BILL ANALYSIS Ó Senate Appropriations Committee Fiscal Summary Senator Christine Kehoe, Chair SB 352 (Huff) Hearing Date: 1/19/12 Amended: 1/11/12 Consultant: Jennifer Douglas Policy Vote: BP&ED 7-0 _________________________________________________________________ ____ BILL SUMMARY: SB 352 would specify that the practice of chiropractic does not include the treatment of hypersensitivity to foods, medications, environmental allergens, or venoms, including, but not limited to, the use of laser therapy, and would prohibit a chiropractor from advertising that he or she provides such services. A violation of these provisions would constitute cause for discipline by the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners. _________________________________________________________________ ____ Fiscal Impact (in thousands) Major Provisions 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Fund Investigation of Chiropractic Unknown, likely minor annuallySpecial* Act violations Ballot pamphlet One-time costs of Generalapproximately $264 *Chiropractic Examiners Fund _________________________________________________________________ ____ STAFF COMMENTS: SUSPENSE FILE The Board of Chiropractic Examiners (board) protects California consumers from fraudulent, negligent, or incompetent practice of chiropractic care. The board ensures that providers are adequately trained and meet recognized standards of performance for treatment and practice. The board uses licensing, continuing education, and disciplinary procedures to maintain those standards. It also reviews complaints and investigates possible violations of the Chiropractic Act and regulations. This bill specifies that the practice of chiropractic does not SB 352 (Huff) Page 1 include the treatment of allergies. Preliminary information indicates that the Board has not received any formal consumer complaints concerning the treatment of allergies by a chiropractor and that as a result, it appears expanding the Act to include this violation would not result in significant new investigation and enforcement costs. Because the Chiropractic Initiative Act was adopted by citizen initiative an amendment to the Act may require voter approval which could result in costs of $264,000. The printing and mailing costs associated with placing a measure on the statewide ballot are approximately $66,000 per page. The estimate noted above reflects four ballot pages for an initiative. Staff notes that the board has promulgated regulations that would clarify the chiropractic scope of practice pertaining to allergy treatments and the use of laser treatments. The board estimates enactment within six months.