As used in this Chapter:

            (1) “Board” means the Louisiana Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

            (2) “Licensed chiropractor” means persons licensed under the provisions of this Chapter.

            (3)(a) “Practice of chiropractic” means holding one’s self out to the public as a chiropractor and as being engaged in the business of, or the actual engagement in, the diagnosing of conditions associated with the functional integrity of the spine and treating by adjustment, manipulation, and the use of the physical and other properties of heat, light, water, electricity, sound, massage, therapeutic exercise, mobilization, mechanical devices such as mechanical traction and mechanical massage, and other physical rehabilitation measures for the purpose of correcting interference with normal nerve transmission and expression. A chiropractor may also make recommendations relative to personal hygiene and proper nutritional practices for the rehabilitation of the patient. A chiropractor may also order such diagnostic tests as are necessary for determining conditions associated with the functional integrity of the spine.

            (b)(i) While chiropractors may not directly perform or administer computerized axial tomography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and nuclear magnetic imaging, nothing shall be construed to prohibit a chiropractor from ordering such diagnostic procedures when deemed necessary by the practitioner. However, the authority to order such diagnostic tests shall not be construed so as to mandate coverage for such tests ordered by a chiropractor under any health care plan or policy of insurance, to require such coverage under any such plan or policy, or to circumvent any requirement or preauthorization for covered services by a primary care physician or precertification by an insurer or administrator of a plan or policy in accordance with the terms of a health care plan or policy.

            (ii) In the exercise of the authority to order diagnostic tests provided in this Paragraph, a chiropractor shall not order such tests or solicit an insurer or health care plan provider for coverage arrangements for such tests for the primary purpose of financial gain.

            (c) The practice of chiropractic does not include the right to prescribe, dispense, or administer medicine or drugs, or to engage in the practice of major or minor surgery, obstetrics, X-ray therapy, radium therapy, or nuclear medicine. For purposes of this Chapter, the terms “medicine” and “drugs” shall not include orthotic devices, vitamin, mineral, and nutritional supplements, therapeutic devices, postural modification equipment, exercise equipment, or homeopathic remedies. Any chiropractor applying to practice acupuncture shall comply with the provisions of La. Rev. Stat. 37:1358.

            Added by Acts 1974, No. 39, §1. Amended by Acts 1979, No. 390, §1; Acts 1986, No. 77, §1; Acts 1991, No. 1047, §§1 and 3; Acts 1997, No. 990, §1; Acts 1999, No. 648, §1; Acts 2018, No. 589, §2.