Christopher Kent DC, JD, MBA, Kaleb Scroggin DC, Jack Bourla DC, ACP, Brian Moriarty DC, Edward Martinez DC, Daniel Tew DC, George Auger DC, Rod Justice DC, Stephanie Ryan DC, Phil McMaster DC, ACP, Grant Dennis DC, Michael Sommers DC, Bruce Steinberg DC, Matthew Mix DC, ACP, DPHCS, Scott Kelley DC, Gregg Rubenstein DC, Emily Broniak DC, Felicia Stewart DC, Drew Henderson DC, Steve Tullius DC, Matthew McCoy DC, MPH, Katrine Frazier
Journal of Philosophy, Principles & Practice of Chiropractic – Dialogues ~ May 13, 2025
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Abstract
The chiropractic profession plays a critical role in improving public health and promoting wellness through a natural and holistic approach to healthcare. High-quality chiropractic education is essential to ensuring that practitioners are well-equipped to provide safe, effective, and evidence-based care. The role of accrediting agencies is central to maintaining the integrity and quality of chiropractic education.
This document outlines a comprehensive set of standards for state regulatory boards to follow when evaluating and recognizing chiropractic accrediting agencies. These proposed standards are designed to establish consistent guidelines, ensure transparency, and promote accountability in the accreditation process.
The proposed standards cover key areas such as organizational integrity, curriculum quality, evaluation processes, resource management, and teach-out procedures. They also address issues of conflicts of interest, public transparency, and due process—critical elements for maintaining public trust and professional credibility.
By adopting these standards, state regulatory boards will create a framework that ensures chiropractic educational programs meet high-quality standards, preparing future practitioners to serve the public with excellence and integrity. These standards provide a clear and consistent foundation for recognizing accrediting agencies and holding them accountable for maintaining high levels of educational quality and institutional performance.
Historical Background of the Workgroup
This set of standards emerged from a collaborative workgroup formed in response to mounting concerns within the chiropractic profession over the monopolization of educational accreditation and the lack of transparent, accountable processes for recognizing accrediting agencies. The workgroup was composed of educators, regulatory experts, institutional leaders, and policy advisors committed to restoring state authority, protecting student rights, and encouraging diversity in chiropractic education. Motivated by the national shift toward decentralization of education and increasing scrutiny of private accrediting monopolies, the group set out to develop clear, objective, and constitutionally sound criteria that state boards could adopt to ensure fair and open recognition of accrediting bodies. These standards reflect a renewed commitment to federalism, public accountability, and professional excellence.
Editors Note: The appendix to this document can be found in the Subscriber Extras.