Ind. Code ch. 25-10-1

Ind. Code ch. 25-10-1
in effect

Ind. Code § 25-10-1-1 Definitions

Sec. 1. As used in this article: (1) "Chiropractic" means the examination, diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of human ailments and conditions of any interference with normal nerve transmission and expression, the procedure preparatory to and complementary to the correction thereof by an adjustment or manipulation of the articulations of the vertebral column, its immediate articulation, including other incidental means of adjustments of the spinal column, extremities, and musculoskeletal soft tissues of the body without the use of prescription drugs or surgery. (2) "Chiropractor" means any person who is qualified under this chapter to practice the science of chiropractic. (3) "Board" means the board of chiropractic examiners under section 1.5 of this chapter. (4) "Agency" refers to the Indiana professional licensing agency under IC 25-1-5. Formerly: Acts 1955, c.42, s.1. As amended by Acts 1981, P.L.222, SEC.74; P.L.169-1985, SEC.33; P.L.1-2006, SEC.427; P.L.85-2018, SEC.1.

Ind. Code § 25-10-1-1.5 Board of chiropractic examiners; creation; appointment of members; tenure; powers and duties; expenses

Sec. 1.5. (a) There is created a board of chiropractic examiners. The board shall consist of five (5) members appointed by the governor, not more than three (3) of whom may be affiliated with the same political party. Subject to IC 25-1-6.5-3, four (4) of the board members must be licensed under this chapter and must have had at least five (5) years of experience as a chiropractor prior to their appointment. Subject to IC 25-1-6.5-3, one (1) member is to represent the general public and must be: (1) a resident of this state; and (2) in no way associated with the profession of chiropractic other than as a consumer. (b) All members appointed before July 1, 2019, shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years and serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. (c) Members appointed after June 30, 2019, are appointed under IC 25-1-6.5. (d) A member of the board may be removed under IC 25-1-6.5-4. (e) The members of the board are entitled to the minimum salary per diem provided by IC 4-10-11-2.1(b). Members are also entitled to reimbursement for traveling expenses as provided under IC 4-13-1-4 and other expenses actually incurred in connection with the member's duties as provided in the state policies and procedures established by the Indiana department of administration and approved by the budget agency. (f) The members of the board shall organize by the election of a chairman and a vice chairman from among its membership. The officers serve for a term of one (1) year. The board shall meet at least once each year and on other occasions as it considers necessary and advisable. A meeting of the board may be called by its chairman or by a majority of the members on the board. Three (3) members of the board constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. All decisions are required to be made by a majority vote of the quorum. (g) The agency shall provide a secretary of the board and other personnel necessary for the proper performance of the board's duties and responsibilities under this chapter. The board, through the agency, shall receive and account for all money collected under this chapter and pay the money to the treasurer of state to be deposited by the treasurer in the general fund of the state. (h) The board may do the following: (1) Establish reasonable application, examination, and renewal procedures for certification under this chapter. (2) Use an examination under this chapter that is designed by the board, designed by another person, or designed in part by the board and in part by another person. (3) Conduct in the manner prescribed by the board examinations of applicants for certification under this chapter. The board may conduct any part of the examinations through a person other than the agency who is approved by the board. The agency may conduct any part of the examinations under IC 25-1-5-4. (4) Issue, deny, suspend, revoke, and renew certificates. (5) Subject to IC 25-1-7, investigate and conduct hearings, upon complaint against individuals certified or not certified under this chapter, concerning alleged violation of this chapter with hearings to be conducted in accordance with IC 4-21.5. (6) Initiate the prosecution and enjoinder of a person violating this chapter. (7) Adopt rules necessary for the proper performance of the board's duties, in accordance with IC 4-22-2. (8) Maintain a current list of individuals certified under this chapter. (9) Establish a code of professional conduct. (10) Adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to allow chiropractors licensed under this chapter to delegate the manual manipulation, manual adjustment, or manual mobilization of the spinal column or the vertebral column under section 14(c)(4) of this chapter. (11) Adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 establishing standards for the registration and regulation of chiropractic management consultants (as defined by the board under IC 25-10-2). (12) Set fees for the annual registration of a chiropractic management consultant under IC 25-10-2. (13) Adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 establishing health and sanitation standards that conform to public health standards for dry needling. (i) The board shall adopt rules establishing standards for the competent practice of the science of the chiropractic in accordance with IC 4-22-2. (j) All expenses incurred in the administration of this chapter shall be paid from the state general fund upon appropriation being made in the manner provided by law for the making of appropriations. As added by Acts 1981, P.L.222, SEC.103. Amended by P.L.169-1985, SEC.34; P.L.149-1987, SEC.23; P.L.152-1988, SEC.7; P.L.235-1989, SEC.1; P.L.33-1993, SEC.24; P.L.125-1994, SEC.1; P.L.1-2006, SEC.428; P.L.85-2018, SEC.2; P.L.249-2019, SEC.61.

