Can chiropractors participate in professional corporations?

• A. No, chiropractors may not participate in professional corporations.
• B. Chiropractors may participate in professional corporations only if the board approves the ownership structure.
• C. Chiropractors may participate in professional corporations or practice settings governed by professional and corporate practice rules; ownership must comply with applicable laws.
• D. Ownership in professional corporations is exempt from applicable laws.

Answer: (C)

Participation in professional corporations centers on the corporate practice doctrine: professional services must be provided through entities that are owned and controlled by licensed professionals, with patient care decisions kept in professional hands. Chiropractors may join or form professional corporations or practice settings, but only within the framework of these professional and corporate practice rules. Ownership and control must comply with applicable laws and board regulations, ensuring that professional judgment isn’t inappropriately influenced by non-professionals. This is why the statement that fits best is that chiropractors may participate in professional corporations or practice settings governed by professional and corporate practice rules, and ownership must comply with applicable laws. The other options are too absolute or inaccurate: there isn’t a blanket prohibition, board approval for ownership structure isn’t the general rule, and ownership isn’t exempt from the governing laws.