Rep. Howard files bill in North Carolina House to revise chiropractic licensure requirements

A new bill filed by State Rep. Julia C. Howard in the North Carolina House seeks to update educational and licensure requirements for chiropractors in the state, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 702 on April 2 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Chiropractic Education Changes.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, the bill modifies the educational requirements for chiropractic licensure in North Carolina by mandating that applicants must graduate from an accredited chiropractic college program and complete 4,200 hours of chiropractic education. It establishes certification standards for chiropractors practicing acupuncture and outlines the composition of the North Carolina State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, stating that members must include practicing chiropractors and public representatives. The bill defines the parameters of supervised training programs for chiropractic students, specifying the role of preceptorship under licensed chiropractors. It also revises the examination and licensure process, clarifying that no license shall be issued without proof of holding a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Additionally, the bill allows graduates of accredited chiropractic programs from other states to be licensed in North Carolina and sets new standards for disciplinary actions related to patient care, sanitation, and clinical equipment. This act becomes effective Oct. 1, 2025.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Cody Huneycutt proposed the most bills (33) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Howard graduated from Salem College in 2003 with a BA.

Howard, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2019 to represent the state’s 77th House district, replacing previous state representative Harry Warren.