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Dear Chiropractor Licensee,
The Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO) under the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) has received a number of inquiries concerning the application of Executive Order D 2020 009. This email confirms that the Governor’s executive order applies to all chiropractic practices and it prohibits any elective procedure, including any chiropractic procedure, that does not fit within the very narrow categories listed in the order.
In particular, under Executive Order D 2020 009, no chiropractic procedure should be performed unless:
- There is a threat to the patient’s life if the procedure is not performed;
- There is a threat of permanent dysfunction of an extremity or organ system if the procedure is not performed;
- There is a risk of metastasis or progression of staging of a disease or condition if the surgery is not performed; or
- There is a risk that the patient's condition will rapidly deteriorate if the procedure is not performed and there is a threat to life, or to an extremity or organ system, or of permanent dysfunction or disability.
As is apparent, there are very few, if any, chiropractic procedures that fit within the rubric of these criteria. And as a result, we expect that most chiropractic practices across the state will necessarily halt operations during the emergency. Of course, if a practitioner believes that one or another patient meets the narrow categories listed here, then the order and DPO’s guidance allow for the discretion of the provider to provide a chiropractic procedure in those circumstances.
In summary, we advise you to suspend all non-essential healthcare practices at this time. We understand that this may cause unfortunate financial difficulties, but it is imperative that we all do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Do not reply to this email - this is not a monitored inbox.
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