Legislation has been introduced in both chambers of the Arizona Legislature to address issues identified by the Auditor General regarding the Arizona Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Senate Bill 1021 and House Bill 2227 are identical measures that respond to findings of unauthorized investigative practices, inconsistent enforcement, failure to report alleged criminal conduct, and improper advocacy activity by the board responsible for licensing oversight.
The audit revealed that the board issued subpoenas unrelated to specific complaints, which led to disciplinary actions and extended investigations without legal justification. The report also cited uneven enforcement of continuing education and recordkeeping rules, refusal to refer cases involving potential crimes such as sexual misconduct or insurance fraud to law enforcement, and a backlog of unresolved cases. As of May 2024, nearly 70 percent of open complaints had remained unresolved for more than 180 days.
A follow-up report released on January 13, 2026, found that none of the original 28 recommendations from December 2024 had been fully implemented. Three recommendations were not implemented at all; others were incomplete. Additional problems noted in the follow-up included failures in posting disciplinary actions, delays in responding to public records requests, and continued noncompliance with open meeting laws.
The Auditor General also concluded that the board engaged in unauthorized lobbying activities, restricted public participation at meetings, altered public records, and failed to maintain consistent internal procedures. These issues have left licensees uncertain about their obligations and increased legal risks for the state.
“These findings confirm what Arizona chiropractors and small business owners have been warning for years,” Representative Blackman said. “A regulatory board cannot operate outside the law, ignore due process, and punish licensees without accountability. The follow-up audit makes clear that legislative action is no longer optional. This legislation restores clear limits and ensures the Board answers to the authority granted by the Legislature.”
“Professional licensing boards exist to protect the public, not to pursue unchecked investigations, ignore due process, or advance political agendas,” said Senator Shamp. “The Auditor General’s findings clearly indicated that this board consistently ignored statutes, fairness, and basic accountability. The follow-up report confirms that these issues are still unresolved. When a board fails to correct its course after receiving notice, the Legislature must step in. These bills aim to restore lawful oversight, protect patients, and ensure that practitioners are treated fairly under clear, consistent rules.”
The proposed legislation builds on previous reform efforts by clarifying investigative authority for the board as well as enforcement standards and reporting requirements. It also aims to strengthen transparency measures while reinforcing compliance with state law.
Arizona chiropractic business owners have expressed support for these reforms through a letter sent earlier this year to Governor Katie Hobbs. In it they stated: “the Board has ‘exceeded the powers granted to them by the Legislature,’ leading to ‘termination of contracts with our member physicians and tarnishing our reputations.’” They called for prompt action from state officials.
“We wholeheartedly endorse this initiative,” wrote a group representing providers in their letter. “A thorough review by your office of the actions taken by the Board… should be a priority as they have caused significant harm to our businesses and continue to undermine the integrity of the chiropractic profession in Arizona.”
Carbone was elected as a Republican representative for Arizona’s 25th House District in 2023 following Michelle Udall’s tenure.
