(a) Definition. For the purpose of this rule, animal chiropractic and other forms of musculoskeletal manipulation (MSM) are systems of therapeutic application of mechanical forces applied manually through the hands or any mechanical device to treat and/or alleviate impaired or altered function of related components of the musculoskeletal system of nonhuman animals. Animal chiropractic and other forms of MSM in nonhuman animals are considered to be alternate therapies in the practice of veterinary medicine.
(b) Treatment using animal chiropractic and other forms of MSM. Animal chiropractic and other forms of MSM may only be performed by the following.
  (1) A licensed veterinarian. Animal chiropractic and MSM may be performed by a licensed veterinarian under the following conditions:
    (A) a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship has been established as defined in the Act;
    (B) an examination has been made by the licensee to determine that animal chiropractic/MSM will not likely be harmful to the patient; and
    (C) the licensee obtains as a part of the patient's permanent record a signed acknowledgment by the owner or other caretaker of the patient that animal chiropractic or MSM is considered by Texas law to be an alternate therapy.
  (2) A non-veterinarian employee or an independent contractor. A non-veterinarian employee or an independent contractor may perform these procedures on an animal under the direct or general supervision of the veterinarian if the conditions in paragraph (1)(A) - (C) of this subsection have been met.
  (3) An individual to whom the exceptions of the Act, §801.004, apply.
(c) Responsibility. Whether the animal chiropractic/MSM is performed by a veterinarian or a non-veterinarian employee or an independent contractor working under the supervision of a licensee, the Board will hold the veterinarian to a level of professional judgment as would be exercised by the average Texas veterinarian who performs or recommends chiropractic/MSM treatments in his/her practice.

Source Note: The provisions of this §573.14 adopted to be effective June 14, 2012, 37 TexReg 4229; amended to be effective August 29, 2013, 38 TexReg 5486; amended to be effective May 4, 2014, 39 TexReg 3427; amended to be effective August 22, 2016, 41 TexReg 6203