Bill > SB0128

This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for animal chiropractic practice in Tennessee, defining animal chiropractic as the evaluation and treatment of non-human vertebral or joint dysfunction through specific manipulative and soft tissue therapies, while explicitly excluding surgical procedures, medication administration, and broader veterinary medical practices. The bill requires the chiropractic board to adopt rules for regulating animal chiropractic, including establishing educational standards for certification, which must include obtaining a certificate from the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association or a similar board-approved curriculum. Chiropractic physicians can apply for animal chiropractic certification by meeting these educational standards and other board requirements, and the board will maintain a public list of certified practitioners. The bill also mandates that certified animal chiropractic practitioners complete an additional six hours of annual continuing education specific to animal chiropractic, and clarifies advertising regulations to ensure that only licensed or appropriately certified professionals can represent themselves as providing chiropractic care. The legislation will take effect immediately for rule-making purposes but will fully implement on January 1, 2026, providing ample time for practitioners and the board to prepare for the new requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0128&ga=114