10/25/2013 9:38 am
Date / Time filed with the Register of Regulations 		VA.R. Document Number: R____-______
Virginia Register Publication Information

Transmittal Sheet: Response to Petition for Rulemaking
Initial Agency Notice
X
Agency Decision
Promulgating Board: Board of Medicine
Regulatory Coordinator: William L. Harp, M.D.

(804)367-4558

william.harp@dhp.virginia.gov
Agency Contact: Elaine J. Yeatts

Agency Regulatory Coordinator

(804)367-4688

elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov
Contact Address: Department of Health Professions

9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300

Richmond, VA 23233
Chapter Affected:
18 vac 85 - 20: Regulations Governing the Practice of Medicine, Osteopathy, Podiatry, and Chiropractic
Statutory Authority: State: Chapter 29 of Title 54.1

Federal:
Date Petition Received 07/10/2013
Petitioner Melody Cartwright
 Petitioner's Request
To amend requirements for practice by chiropractors relating to treatment and diagnosis of curvature of the spine and the use of digital x-rays.
 Agency Plan
The petition will be published on July 29, 2013 in the Register of Regulations and also posted on the Virginia Regulatory Townhall at www.townhall.virginia.gov to receive public comment ending August 28, 2013.  Following receipt of all comments on the petition to amend regulations, the Board will decide whether to make any changes to the regulatory language.  This matter will be on the Board's agenda for its meeting on October 24, 2013.
Publication Date 07/29/2013  (comment period will also begin on this date)
Comment End Date 08/28/2013
 Agency Decision
Take no action
Agency Response Date 10/25/2013
 Agency Decision Text
At a meeting of the Board on October 24, 2013, the issues were thoroughly discussed and a decision made not to initiate rulemaking in response to the petition. Licensees of the Board are expected to practice within an evidence-based standard of care for their profession.  The Board does not and cannot prescribe by regulation a protocol for each specific condition a pateint might present.   Additionally, the use of digital-xrays has some advantages for electronic communication of patient records, but there is no evidence of improved outcomes for patient care.