Maine Revised Statutes Title 32. Professions and Occupations § 451. Definitions

1. Chiropractic. “Chiropractic” means the art and science of identification and correction of subluxation and the accompanying physiological or mechanical abnormalities. The term subluxation, as utilized within the chiropractic health care system, means a structural or functional impairment of an intact articular unit. “Chiropractic” includes chiropractic acupuncture. Chiropractic recognizes the inherent recuperative capability of the human body as it relates to the spinal column, musculo-skeletal and nervous system.

1-A. Chiropractic acupuncture. “Chiropractic acupuncture” means the insertion of acupuncture needles through the skin at specific points. It is a chiropractic methodology used for the correction of the soft tissue components contributing to subluxation and the accompanying physiological or mechanical abnormalities. Except as provided in section 502, chiropractic acupuncture may only be practiced by a licensee who has received a chiropractic acupuncture certification from the board.

2. Chiropractic doctors. “Chiropractic doctors” are health care providers functioning within their scope of practice as provided by this chapter.

2-A. Chiropractic intern. “Chiropractic intern” means a chiropractic student who has been issued a temporary license to provide chiropractic services under the provisions of subchapter 5.

3. Chiropractic methodologies. “Chiropractic methodologies” utilized for the identification or correction of subluxation and the accompanying physiological or mechanical abnormalities include diagnostic, therapeutic, adjustive or manipulative techniques utilized within the chiropractic profession, excluding prescriptive medication or surgery.

3-A. Chiropractic radiographer. “Chiropractic radiographer” means a licensed chiropractic assistant who has been issued a certificate pursuant to section 559.

3-B. Chiropractic radiography. “Chiropractic radiography” means the use of ionizing radiation on human beings for chiropractic diagnostic purposes while under the supervision and control of a chiropractor in accordance with this chapter.

4. Commissioner. “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Professional and Financial Regulation.

5. Department. “Department” means the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.

6. Board. “Board” means the Board of Chiropractic Licensure.