Ind. Code § 25-10-1-2 Requirements for licensure

Sec. 2. (a) A person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age and who has not been convicted of a crime that has a direct bearing on the person's ability to practice competently is eligible to be licensed to practice chiropractic in Indiana if the person is a graduate of an incorporated chiropractic school or college incorporated for the purpose of teaching the science of chiropractic. The school or college must: (1) meet the reasonable requirements of the board; and (2) be accredited by the Accreditation Commission of the Council on Chiropractic Education or its successor organization; during the applicant's attendance at the accredited school or college. The board may not discriminate against a chiropractic school or college that meets these requirements. (b) In addition to the requirements in subsection (a), an applicant for a license to practice chiropractic must have completed: (1) for applications made before July 1, 2021, at least sixty (60) semester hours; or (2) for applications made after June 30, 2021, at least ninety (90) semester hours; of education in a college or university of learning accredited by an accrediting agency that has been approved by the United States Department of Education before the applicant's training and education in a chiropractic school or college. Formerly: Acts 1955, c.42, s.2; Acts 1973, P.L.252, SEC.6. As amended by Acts 1981, P.L.222, SEC.104; Acts 1982, P.L.113, SEC.45; P.L.169-1985, SEC.35; P.L.149-1987, SEC.24; P.L.152-1988, SEC.6; P.L.235-1989, SEC.2; P.L.186-1990, SEC.8; P.L.33-1993, SEC.18; P.L.234-1995, SEC.16; P.L.85-2018, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 25-10-1-3 Examinations

Sec. 3. (a) All examinations of applicants for a license to practice chiropractic shall be held at the times and places as the board shall direct. The application for a license shall be accompanied by an examination fee established by the board. (b) Any applicant failing in any examination and being refused a license shall be entitled to take a subsequent examination upon the payment of an additional examination fee fixed by the board. An applicant failing in any examination shall be entitled to take a subsequent examination at the next regular examination. Formerly: Acts 1955, c.42, s.3. As amended by Acts 1981, P.L.222, SEC.105; P.L.152-1988, SEC.8.

Ind. Code § 25-10-1-4 Waiver of educational requirements; examination

Sec. 4. Applicants who are and have been residents of the state of Indiana and who have practiced chiropractic in the state of Indiana for at least one (1) year immediately prior to December 1, 1954, shall be exempted from the educational requirements as provided by this chapter: provided, that application for a license and examination shall be made within sixty (60) days after March 4, 1955. All such applicants shall be given an examination in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, to determine their ability to practice chiropractic. Such applicants shall not be discriminated against by the board for their participation in any legal proceedings brought under the provisions of the former Indiana Medical Practice Act, (Acts 1897, c.169, as amended) where the primary issue was the practicing of chiropractic, as defined in this chapter, without having a license to practice medicine. Such applications shall be accompanied by the affidavits of two (2) freeholders stating therein that the applicant has practiced chiropractic in this state for a period of at least one (1) year prior to December 1, 1954. Formerly: Acts 1955, c.42, s.4. As amended by Acts 1982, P.L.154, SEC.37.

