The Chiropractic Consultation program is a second-opinion program in Washington state. Doctors can ask for assistance with diagnosis or treatment planning. You must meet the minimum requirements before submitting a chiropractic consultant application.

Requirements to become a chiropractic consultant

• Provide proof that you have completed:
  • 30 hours (may be part of the 180 hours of post-graduate continuing education described below) of continuing education (CE) during the year before submitting an application, and
  • At least 180 hours of post-graduate continuing education in these subject areas:
    • Chiropractic treatment technique (a maximum of 20 hours may be included),
    • Diagnostic assessment,
    • Diagnostic imaging,
    • Exam and evaluation methods,
    • Neurology,
    • Occupational health practices,
    • Orthopedics.
• Have an active L&I provider number.
• Practice in Washington State. Have been in an active clinical practice for 5 years with at least 2 years in Washington State. At least 50% of your practice in Washington is devoted to patient management including treatment of injured workers. Full- or part-time practice requires an average of 8+ hours per week in the past 2 years.
• Show a pattern of practice consistent with L&I's utilization standards and Medical Aid Rules and Fee Schedules. Be in good standing with L&I.
• Complete 2 required L&I seminars less than 2 years before submitting your application:
• Reducing your Practice Headaches: Industrial Medicine Tips for Treating Doctors and
• Chiropractic Consultant Seminar
• Maintain a current license to practice in Washington State.
• Perform the following as a routine part of patient management while acting as an attending doctor for injured workers:
• Document treatment in the SOAPER or similar format.
• Submit narrative reports every 60 days.
• Conduct closing exams and submit reports to the insurer.
• Comply with L&I requests.
• Submit an Activity Prescription Form when appropriate or requested.
• Obtain consultations as clinically indicated and prior to 120 days of conservative care.

How to apply

After 1/1/2013, doctors must be in the Medical Provider Network (MPN) before they can apply to become chiropractic consultants. Only doctors in Washington can join the network. See how at: Join the Medical Provider Network.

Washington chiropractors: You may apply to become a chiropractic consultant at any time you believe you have met the minimum requirements shown above.

Send the Chiropractic Consultant Application and your documentation to: 

L&I, Provider Credentialing and Compliance
P.O. Box 44322
Olympia, Wash. 98504-4322

Ongoing requirements for chiropractic consultants

• Be in an active clinical practice in Washington State.
• Devote at least 50% of your practice to patient management including treatment of injured workers. Requires an average of 8+ hours per week in the past 2 years.
• Complete 30 hours of continuing education every year in subjects such as:
• Chiropractic treatment technique (a maximum of 20 hours may be included),
• Diagnostic assessment,
• Diagnostic imaging,
• Exam and evaluation methods,
• Neurology,
• Occupational health practices,
• Orthopedics.
• Every 2 years attend L&I’s:
  • Chiropractic consultant seminar, or
  • Chiropractic independent medical examiner seminar, or
  • Any other pertinent programs sponsored by L&I.
• Show a pattern of practice consistent with L&I's utilization standards and Medical Aid Rules and Fee Schedules. Continue in good standing with L&I.
• Perform the following as a routine part of patient management while acting as an attending doctor for injured workers:
  • Document treatment in the SOAPER or similar format.
  • Submit narrative reports every 60 days.
  • Conduct closing exams and submit reports to the insurer.
  • Comply with L&I requests.
  • Submit an Activity Prescription Form when appropriate or requested.
  • Obtain consultations as clinically indicated and prior to 120 days of conservative care.

For more information, see:

• Chiropractic Services
• Chiropractic Consultation Program

Applicable Laws (RCW) and Rules (WAC)

Definitions: Consultation examination report – WAC 296-20-01002
Treatment in cases that remain open beyond 60 days – WAC 296-20-035
Consultation requirements – WAC 296-20-045
Consultation –  WAC 296-20-051
Chiropractic Consultations –  WAC 296-23-195