Regulation of Chiropractic Industry

Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Health (a) what regulatory guidelines or standards are applicable to the chiropractic industry; (b) whether customers of the industry will be able to find recourse from the Ministry when there are disputes; and (c) whether there is any ongoing process to bring the industry under further regulation, such as to consider it as part of the Allied Health Professionals under the First Schedule of the Allied Health Professions Act.

MOH takes a risk-based regulatory approach. Chiropractic services are a form of complementary and alternative treatment and are currently not licensed under the Private Hospital and Medical Clinic Act. There is also no statutory legislation to regulate practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine practitioners, including chiropractors.

Chiropractors are encouraged to practise self-regulation, register with their professional association, that is, The Chiropractic Association (TCA) (Singapore) and adhere to industry standards set by the association. TCA (Singapore) has developed a code of ethics, scope of practice and advertising guidelines for their profession.

While there are no regulations involving chiropractors and their services, they are subjected to provisions under the Medicines (Sales and Advertisements) Act. For example, their publicity is not permitted to contain any diagnostic or treatment claims for any diseases and medical conditions. Doing so might contravene the Act and result in penalties. Complaints in this area can be sent to the Ministry of Health. For other disputes, customers can find recourse through the Consumers Association of Singapore.

The Ministry will continuously monitor the risk to patient safety and periodically review the need to license chiropractic professionals and their services.