Ind. Code § 25-10-1-5 License by reciprocity

Sec. 5. Any applicant may, upon the payment of a fee established by the board, be granted a license, without an examination, providing that the applicant submits satisfactory evidence to the board that the applicant has been licensed to practice chiropractic in another state for at least three (3) years under qualifications substantially equivalent to those specified in this chapter for a license to practice chiropractic. Formerly: Acts 1955, c.42, s.5. As amended by Acts 1981, P.L.222, SEC.106; P.L.234-1995, SEC.17.

Ind. Code § 25-10-1-5.5 Temporary permits for chiropractic school graduates

Sec. 5.5. (a) The board may issue a temporary permit to a graduate of a chiropractic school to manually manipulate, manually adjust, or manually mobilize the spinal column or vertebral column of an individual if the graduate applying for the permit is: (1) qualified to become a licensed chiropractor by examination; and (2) employed by and under the direct supervision of a chiropractor licensed under this chapter. (b) A temporary permit issued under this section expires on the day after the board releases the results of the next examination given by the board. (c) The board may not issue a temporary permit under this section to an individual who has failed an examination under this chapter. As added by P.L.235-1989, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 25-10-1-5.6 Persons licensed in other jurisdictions; temporary permits

Sec. 5.6. A person who: (1) is licensed to practice chiropractic by a board or licensing agency of another state or jurisdiction; and (2) meets the requirements established by the board under section 1.5 of this chapter; may be issued a temporary permit limited by terms and conditions considered appropriate by the board. A temporary permit issued under this section is valid for a nonrenewable period of not more than thirty (30) days. As added by P.L.48-1991, SEC.22.

Ind. Code § 25-10-1-6 Renewal of licenses; fee; display; retirement of chiropractor; inactive license; discipline

Sec. 6. (a) Subject to IC 25-1-2-6(e), a license issued under this chapter is valid until the next renewal date described under subsection (b). (b) Subject to IC 25-1-2-6(e), all licenses issued by the board shall be subject to renewal biennially on a date established by the licensing agency under IC 25-1-5-4. A renewal license fee established by the board under IC 25-1-8-2 must be paid to the board on or before the date established by the licensing agency, and if not paid on or before that date, the license expires and becomes invalid without any action taken by the board. (c) An individual whose license has been expired for not more than three (3) years may have the license reinstated upon meeting the requirements for reinstatement under IC 25-1-8-6(c). (d) If more than three (3) years have elapsed since the date a license under this chapter expired, the individual holding the license may have the license reinstated by satisfying the requirements for reinstatement under IC 25-1-8-6(d). (e) A license must be displayed in the office or the place of practice of the licensee. (f) Each applicant for renewal shall furnish evidence of attendance during each preceding licensing year at not less than one (1) chiropractic educational conference or seminar approved by the board. The conference or seminar may be conducted by an established chiropractic organization or college. This requirement does not apply to the applicant's first licensing year. If an applicant fails to comply with this subsection, the applicant's license expires and becomes invalid at midnight of the renewal date and may be reinstated only upon application and the payment of a fee established by the board and proper showing to the board that there has been a makeup by the applicant of the omitted educational work. (g) Any chiropractor licensed to practice chiropractic in this state who intends to retire from practice shall notify the board in writing of the chiropractor's intention to retire and shall surrender the license to the board. Upon receipt of this notice and license, the board shall record the fact that the chiropractor is retired and excuse the person from further payment of license renewal fees and attendance at license renewal seminars. If any chiropractor surrenders the license to practice chiropractic in this state, the chiropractor's reinstatement may be considered by the board on the chiropractor's written request. If any disciplinary proceedings under this chapter are pending against a chiropractor, the chiropractor may not surrender the license without the written approval of the board. (h) Any chiropractor licensed to practice chiropractic in this state who intends to become inactive in the practice of chiropractic shall notify the board in writing that the chiropractor will not maintain an office or practice chiropractic in Indiana. The board shall then classify the chiropractor's license as inactive. The renewal fee of the inactive license is one-half (1/2) of the license renewal fee, and the chiropractor shall not be required to attend license renewal seminars. If a chiropractor holding an inactive license intends to maintain an office or practice chiropractic, the chiropractor shall notify the board of that intent. The board may reinstate that chiropractor's license upon notification and receipt of: (1) an application; (2) payment of the current renewal fee; (3) payment of the current reinstatement fee; and (4) evidence of attendance of one (1) educational conference approved by the board for each year or portion of a year of inactive license classification. (i) The board shall discipline a practitioner of the chiropractic in accordance with IC 25-1-9. Formerly: Acts 1955, c.42, s.6; Acts 1963, c.366, s.2; Acts 1965, c.44, s.1. As amended by Acts 1977, P.L.172, SEC.9; Acts 1981, P.L.222, SEC.107; P.L.169-1985, SEC.36; P.L.149-1987, SEC.25; P.L.152-1988, SEC.9; P.L.48-1991, SEC.23; P.L.105-2008, SEC.26; P.L.177-2015, SEC.29.

