Definition and Use of Supportive Procedures and Therapies

(1) For purposes of 233 CMR 4.00, the term "supportive procedures and therapies" means those modes of care which may be administered, dispensed or prescribed in addition to the primary Chiropractic procedure (i.e., Chiropractic adjustments or techniques/manipulative techniques, as defined in M.G.L. c. 112, §§ 89, 94 and 97). Such supportive procedures and therapies include but are not limited to the use of braces, casting, supports, traction, thermal modalities, ultrasound, electrical modalities, hydrotherapy, myotherapy, dietary and nutritional advice and/or supplementation, and rehabilitative exercise therapy. The purpose of supportive procedures and therapies is to aid the chiropractor in assisting a patient to achieve a timely and favorable clinical outcome. A chiropractor shall not be required to apply supportive procedures and therapies in the practice of Chiropractic. All decisions made by a chiropractor regarding the use of supportive procedures and therapies shall be predicated upon a properly documented clinical rationale which is consistent with present educational and practice standards. The details of all supportive procedures or therapies provided shall be recorded when performed. (3) The decision to use supportive procedures shall be based upon the clinical judgment of the chiropractor. Supportive procedures shall be used as a supplement to the primary Chiropractic procedure. However, if a chiropractor, in the reasonable exercise of his or her professional judgment, decides that a primary Chiropractic procedure is not prudent under the circumstances, he or she may properly apply any of the above supportive procedures or therapies for a reasonable time, if their use is clinically indicated and properly documented. (4) No supportive procedure shall be administered unless a duly licensed chiropractor is on the premises.