KAC Member Question:
Can I practice as a fill in doctor without a Kentucky license, temporarily?
Answer:
The short answer:
No. In order to practice chiropractic in Kentucky, whether as a fill-in or as a regular doctor, you must hold a valid Kentucky license issued by the Kentucky Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Kentucky does not offer a temporary license option.
The long answer:
Kentucky law is clear on this point. The practice of chiropractic in the state is limited to those who are licensed by the Kentucky Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
The statute states:
- KRS 312.015 (Definitions):
A “chiropractor” is defined as someone who is qualified by experience and training and licensed by the board to provide chiropractic diagnosis and treatment. - KRS 312.018 (Practice without license prohibited – Exceptions):
“No person shall engage or attempt to engage in the practice of chiropractic or hold himself out to be a doctor of chiropractic in Kentucky unless licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.”
In summary:
If you want to adjust patients in Kentucky, you must first be licensed by the Kentucky Board of Chiropractic Examiners. There is no mechanism in the statute that allows for a temporary or provisional license.
Member Takeaway:
Always confirm your Kentucky license is active and current before practicing, even if you are only covering as a fill-in. Practicing without a license, even temporarily, is prohibited under Kentucky law.
References
312.015. Definitions.
(1) “Board” means the Kentucky State Board of Chiropractic Examiners;
…
(3) Subject to the limitations of subsection (4) of this section “chiropractor” means one qualified by experience and training and licensed by the board to diagnose his patients and to treat those of his patients diagnosed as having diseases or disorders relating to subluxations of the articulations of the human spine and its adjacent tissues by indicated adjustment or manipulation of those subluxations and by applying methods of treatment designed to augment those adjustments or manipulation. The terms “chiropractic,” “doctor of chiropractic,” and “chiropractor” shall be synonymous, and shall be construed to mean a practitioner of chiropractic as defined in this section.
312.018 Practice without license prohibited — Exceptions.
(1) No person shall engage or attempt to engage in the practice of chiropractic or hold himself out to be a doctor of chiropractic in Kentucky unless licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
Full list of statutes visit: https://kbce.ky.gov/
