wa-law.org > bill > 2025-26 > SB 5899 > Original Bill
Upon application, in a form and manner determined by the commission, the commission shall issue an initial license endorsement to practice animal chiropractic to a licensed chiropractor if the chiropractor:
Currently holds a valid Washington state chiropractic license;
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Provides proof of successful completion of an approved animal chiropractic educational program within the previous two years that includes a minimum of 210 curriculum hours; or
Provides proof the chiropractor holds a current animal chiropractic certification; and
Pays fees as required by RCW 43.70.250 and 43.70.280.
An animal chiropractic endorsement issued pursuant to subsection (1) of this section is valid for three years, at which time a chiropractor may apply for an endorsement renewal in a form and manner determined by the commission.
A chiropractor is eligible for renewal of their animal chiropractic license endorsement if the chiropractor:
Provides proof of a current animal chiropractic license endorsement and an attestation that the chiropractor has completed all continuing education requirements as required in subsection (4) of this section; and
Pays fees as required by RCW 43.70.250 and 43.70.280.
Each person holding a license endorsement issued pursuant to this section shall complete at least 30 hours every three years of approved continuing education focused on animal chiropractic.
A licensee practicing animal chiropractic:
May review existing imaging and imaging reports of animal patients for diagnostic purposes, but may not order or obtain magnetic, roentgen, or sonographic imaging of animal patients;
May provide care to correct subluxation of the spine and extremities and modalities consistent with animal chiropractic training and certification; and
Shall encourage clients to seek veterinary care for all nonchiropractic health issues.
A licensee practicing animal chiropractic must maintain all necessary patient records and documentation as required by RCW 70.02.080 and the commission in rule, and upon request provide those records to the client or veterinarian designated by the client.
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Except as provided in (c) of this subsection, no person shall engage in the practice of animal chiropractic, imply or represent that they engage in the practice of animal chiropractic, or offer or advertise animal chiropractic services unless they hold a current animal chiropractic license endorsement issued pursuant to this section.
Only a licensed chiropractor that holds a current animal chiropractic license endorsement may advertise animal chiropractic services to the public using such terms that include, but are not limited to, animal chiropractor, animal chiropractic, and animal chiropractic adjustments.
A licensed chiropractor who is enrolled as a student in an approved animal chiropractic educational program may practice animal chiropractic as is required in the curriculum of the animal chiropractic educational program.
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Whenever a facility treats both animal and human patients on the same clinical premises, appropriate signage must be posted on the facility as established in rule by the commission.
Any facility offering services to both animal patients and human patients must observe all clinical and sanitary standards required in rule, state law, or local ordinance.
Any animal chiropractor lawfully licensed in this state to practice animal chiropractic services who reports, in good faith and in the normal course of business, a suspected incident of animal cruelty that is punishable under chapter 16.52 RCW to the proper authorities is immune from liability in any civil or criminal action brought against such animal chiropractor for reporting the suspected incident. The immunity provided in this section applies only if the animal chiropractor receives no financial benefit from the suspected incident of animal cruelty beyond charges for services rendered prior to the animal chiropractor making the initial report.
An animal chiropractor must maintain the address and contact information for the closest veterinarian or emergency animal clinic or both to be given to a client should an animal patient need emergency care during a chiropractic appointment.
An animal chiropractor is responsible and accountable for services he or she renders to animal patients.
The commission shall share information regarding complaints or disciplinary action against an animal chiropractor with the secretary and the veterinary board of governors annually.
The commission may adopt any rules necessary to implement this section.
For the purposes of this section:
"Animal chiropractic" means the practice of chiropractic on nonhuman animals.
"Animal chiropractic certification" means a current certification issued by the American veterinary chiropractic association, the international veterinary chiropractic association, or substantially equivalent entity identified by the commission in rule.
"Animal chiropractor" means a licensed chiropractor who holds an animal chiropractic endorsement.
"Animal patient" means the animal receiving the chiropractic care.
"Approved animal chiropractic educational program" means an animal chiropractic training program approved by the American veterinary chiropractic association or the international veterinary chiropractic association, or substantially equivalent entity identified by the commission in rule.
"Client" means the person presenting the animal patient for chiropractic evaluation, care, and adjustments.