New Jersey State Board of Chiropractic Examiners
October 22, 2002

NOTICE TO STUDENTS OF LIFE UNIVERSITY

The Statutes governing the practice of chiropractic in the State of New Jersey mandate that an applicant have graduated from a college of chiropractic which was approved during an individual's "entire course of study" and which is accredited by the Council of Chiropractic Education...or any other accrediting agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education (such as the SACS). N.J.S.A. 45:9-41.6 (emphasis added). The Board has been advised by the Attorney General that Life University is therefore required to maintain either its CCE or SACS accreditation in order to be eligible to maintain its Board approval, which would be required for licensure of its graduates.

The statute sets forth the procedures to be followed for Board approval, which include taking into consideration the statutory requirements in N.J.S.A. 45:9-41.6, as well as the standards promulgated by CCE and SACS. The statute also gives the Board the option of conducting a site visit.

At its September meeting, the Board voted to authorize a site visit to Life University, contingent upon a final determination of the appeal by the CCE. Given that the CCE denied the appeal on October 20, 2002, the Board will move expeditiously. Arrangements have already been made to conduct a site visit during the month of November. Following the site visit, the Site Team will make recommendations to the full Board of Chiropractic Examiners, whose determination will be made in public session at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board. That determination will ultimately be embodied in the form of a Board Order. Board Agendas and Minutes can be seen on the Board's Website at http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/medical.htm#chiro2.

The Board is especially mindful of the concerns of Life students; however, the Board of Chiropractic Examiners can give no assurances at this time regarding the results of the site visit, the time frame for the full Board's consideration of the site team recommendations, or the prospects for continued approval of Life University. Please be assured that the Board will expedite its consideration of this matter and will take into full account all changes that may have been implemented by the new administration at Life.

If you have any comments or questions, our e-mail address is:

askconsumeraffairs@dca.lps.state.nj.us