License renewal is more than a deadline on your calendar. It is a legal requirement that protects your ability to practice, bill, and participate in insurance networks. Each year, questions arise about continuing education hours, peer reviewer requirements, and what happens if something is missed. Below is a comprehensive refresher to help you prepare with confidence.
1. Renewal Deadline
In Kentucky, chiropractic licenses are renewed annually. The renewal deadline is March 1.
Practicing after your license has expired may subject you to disciplinary action and can create reimbursement and credentialing complications. It is critical to confirm that your renewal has been submitted and processed before the deadline.
Recommendation: Do not wait until the final week of February. Submit early in case there are technical issues or CE questions that need clarification.
2. Continuing Education Requirements
Chiropractors must complete the required continuing education hours during the applicable reporting period before renewal.
Before renewing:
- Verify that you have completed the required number of general CE hours. As of 2/27/2026 – you are required to obtain 12 CE hours for general education.
- There is a plan to increase it to 18 CEs each year – so don’t be caught off guard! The KAC will make be sending out reminders once the change happens.
- Confirm that the courses were approved by the Kentucky Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Each course should have a KBCE approval number that looks like: KBCE#XXXX
- Retain your certificates of completion.
- Double check that all specialty requirements have been met, if applicable.
You are responsible for ensuring the hours you report are accurate. If audited, you must be able to produce documentation.
Best practice: Maintain a dedicated digital folder labeled by renewal year with all CE certificates stored in one place.
3. Peer Reviewers: Separate and Distinct CE Hours
If you are an approved peer reviewer in Kentucky, you must complete six hours of peer review–approved continuing education.
Important clarification:
- These six (6) hours must be specifically approved for peer reviewers.
- Even if a course is approved for both general CE and peer review, the peer review hours must be separate and distinct. I.E. you cannot use a course for both your general hours and peer review hours.
- Peer reviewers should confirm both their general CE compliance by Match 1st and their peer review–specific CE compliance before June 1.
Peer reviewers should not assume that general hours automatically satisfy the peer review requirement. Verify approval status carefully.
4. Verify Before You Certify
When you renew, you are attesting that:
- You have completed all required continuing education.
- You are in compliance with applicable statutes and regulations.
- Your information on file is accurate.
Take a few minutes to review:
- Your current mailing and email address
- Practice address
- Employment status
- Any name changes
- Disciplinary disclosures, if applicable
Errors or omissions can delay renewal or create compliance issues later.
5. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Waiting until the last minute to complete CE.
- Assuming an out-of-state course is automatically approved.
- Forgetting that peer reviewer hours are separate.
- Miscalculating hours when courses are approved for partial credit.
- Not retaining documentation.
A smooth renewal process starts with organization throughout the year, not just in February.
6. What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Failure to renew on time may result in:
- Late fees
- Temporary inability to practice
- Potential disciplinary review
- Insurance credentialing issues
- Delays in reimbursement
If you believe you have missed a requirement, contact the Kentucky Board of Chiropractic Examiners immediately for guidance before continuing to practice.
7. Best Practice Checklist Before March 1
Before submitting your renewal:
- Confirm total general CE hours.
- Confirm peer review hours, if applicable.
- Ensure all CE certificates are saved.
- Verify personal and practice information.
- Submit renewal early.
- Confirm receipt and approval.
Final Thoughts
License renewal is an annual professional responsibility. Taking the time to verify compliance protects your license, your livelihood, and your patients.
If you have questions about CE approval, peer review requirements, or renewal preparation, reach out early. It is always easier to correct an issue way before March 1.
KAC will continue to provide reminders and compliance updates to help you stay on track.
Resources
The KAC has created a checklist for when it comes time for renewal. Download it below.
