As the state legislature enters the homestretch of its 2026 regular session, A4706-C (Assemblymember Clark)/ S5860-C (Senator Gounardes), which updates the chiropractic scope of practice, continues making forward progress. The bill 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 Committee for review. From there, it can go to the floor for a vote by the full Assembly.
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. Though we have been hard at work for months building support, the bill still faces significant opposition.
Last week, the Medical Society of New York State, New York Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine all issued memos of opposition to our legislation. This week, The New York State Radiological Society opposed the bill too.
As our bill has continued to move through the legislative process, we have seen opposition increase, almost every day. Our government affairs team is hard at work pushing back on the opposition, but it is important to note that this opposition is significant and makes 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, it must still pass the NYS Senate again before the end of session. The Senate passed a similar bill last year but there is no guarantee they will do so again, particularly given the time constraints.
Looking Ahead
If the same version of the chiropractic scope bill passes both houses of the legislature, it 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, please be assured our lobbyist is working incredibly hard on your behalf and remain optimistic that her hard work pays off.
Stay tuned for updates.