New Clinical Practice Standard – Chiropractic Diagnostic Imaging
Chiropractors are advised that a new clinical practice standard for the profession of chiropractic will take effect on April 1, 2026. The new Clinical Practice Standard – Chiropractic Diagnostic Imaging was approved on January 23, 2026 and will replace Part 15 – Diagnostic Imaging of the Professional Conduct Handbook.
The Clinical Practice Standard – Chiropractic Diagnostic Imaging:
- Aligns with contemporary right-touch regulation, a proportionate, risk-based approach that intervenes only where necessary.
- Permits chiropractors to apply or issue an authorization for X-ray imaging when clinically indicated, requiring the chiropractor to exercise their professional judgement to determine the need for imaging based on the patient’s history, presentation, examination and previous imaging, including whether it is necessary to rule out contraindications to the proposed treatment plan.
- Aligns with radiology best practices, reducing unnecessary exposure to spinal and neck radiation.
Questions and answers:
The questions and answers below have been assembled to address questions for chiropractic licensees.
What is a clinical practice standard?
Prior to the formation of CCHPBC, legacy colleges used different terminology to refer to requirements for licensees, such as standards, handbooks, and policies. CCHPBC will use the consistent terminology of professional standards and practice standards. In comparison to professional standards, which are the core requirements that licensees must meet to act professionally and ethically, practice standards set out requirements for high-risk areas of professional scope of practice, which may vary by profession.
Why was a new standard developed?
In 2020, amendments were made to Part 15 – Diagnostic Imaging of the Professional Conduct Handbook (PCH) by the former College of Chiropractors of BC (CCBC). The development of the new clinical practice standard concludes a review and evaluation of Part 15 of the PCH that was initiated by the legacy college in 2023.
Does this new clinical standard have any bearing on referral authority for publicly funded diagnostic imaging by chiropractors?
No, College standards only relate to safety and quality of care provided by a chiropractor. The College does not have jurisdiction over public health funding.
Upcoming Webinar
Join us for a webinar on the Diagnostic Imaging standard on February 19, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. Can’t attend? A recording of the webinar will be made available on our website after the live session, so licensees can revisit topics or review the information.
