The plaintiff TAAOM, the association representing the acupuncturists, had challenged TCBE, the state agency governing chiropractic, contending that chiropractors lacked the education and training to safely perform chiropractic acupuncture. But the judge’s ruling upheld the right to perform chiropractic acupuncture, a victory for the hundreds of Texas chiropractors with an acupuncture permit.
TCA stepped in as an intervenor to protect the interests of the more than 6,900 chiropractors licensed in Texas. “Today, chiropractic acupuncture remains in our scope of practice, as it should be,” said TCA President Ryan Bailey, DC, a chiropractor from Abilene. “Both TBCE and TCA were in agreement that the training required of chiropractors to use acupuncture needles is sufficient. Chiropractors are the leading experts in treating musculoskeletal conditions, and acupuncture is just one of the tools our doctors use to relieve pain and help their patients return to health.”
Bailey said. “I am extremely proud of the efforts of our team and our partners in the Texas chiropractic community. TCA achieved a milestone win in the Texas Supreme Court in 2021, protecting our right to treat nerve-related conditions. We can now add chiropractic acupuncture to our list of victories.”
While TCA is pleased with the court’s decision, the state chiropractic association expects TAAOM to appeal the ruling.
In January 2024 it was announced that the TAAOM would NOT appeal the court’s decision. Doctors of Chiropractic may continue to practice acupuncture under the limitations established by the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
