A suspended license means you cannot practice chiropractic care in Washington, even in limited form
When the Washington Department of Health suspends a chiropractor's license, that person loses the legal right to perform any chiropractic services—adjustment, manipulation, diagnosis, treatment planning, or any other act that requires a license to perform. A suspension is not a restriction or a probation with conditions you can meet. It is a complete halt to practice until the suspension is lifted by the Department of Health or by a court order.
The distinction matters because some healthcare professionals can continue working under restrictions (limited scope, supervision, or specific settings). A chiropractor with a suspended license cannot do that. The license itself is inactive, and using it—or holding yourself out as a licensed chiropractor—is illegal and can result in additional penalties.
Understanding what you cannot do, what you might be able to do instead, and how to move toward reinstatement is the practical path forward if you are in this situation.
Key Takeaways
- A suspended Washington chiropractic license prohibits all chiropractic services, including adjustments, manipulations, and any treatment that requires licensure.
- You cannot legally advertise yourself as a chiropractor, hold yourself out as licensed, or use your license number during a suspension.
- Some non-licensed work in a chiropractic office—scheduling, billing, cleaning, inventory—may be available depending on the office's policies and your suspension terms.
- The Department of Health will specify the reason for suspension and the conditions required to petition for reinstatement, which vary widely by case.
- Reinstatement typically requires meeting the Department's stated conditions, paying any fines, and sometimes completing additional education or passing a new examination.
Why Washington suspends chiropractic licenses
The Washington Department of Health suspends licenses for violations of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 18.25) and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC 246-830). Common reasons include patient harm, unprofessional conduct, substance abuse, failure to maintain continuing education, practicing without proper credentials, sexual misconduct, or financial fraud.
A suspension can be temporary (lasting weeks to months) or indefinite, pending the outcome of a disciplinary hearing or investigation. The Department issues a written order that specifies the reason, the effective date, and the conditions—if any—under which you can petition for reinstatement. That order is public record and appears on the Department's license lookup database.
Some suspensions are automatic (for example, if you are convicted of a felony or lose your malpractice insurance). Others result from a formal complaint, investigation, and hearing before the Washington Medical Quality Assurance Commission or an administrative law judge.
What you cannot do with a suspended license
You cannot perform any chiropractic service, including spinal manipulation, adjustment, mobilization, or any treatment that the law defines as chiropractic care. You cannot diagnose conditions, create treatment plans, or bill insurance under a chiropractic license. You cannot use your license number on any document, advertisement, or business card. You cannot hold yourself out as a licensed chiropractor, even informally or on social media.
Violating a suspension—by continuing to practice or claiming licensure—is a crime in Washington. It can result in criminal charges, additional fines, civil liability, and permanent loss of your license. Patients harmed by unlicensed practice can sue you directly.
You also cannot work in a chiropractic office in any capacity that requires a license. If your suspension order specifies that you cannot work in a healthcare setting at all, that restriction applies to all roles, licensed or not.
Non-licensed work you may be able to do
If your suspension does not prohibit you from working in a healthcare setting, you may be able to work in a chiropractic office in a non-licensed role: front desk, scheduling, billing, medical records, cleaning, equipment maintenance, or inventory. These roles do not require a chiropractic license and do not constitute the practice of chiropractic care.
However, the office itself may choose not to hire you during your suspension, either for liability reasons or because the suspension order restricts your presence. Some offices will not employ anyone with a suspended license in any role. Before pursuing this option, contact the office and ask directly whether they will hire you and whether your suspension order permits it.
You cannot supervise other chiropractors, manage patient care, or make clinical decisions. You cannot be present during patient treatment or have access to patient files if doing so would create the appearance of clinical involvement.
Understanding your suspension order and reinstatement conditions
Your suspension order is a legal document issued by the Department of Health. It will state the reason for suspension, the effective date, and the conditions you must meet to petition for reinstatement. Read it carefully and keep it with your records. If you cannot find your order, request a copy from the Washington Department of Health, Health Professions Division, or look it up on the Department's license verification website.
Reinstatement conditions vary widely. Some suspensions require you to complete additional continuing education hours, pass a new licensing exam, or complete a substance abuse treatment program. Others require you to pay fines, complete a period of probation, or demonstrate that the reason for suspension no longer applies. Some suspensions are indefinite and require a formal petition and hearing before reinstatement is possible.
Do not assume you know what reinstatement requires. Contact the Department of Health directly and ask for the specific conditions in your case. They can tell you whether you are may be able to access to petition now, what documents you need, what fees explore, and what timeline to expect.
Steps toward reinstatement
Reinstatement is not automatic. You must take action. The first step is to confirm that you have met all conditions stated in your suspension order. If the order requires continuing education, enroll in and complete those courses. If it requires a new exam, register and pass it. If it requires treatment or counseling, complete the program and obtain documentation.
Once you have met the conditions, submit a petition for reinstatement to the Department of Health. Include proof that you have met each condition (transcripts, certificates, exam scores, treatment records, letters from providers). Include a written statement explaining what led to the suspension, what you have done to address it, and why you should be reinstated. Be honest and specific.
The Department will review your petition. Some cases are approved without a hearing. Others require a hearing before an administrative law judge or the Medical Quality Assurance Commission. If a hearing is required, you will receive notice and can present evidence and testimony. You may represent yourself or hire an attorney.
Reinstatement timelines vary. Some cases are resolved in weeks; others take months or longer. During this time, you remain suspended and cannot practice.
Working with an attorney during suspension
If your suspension resulted from a formal disciplinary action or if reinstatement requires a hearing, consider consulting an attorney who specializes in healthcare licensing. An attorney can review your suspension order, explain your rights, help you gather evidence for reinstatement, and represent you at a hearing.
The cost of legal representation varies, but many attorneys offer initial consultations at no charge. Some work on flat fees for reinstatement petitions; others charge hourly rates. If you cannot afford an attorney, ask the Department of Health whether your case qualifies for a public defender or whether low-cost legal clinics serve healthcare professionals.
An attorney cannot change the facts of your case or may provide reinstatement, but they can help you present the strongest possible petition and protect your rights during the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a massage therapist or physical therapy assistant while my chiropractic license is suspended?
Only if you hold a separate license for that profession and your suspension order does not prohibit you from working in healthcare settings. A chiropractic suspension does not automatically suspend other licenses. However, if your suspension resulted from patient harm or substance abuse, the Department may have restricted your work in any healthcare role. Check your suspension order or contact the Department to confirm.
What happens if I practice chiropractic while my license is suspended?
You can be charged with a crime under RCW 18.25.055 (practicing without a license). Penalties include fines up to $5,000, jail time up to one year, or both. Patients can also sue you for damages. Your suspension will likely become permanent, and you may never be able to reinstate your license.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
Timelines vary. If you have met all conditions and the Department approves your petition without a hearing, reinstatement can happen within weeks. If a hearing is required, the process typically takes two to four months from petition to decision. Some complex cases take longer. Ask the Department for an estimate based on your specific case.
Do I have to pay a fee to petition for reinstatement?
Yes. Washington charges a reinstatement fee, which varies by profession and changes periodically. Contact the Department of Health to confirm the current fee for chiropractors. You may also owe fines related to the reason for suspension. These must be paid before or with your reinstatement petition.
Can my suspension be appealed?
Yes, if the suspension resulted from a formal disciplinary hearing. You can appeal to the Washington Court of Appeals within 30 days of the Department's decision. An appeal is complex and requires an attorney. If your suspension was automatic (for example, due to a criminal conviction), the appeal process is different and depends on the underlying reason.