 costs, 3 mixed.

Stronger discipline and penalties for violations

Beginning July 1, 2026, the board can refuse, suspend, or revoke a license for many reasons, including fraud, felony convictions, addiction, incompetence, x‑ray or health‑rule violations, failure to report abuse, improper advice against a doctor’s prescription, unprofessional conduct, improper payor arrangements, enabling unlicensed practice, student‑loan default, and poor records. Violations can also be misdemeanors with fines of $500 to $2,500 and 30 days to 1 year in county jail. The board and prosecutors may take cases to court, and chancery courts can issue injunctions.

Paths to a full chiropractic license

Beginning July 1, 2026, you can take the Mississippi chiropractic exam if you finished a board‑recognized school, completed two prior academic years, and passed NBCE Parts 1–4 plus the physical modality section. Applications must include your Social Security number; the board holds at least two exams a year. If you fail, you can retake after six months and within two years; after two failures, more study is required. The board can license experienced out‑of‑state chiropractors by reciprocity if they have at least 8 years of practice, a clean record, equivalent education, pass the state exam, and meet therapy rules; special rules apply for military applicants and spouses. Historic grandfathering remains in law for certain people who practiced before 1970 or eight years before April 16, 1973 and applied within 90 days of the first board.

Annual fees and education for chiropractors

Beginning July 1, 2026, you pay a $100 application fee and a $200 exam and certificate fee. Each year, renewal can cost up to $300 and requires at least 12 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours in risk management. Chiropractors age 75+ who are not in active practice are exempt from the renewal fee and CE. If renewal is over 60 days late, your license can be revoked and reinstatement requires lapsed fees plus a processing charge up to $300.

Temporary and supervised chiropractic licenses

Beginning July 1, 2026, last‑year students and recent graduates can get a limited license to practice only under direct, on‑site supervision. A sponsor may oversee only one limited‑license student or graduate at a time. Nonresident chiropractors traveling with nonresident entities (like sports teams) can get a temporary Travel‑to‑Treat license to treat only their group while in Mississippi. The board may also issue an emergency license for up to 90 days, extendable once for 90 days or until the resident chiropractor returns.

State chiropractic board, funding, and sunset

Beginning July 1, 2026, a six‑member State Board of Chiropractic Examiners oversees licensing and rules. The board meets regularly, may hire staff, and pays members per diem and mileage from its special fund. The executive secretary must post a $10,000 bond. All board money goes into a dedicated fund; there is no general state appropriation. The law extends the repeal date so the board’s powers continue in force.

What chiropractors may do in care

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law defines chiropractic as spinal adjustments to support health without drugs or surgery. Chiropractors may use manual techniques and certain electrical therapies, like ultrasound and muscle stimulation, when taught by approved schools. They may recommend, dispense, or sell vitamins and supplements. They may also refer patients to licensed physical therapists.

Certification and fees for chiropractic assistants

Beginning July 1, 2026, assistants who take part in direct patient care must be certified and complete required continuing education. The board may charge up to $50 a year to certify or renew you. If you do not renew on or before July 1, you owe a $100 late fee.

Clear rules for patient treatment records

Beginning July 1, 2026, chiropractors and their assistants must keep clear, complete, and legible patient records. Records must show history, symptoms, exam, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment, with a key for any abbreviations. These rules apply even to free or reduced‑fee visits and may be used in discipline cases.

Animal chiropractic only with vet oversight

Beginning July 1, 2026, chiropractors may treat animals only when a Mississippi veterinarian refers and directly supervises the care. The chiropractor must hold a Mississippi license and have approved animal‑chiropractic training or certification (ACCC/AVCA or IVCA, or a Board of Veterinary Medicine–approved course).

Safety limits and training for chiropractors

Starting July 1, 2026, no one may practice chiropractic without a Mississippi license. Chiropractors may not prescribe medicines, do surgery, obstetrics, osteopathy, invasive skin‑piercing techniques like venipuncture or acupuncture, or colonics. To use certain electrical therapies, they must complete at least 120 hours of approved training. When doing shared medical procedures, they must meet the medical standard of care. The State Board of Health sets the rules to operate x‑ray machines.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Fred Shanks

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 168 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/9/2026

Passed

Yes: 51 • No: 0

House vote • 2/12/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 117 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor

    3/17/2026legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/11/2026Senate

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/11/2026House

  4. Returned For Enrolling

    3/10/2026Senate

  5. Passed

    3/9/2026Senate

  6. Title Suff Do Pass

    3/3/2026Senate

  7. Referred To Public Health and Welfare

    2/18/2026Senate

  8. Transmitted To Senate

    2/16/2026House

  9. Passed As Amended

    2/12/2026House

  10. Amended

    2/12/2026House

  11. Read the Third Time

    2/11/2026House

  12. Title Suff Do Pass As Amended

    2/3/2026House

  13. Referred To Public Health and Human Services

    1/16/2026House

Bill Text

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