Ethics & Regulations (Verified Answers)
This comprehensive study resource is specifically designed for candidates preparing for
the 2026 California Chiropractic Law Examination (CCLE). It features over 400
exam-style questions and detailed verified answers covering critical areas such as the
California Chiropractic Initiative Act, scope of practice limitations, and mandated
reporting requirements. The guide simplifies complex regulations regarding the
supervision of unlicensed staff, professional advertising standards, and practice
ownership rules to ensure you are fully prepared for the computerized assessment.
Updated for the current licensing cycle, this bundle provides the essential legal
knowledge needed to secure your California chiropractic license with confidence.
Section 1: Board Administration & Licensing
How many members sit on the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners (BCE)?
A) 5 members
B) 7 members
C) 9 members
D) 11 members
B) 7 members
Rationale: The Board consists of 7 members appointed by the Governor,
including 5 licensed chiropractors and 2 public members.
A chiropractic license must be renewed:
A) Every 2 years on the licensee's birthday.
B) Annually by the last day of the licensee's birth month.
C) Every 3 years.
D) On January 1st of every year.
B) Annually by the last day of the licensee's birth month.
Rationale: California requires annual renewal based on the practitioner's birth
month.
,What is the minimum number of Continuing Education (CE) hours required for annual
renewal?
A) 12 hours
B) 24 hours
C) 30 hours
D) 40 hours
B) 24 hours
Rationale: Licensed chiropractors must complete 24 hours of approved CE
each year to maintain an active license.
Of the required 24 CE hours, how many must be in the mandatory category of "Ethics
and Law"?
A) 1 hour
B) 2 hours
C) 4 hours
D) 6 hours
B) 2 hours
Rationale: California mandates 2 hours of Ethics and Law and 4 hours of
History Taking/Physical Exam/Adjusting as part of the 24-hour total.
A chiropractor must notify the Board of a change of practice address within:
A) 10 days
B) 30 days
C) 60 days
D) 24 hours
B) 30 days
Rationale: Any change in the address of record must be reported to the Board
within 30 days.
Section 2: Scope of Practice
Which of the following is a chiropractor PROHIBITED from performing in California?
A) Physical therapy techniques
B) Adjusting the extremities
C) Severing the umbilical cord of a newborn
D) Nutritional counseling
C) Severing the umbilical cord of a newborn
, Rationale: The Chiropractic Act strictly prohibits the practice of medicine,
surgery, or the severing of any human tissue.
A chiropractor may use ultrasound for which of the following purposes?
A) Treating a pregnant uterus
B) Neuromuscular skeletal rehabilitation
C) Dissolving kidney stones
D) Performing a fetal sonogram
B) Neuromuscular skeletal rehabilitation
Rationale: Ultrasound use is limited to physical therapy and diagnostic
purposes related to the musculoskeletal system.
May a California chiropractor sign a death certificate?
A) Yes, if they were the primary provider.
B) Yes, but only in rural areas.
C) No, this is outside the scope of practice.
D) Only if the cause of death was spinal.
C) No, this is outside the scope of practice.
Rationale: Signing a death certificate is a function reserved for Medical
Doctors (MDs) or Coroners.
Chiropractors are authorized to use "Hygienic and Sanitary measures." This includes:
A) Prescribing antibiotics for infections.
B) Providing colonics and nutritional advice.
C) Performing minor surgery for ingrown hairs.
D) Suture repair of small cuts.
B) Providing colonics and nutritional advice.
Rationale: "Hygienic and sanitary measures" are interpreted as non-drug,
non-surgical health maintenance.
Can a chiropractor practice "Dentistry" in California?
A) Yes, for TMJ adjustments.
B) No, it is specifically excluded from the scope.
C) Only if they have a dual license.
D) Yes, if using non-surgical methods.
B) No, it is specifically excluded from the scope.
, Rationale: The Act prohibits the practice of dentistry, optometry, and
medicine.
Section 3: Professional Conduct & Ethics
Excessive treatment, as determined by the local community standard, is considered:
A) Good business practice.
B) A misdemeanor.
C) An optional care plan.
D) A felony.
B) A misdemeanor.
Rationale: Providing treatment that is clearly excessive is unprofessional
conduct and a misdemeanor punishable by fine or jail.
A chiropractor is convicted of a DUI. What action is the Board likely to take?
A) None, it was a personal matter.
B) Immediate revocation without a hearing.
C) Charge the licensee with unprofessional conduct.
D) Fine the licensee $10.
C) Charge the licensee with unprofessional conduct.
Rationale: Convictions involving alcohol or drugs are considered related to
the qualifications of a healthcare provider.
"Sexual misconduct" with a patient will typically result in:
A) A written warning.
B) Automatic revocation of the license.
C) A $500 fine.
D) 2 hours of extra CE.
B) Automatic revocation of the license.
Rationale: The Board maintains a zero-tolerance policy for sexual contact
between a licensee and a patient.
How long must a chiropractor wait to have a romantic relationship with a former patient?
A) 6 months
B) 1 year
C) 2 years
D) Never; it is permanently prohibited.