Florida Chiropractic Laws and Rules (FCLR) Practice Exam

What constitutes a violation of the chiropractic practice chapter and is considered a felony of the third degree?

1. Practicing without supervision

2. Using a fraudulent license

3. Failure to maintain patient records

4. Providing unlicensed services

The correct answer is: Using a fraudulent license

Using a fraudulent license constitutes a felony of the third degree because it directly undermines the integrity of the chiropractic profession. Licensing is a regulatory measure designed to ensure that practitioners meet specific educational and professional standards to safeguard public health and safety. When an individual uses a fraudulent license, they misrepresent their qualifications and deceive both patients and regulatory authorities, posing an unacceptable risk to patient care. This act not only violates the laws governing chiropractic practice but also reflects a serious ethical breach, warranting severe legal consequences to deter such actions and protect the standards of the healthcare system. In contrast, while practicing without supervision, failing to maintain patient records, or providing unlicensed services are serious infractions, they may not necessarily reach the level of a felony of the third degree. These issues could lead to lesser disciplinary actions but do not carry the same weight of deception and intent to defraud that using a fraudulent license entails.