Bill > HB0164

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for animal chiropractic practice in Tennessee by 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 board of chiropractic examiners to adopt rules for regulating animal chiropractic, including establishing educational standards for certification, which must involve obtaining a certificate from the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association or a similar approved curriculum. Chiropractic physicians may apply for animal chiropractic certification by meeting specific educational requirements, and the board will maintain a public list of certified practitioners. The legislation also mandates that certified animal chiropractic practitioners complete an additional six hours of annual continuing education specific to animal chiropractic, and provides guidelines for advertising chiropractic services, allowing veterinarians with specific certifications to represent their animal chiropractic credentials while preventing unauthorized claims of chiropractic practice. The bill will take effect immediately for rule-making purposes and fully implement on January 1, 2026.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0164&ga=114