Ind. Code § 25-10-1-6.5 Repealed

As added by Acts 1981, P.L.222, SEC.108. Amended by P.L.169-1985, SEC.37; P.L.149-1987, SEC.26. Repealed by P.L.152-1988, SEC.30.

Ind. Code § 25-10-1-7 Service in Armed Forces disrupting chiropractic education

Sec. 7. Any applicant for a license to practice chiropractic who is a graduate of a legally incorporated chiropractic school, institution or college, and who can produce satisfactory evidence to the board that the: (1) applicant's chiropractic education was interrupted by reason of the applicant's induction or enlistment into the active armed forces of the United States; and (2) applicant received a discharge from the armed forces under conditions other than conditions set forth in IC 10-17-12-8.1(2); is entitled to have the applicant's date of graduation determined as if the applicant had completed the applicant's course of study in chiropractic without the interruption. Formerly: Acts 1955, c.42, s.7. As amended by P.L.36-2022, SEC.8; P.L.238-2025, SEC.76; P.L.94-2026, SEC.74.

Ind. Code § 25-10-1-9 Rights of practitioner holding license under article governing practice of medicine

Sec. 9. Nothing in this chapter shall in any manner repeal, modify, or change any right, privilege, authority or license granted a practitioner of chiropractic holding a license under IC 25-22.5. Formerly: Acts 1955, c.42, s.10. As amended by Acts 1982, P.L.154, SEC.38.

Ind. Code § 25-10-1-10 Fees; use and disposition

Sec. 10. All fees collected under this chapter shall be deposited in the general fund of this state and shall be paid out only by warrant of the state comptroller, upon the treasurer of state. All money appropriated to the board shall be used for the purpose of administering this chapter and may not be used for any other purposes. Formerly: Acts 1955, c.42, s.11. As amended by Acts 1982, P.L.154, SEC.39; P.L.169-1985, SEC.38; P.L.9-2024, SEC.455.

Ind. Code § 25-10-1-11 Necessity of license; violations

Sec. 11. (a) No person may practice chiropractic or hold out as a chiropractor without a license to practice chiropractic in Indiana. (b) A person who violates this chapter commits a Class A misdemeanor. Formerly: Acts 1955, c.42, s.12. As amended by Acts 1978, P.L.2, SEC.2524; P.L.234-1995, SEC.18.

Ind. Code § 25-10-1-13 Employees; act, duty, or function

Sec. 13. (a) Subject to subsection (b), an employee of a chiropractor licensed under this article may perform an act, duty, or function that is within the specific scope of practice of the employing chiropractor, if the act, duty, or function is: (1) performed under the direction and supervision of the employing chiropractor; and (2) reported to the employing chiropractor. (b) An employee of a chiropractor who is not licensed as a chiropractor or a physician may not: (1) make a diagnosis or prescribe a treatment; or (2) manipulate, adjust, or mobilize the spinal column or vertebral column of an individual. (c) This section does not grant the employee of a chiropractor independent practitioner status or the authority to perform patient services in an independent practice. As added by P.L.244-1985, SEC.1.

