Regulation

French Chiropractic Regulation

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How Has Chiropractic Evolved in France?

The chiropractic profession has existed since the late 19th century.

• 1993: The World Federation of Chiropractic became a member of the World Health Organization (WHO), which recognizes chiropractic as an effective treatment for neuromusculoskeletal disorders within the field of alternative medicine.

• 2002: Chiropractic Recognized by the French Ministry of Health

• Chiropractors had been practicing in France for nearly a century before the law of March 4, 2002 (the "Kouchner Law" on patients' rights and healthcare system quality) officially recognized the profession. This law reserved the title of "chiropractor" exclusively for individuals holding an accredited diploma.

• 2011: Chiropractors Become the Only Non-Physician Practitioners Authorized to Perform Spinal Manipulations Without Medical Approval
  A 2011 decree defined the scope of chiropractic practice in France, granting chiropractors a unique status among manual therapy professions. This recognition was based on strong scientific evidence supporting chiropractic effectiveness and the rigorous training required for professional qualification.

  That same year, INSERM (the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research) published a study stating that chiropractic care for acute or subacute lower back pain appears effective, with comparable efficacy to medication, surgery, and physiotherapy.

• 2013: Chiropractors Registered with Regional Health Agencies (ARS)
  Like other healthcare professionals in France (such as osteopaths and psychotherapists), chiropractors must now register with the ADELI system, which verifies their diploma through the regional health agencies (ARS).

  In 2013, all chiropractors who were members of the French Chiropractic Association (AFC) were officially registered and issued an ADELI number after diploma verification.

• 2018: Revision of Chiropractic Education Standards
  A 2018 decree revised chiropractic training requirements. It was issued by the Minister of Solidarity and Healthand the Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, with approval from both the French National Medical Council and the French High Authority for Health. The decree was co-signed by the Minister of Health and the Minister of Higher Education and Research.

Chiropractic Regulations Worldwide

More than 40 countries have granted chiropractic a legal status, often regulating it at the Master’s or Doctorate level. In some countries, chiropractors are authorized to perform X-rays and issue medical leave prescriptions. In certain cases, chiropractic treatments are even covered by state healthcare systems.

Source: French Chiropractic Association