CA Board of Chiropractic Examiners

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

How many hours of CE do DCs need annually to renew their license to practice chiropractic in California?

For DC license renewals with the CA Board of Chiropractic Examiners (BCE), 24 hours of CE are required.

6 of the 24 hours are mandatory from within the following categories:

  •  2 hours Ethics and Law
  •  4 hours in any one of or combination of the following topics:
    • Chiropractic Adjustive or Manipulation Technique
    • History Taking and Physical Examination Procedures
    • Proper and Ethical Billing and Coding

For further information please visit the CA BCE website at: https://www.chiro.ca.gov/licensees/ce.shtml

Can a doctor earn continuing education through online courses?

Yes, doctors may earn CE credit through distance learning or online courses. Up to 12 hours of CE credit may be earned through distance learning.

How does the year begin and end for license renewal?

California chiropractic licenses expire annually on the last day of the doctor’s birth month.  All CE hours must be completed by the end of the doctor’s birth month. The CA BCE does not allow a grace period for taking CE courses and recommends that license renewals be returned with payment at least 60 days prior to expiration.

If a doctor takes more than the required hours of CE credit, can the extra credits be carried over into the next year?

No. Regulations specifically state that CE courses must be taken in the last 12 months prior to the last date of the doctor’s birth month.

How does a doctor know if a program has been approved for CE?

The CA BCE’s website at www.chiro.ca.gov features a CE section that lists all approved CE courses.  Please note that it is the doctor’s responsibility to ensure the course is a BCE approved course. All CE providers must have BCE approval or indicate that the program has been submitted for BCE approval prior to advertising the program.

Is CPR required for license renewal?

No. The requirement for doctors of chiropractic to complete training and maintain current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or basic life support (BLS) as a condition to renew a license to practice was repealed by the BCE effective beginning with chiropractic licenses that expired in May 2007.

How are CE credits tracked?

BCE regulations require sign in sheets in all approved CE classes. Make sure you sign in and sign out for every class you attend. Certificates of completion are to be provided by the CE provider. For district meetings as well as CalChiro’s seminars and annual Conference, online CE tracking is provided and certificates are stored in the doctor’s CE21 account. Should proof of attendance be required by the BCE, the doctor must submit a copy of his/her CE certificate form directly to the BCE. CalChiro cannot submit certificate forms on behalf of doctor’s per the BCE.

Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME)

The Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) is an appointed position through the State of California. The organization that regulated QMEs is the Department of Workers’ Compensation (DWC).  Doctors interested in appointment as a QME must pass the QME Competency Examination. Historically, the exam is administered by the DWC in both Northern and Southern California. Interested parties should contact the DWC to request a copy of the QME Competency Examination packet by calling 800.794.6900.

What are the requirements to renew a QME?

For renewal, QMEs must take 12 hours of DWC approved QME continuing education every two years.

For more information contact the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Workers’ Compensation, DWC Medical Unit at https://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc or 800.794.6900.

Radiology - What are the continuing education requirements for x-ray permit holders?

10 hours of approved x-ray CE is required with every Supervisor and Operator Permit biennial renewal. CE can be approved by any health professional board in CA, including the Board of Chiropractic Examiners. You should maintain your x-ray CE records for a minimum of 5 years. Renewal forms cannot be accepted more than 30 days before your certificate/permit renewal date. For more information go to the Radiologic Health Branch website at Radiologic Health Branch or call 619.338.2493.

HELP