21 NCAC 10 .0304             DESIGNATION OF SPECIALTIES

(a)  Definitions. For purposes of this Rule, the following definitions shall apply:

(1)           Claim of Specialization: any use of the designations listed in this Rule or any representation stating or implying that, by virtue of additional training, a licentiate possesses greater expertise in any aspect of health care than is possessed by chiropractic physicians who have not had additional training. The mere recitation of academic degrees awarded to a licentiate does not constitute a claim of specialization.

(2)           Publication: representations regarding any claim of specialization made by a licentiate which may include representations made in advertising, whether printed or broadcast; written representations appearing on professional stationery, business cards, curriculum vitae, or office signage; and oral representations made in judicial proceedings.

(b)  Recognized Specialties. The Board of Examiners recognizes the specialties in the following fields of practice:

(1)           Chiropractic Orthopedics;

(2)           Chiropractic Radiology;

(3)           Chiropractic Neurology;

(4)           Chiropractic Internal Disorders;

(5)           Chiropractic Pediatrics;

(6)           Chiropractic Sports Injuries;

(7)           Chiropractic Nutrition; and

(8)           Chiropractic Rehabilitation.

(c)  Any licentiate wishing to request a specialty designation not listed in Paragraph (b) of this Rule shall first submit a written request to the Board and provide evidence that the designation meets the criteria set forth in Paragraph (d) of this Rule. A licentiate shall not publish the specialty designation until the Board has approved, in writing, the specialty designation requested.

(d)  Criteria for approval. In order to publish a claim of specialization as set forth in Paragraph (b) of this Rule or upon request of a specialty pursuant to Paragraph (c) of this Rule, a licentiate shall demonstrate the following:

(1)           Evidence of completion of a post-graduate course of study in the specialty requested at least 300 hours in length and offered by a college approved by the Council on Chiropractic Education; and

(2)           Evidence that the licentiate has passed an examination offered by a 501(c)(3) organization whose testing for specialization is recognized by the House of Delegates of the American Chiropractic Association or an exam deemed by the Board to be an equivalent.

(e)  Claim of Specialty. Any published claim of specialization outside the recognized specialties or any published claim of specialization made by or at the behest of a licentiate who has not satisfied all applicable provisions of this Rule constitutes false or misleading advertising.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90-142; 90-154; 90-154.2(5);

Eff. November 1, 2007;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. April 27, 2019;

Amended Eff. January 1, 2022.