As the state legislature enters the homestretch of its 2026 regular session, we have some good news: A4706-C (Assemblymember Clark)/ S5860-C (Senator Gounardes), which updates the chiropractic scope of practice, was reported out of the Codes Committee on May 28 and sent to Ways and Means, where it was reviewed and approved on June 4.
The bill now heads to the Assembly Rules for review. From there, it can go to the floor for a vote by the full Assembly. The Senate version of the bill passed in that house last year, and based on the Assembly movement, we are hopeful they will pass it again this year.
Why Scope Modernization Matters
The New York chiropractic scope of practice was established in 1963 and has had only minimal updates since then, the last in 1982. In the 63 years since the licensed profession of chiropractic was recognized in New York, there have been significant advances in the educational standards and training for doctors of chiropractic, and this bill seeks to sync the legal scope of practice with those changes in chiropractic education and training.
Building Support Across the State
The NYSCA Board and its government relations team remain focused on getting this bill through both houses of the legislature this session. We spent the past year strengthening and expanding a coalition of partners to support our efforts and talking with groups that had concerns, including the NY Chiropractic Council, to ensure that this important legislation passes both houses of the legislature.
While we have been hard at work building support our bill still faces significant opposition. The Medical Society of New York State, New York Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine have all issued memos of opposition to our legislation. As we’ve continued to move through the process, we have seen their opposition and pushback increase. Our government affairs team is hard at work pushing back on their opposition, but it is important to note that this opposition is significant and will make our efforts more difficult.
A Critical Moment for the Profession
It is imperative that everyone who wants a more modern scope of practice for the chiropractic profession in New York State work together now more than ever to give this important legislation its best chance of success. If the Assembly passes this bill, and the Senate passes it again before the end of session, the bill will be sent to the Governor for her review. At that point, we would be hopeful she will sign the bill into law. Until then, we will remain vigilant and cautiously optimistic.
Looking Ahead
We hope you are as excited and encouraged by this news as we are. Stay tuned for updates.