Kansas State Board of Healing Arts Report
By Mark S Balderston, DC, FPSC, Board Member
Chiropractic Board Members: Jerry DeGrado, DC and Steven Gould, DC, DACBR
Mission Statement: Safeguard the public through licensure, education and discipline of those who practice the healing arts in Kansas.”
Agency Philosophy: Safeguarding the public is the Board’s primary responsibility. The Board and its staff approach their responsibilities in a balanced and efficient manner so regulation can be performed aggressively, but fairly for the benefit of every patron of the State of Kansas.
KSBHA Executive Director, Susan Gile
April 10, 2026 Board Meeting Notes
The leadership of the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB) and the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) are proposing to combine the two organizations into a single corporate entity to strengthen support for regulatory boards and public protection. A Town Hall meeting regarding the proposed merger was held on March 19.
You can click on the following link to view the meeting. Town Hall Summary: Proposed FCLB-NBCE Combination
Travis Oller, DC, Executive Director of the Kansas Chiropractic Association (KCA) gave testimony in Opposition to the Proposal. The board members were given the opportunity to ask questions.
For questions about the proposed merger, contact Travis Oller, DC at the KCA office 785-233-0697.
Presentation was provided by Alisa Johnson, MS, Chief Executive Office of the Center for Professionalized Education for Professionals (CPEP).
What is CPEP?
CPEP is non-profit helping to protect patients while supporting the clinicians who care for them. CPEP programs promote clinical excellence and professionalism through assessments and education.
Over 1,300 organizations, including licensing authorities and hospital systems across the US and Canada trust CPEP’s seminars, assessments, and chart reviews.
Over the past 35 years, we’ve served over 10,000 physicians, nurses, dental professionals , and other professionals.
CPEP website: cpepdoc.org
Licensing Statistic
Total Licensees: 38,312 (16 different health care professions)
Total Chiropractic Licensees
Active 1242
Exempt 67
Federal Active 12
Inactive 86
Total DC Apps Received from 01/1/26 to 03/24/26
13
Total DC Licensees Issued from 01/1/26 to 03/24/26
28
Welcome New DC Licensees
Jessica Ward, DC Henry Carter, DC
Hannah Risley, DC Johnny Fuller, DC
Lane Smith, DC Matthew Krizek, DC
Matthew Davis, DC Alize Tovar, DC
Jacquelyn Bogner, DC Emily Winter, DC
Madison Uselton, DC Kristine Edgren, DC
Terran Broom, DC
Board Meetings
June 12, 2026
August 14, 2026
October 9, 2026
December 10,11, 2026
For questions regarding licensing, compliance, or regulatory matters contact the Board at 785-296-7413. Website: ksbha.ks.gov
April 10, 2026
What the Latest Research Says About Chiropractic Safety in Older Adults
Clinical Compass recently published a systematic review adding to the growing body of evidence supporting the safety of chiropractic care, especially for older adults.
The study examined adverse events in patients aged 55 and older receiving chiropractic treatment, including spinal manipulation. After reviewing 25 studies and over 400 reported events, the findings were clear: serious complications are rare, and no life-threatening events were identified in clinical studies.
What Patients Actually Experience
The most commonly reported side effects were:
- Temporary soreness or stiffness
- Mild increases in pain
- Fatigue or headache
- Occasional dizziness
These are generally short-lived and expected responses, similar to what patients may experience after starting an exercise program or other forms of conservative care.
What About Serious Risks?
Across randomized trials and observational studies, no catastrophic adverse events were reported.
A small number of severe events were identified in case reports, but these types of reports:
- Do not establish cause-and-effect
- Often involve patients with significant underlying health conditions
This reinforces what chiropractors already know: patient selection and clinical judgment matter.
Context Matters
Older adults often present with more complex health histories, including conditions like osteoporosis or anticoagulant use. The research confirms that these factors should be considered—but does not suggest that chiropractic care is inherently unsafe for these patients.
In fact, prior research cited in the review found that older adults receiving chiropractic care had lower rates of injury compared to those receiving primary medical care for similar conditions.
A Profession Moving Forward
One of the most important takeaways from this study isn’t just the outcome—it’s the progress.
Since 2017, there has been a significant increase in research focused on patient safety in chiropractic care, particularly in older populations. The authors also highlight the need for more standardized reporting of adverse events, which will continue to strengthen the profession’s evidence base.
The Bottom Line
This latest review reinforces what many chiropractors see in practice every day:
- Chiropractic care is a safe, conservative option for older adults
- Mild, temporary reactions are common
- Serious complications are rare
As policymakers, payers, and patients continue to evaluate healthcare options, research like this plays an important role in ensuring that chiropractic care remains recognized as a safe and effective part of the healthcare system.
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