Ind. Code § 25-10-1-14 Necessity of license; injunction or order; physical therapists

Sec. 14. (a) This section applies to all persons, including persons listed in IC 25-22.5-1-2. (b) A person may manually manipulate, manually adjust, or manually mobilize the spinal column or the vertebral column of an individual only if the person is: (1) a chiropractor who has been issued a license under this chapter; (2) a physician who has been issued an unlimited license to practice medicine under IC 25-22.5; or (3) an osteopathic physician who has been issued a license to practice osteopathic medicine under IC 25-22.5. (c) A person may not delegate the manual manipulation, manual adjustment, or manual mobilization of the spinal column or the vertebral column of an individual to another person, unless the other person is: (1) licensed as a chiropractor under this chapter; (2) licensed as a physician with an unlimited license to practice medicine under IC 25-22.5; (3) licensed as an osteopathic physician with a license to practice osteopathic medicine under IC 25-22.5; (4) a student in the final year of course work at an accredited chiropractic school participating in a preceptorship program and working under the direct supervision of a chiropractor licensed under this chapter; or (5) a graduate of a chiropractic school who holds a valid temporary permit issued under section 5.5 of this chapter. (d) If a violation of subsection (b) or (c) is being committed: (1) the board in its own name; (2) the board in the name of the state; or (3) the prosecuting attorney of the county in which the violation occurs, at the request of the board and in the name of the state; may apply for an order enjoining the violation from the circuit court, superior court, or probate court of the county in which the violation occurs. (e) Upon a showing that a person has violated subsection (b) or (c), the court may grant without bond an injunction, a restraining order, or other appropriate order. (f) This section does not apply to a physical therapist practicing under IC 25-27. However, a physical therapist may not practice chiropractic (as defined in IC 25-10-1-1) or medicine (as defined in IC 25-22.5-1-1.1) unless licensed to do so. As added by P.L.245-1985, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.235-1989, SEC.4; P.L.33-1993, SEC.19; P.L.84-2016, SEC.104.

Ind. Code § 25-10-1-15 Admissibility of testimony regarding physician records or reports

Sec. 15. In any legal proceeding, a chiropractor's testimony relating to records or reports of a licensed physician may be admissible as evidence in the legal proceeding if the: (1) chiropractor is qualified as an expert by the chiropractor's knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education; and (2) court is satisfied that the information is of the type reasonably relied upon by other chiropractors. As added by P.L.180-1997, SEC.1.

Ind. Code § 25-10-1-16 Use of title "chiropractor"

Sec. 16. An individual may not use the title "chiropractor" to indicate or imply that the individual is a chiropractor unless the individual is licensed under this chapter. As added by P.L.85-2018, SEC.4.

Ind. Code § 25-10-1-17 Authority to diagnose and treat injuries, conditions, and disorders

Sec. 17. Except for the treatment of infectious and endocrine diseases or atypical or abnormal histology, a chiropractor licensed under this article may diagnose and treat injuries, conditions, and disorders, including chiropractic subluxations, fixations, and spinal intersegmental dysfunction, through the following: (1) The administration of chiropractic adjustment or manipulation to the body for the purpose of maintaining, restoring, or improving neurobiomechanical, immunological, or physiological function. (2) The administration or dispensing of supportive procedure therapies, including physiological therapeutics, rehabilitation procedures, and ancillary therapies. (3) The use of solid filiform needles to treat neuromusculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, which is commonly referred to as dry needling, after completing board approved continuing education and complying with applicable board rules. However, a chiropractor may not engage in the practice of acupuncture (as defined in IC 25-2.5-1-5), unless the chiropractor is licensed under IC 25-2.5. (4) Except for the use of ionizing radiation therapy or radionics, the use of x-rays, diagnostic imaging test results, or other diagnostic tests that may be required to prepare a proper chiropractic diagnosis. (5) The performance of an analysis to detect chiropractic subluxations, fixations, or spinal intersegmental dysfunctions. (6) The management, coordination, or delegation of patient care functions, including initiating referrals to licensed specialists for concurrent, or additional services or care the chiropractor believes is most suited for the individual's chiropractic condition. (7) Counseling and instructing individuals regarding general health matters, diet, weight management, ergonomics, exercise, hygiene, nutrition, outcome assessments, wellness, and good health habits. As added by P.L.85-2018, SEC.5.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/25Fetched: 10/17/2026

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