The State of Arizona, Board of Chiropractic Examiners is pleased to report a year of significant achievement. Our Agency completed its ten year sunset audit, and went before the legislature with an auditors report demonstrating a well run and efficient agency that is dedicated to the mission of protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public. The Auditors report and recommendation reflected the strategic planning initiatives of the Agency, providing strong support for our continued path to excellence. With that recommendation, the Agency has introduced legislation that has engendered strong support from members of the House and Senate. The legislation will strengthen the Board's ability to complete thorough investigation’s expeditiously, expedite the Board’s ability to impose sanctions when the safety of the public is found to be at risk, broaden the Board’s authority to deny licensure to applicants with histories of unprofessional conduct, increase investigative and legal resources, protect complainants that report in good faith, impose restitution on licensees for costs incurred in the course of an investigation and hearing and establish an inactive license status. Finally, the Board has continued to recruit and propagate a highly qualified and dedicated staff that builds upon the values of the Board’s mission and dedication to customer service.

The Board also continues to work toward resolution of some of their more difficult challenges. The ownership and operation of clinics by unlicensed individuals has continued to create obstacles to the protection of the public. While many of these businesses operate with appropriate values and practices, many do not. Since the owner is unlicensed, the Board lacks jurisdiction to stop the inappropriate practices. Fortunately, the Board has an ally in the Senate who shares our concern. It is our expectation that legislation will be enacted this year, which will give the Board authority over chiropractic clinics owned and operated by unlicensed individuals.