House bill to allow chiropractors to treat animals draws mostly favorable testimony

Representative Diane Kelly introduced House Bill 267 to authorize doctors of chiropractic and doctors of veterinary medicine who complete a nationally recognized animal chiropractic program to adjust animals without a veterinary referral and, for chiropractors, without direct veterinary supervision.

Kelly said the bill is essentially the same as language the Legislature passed in the prior session but that the governor vetoed, and that the new draft clarifies eligibility by explicitly limiting the exemption to licensed veterinarians and licensed chiropractors who complete the named training. She told the committee veterinarians and chiropractors already attend nationally recognized programs and that granting an explicit exemption is intended to help animal owners obtain timely and affordable care.

Kurt Ehrenberg, New Hampshire state director for The Humane Society of the United States, testified in support, saying the bill would increase access to care and did not raise additional concerns for the organization. Representative Schmidt and committee members asked about training and whether programs include a performance-standard component; Kelly said the programs are nationally recognized and the director of OPLC would determine accepted programs.

Representative Howard reported online sign-in counts: four supporting and one opposing entries for HB 267, while the committee record indicated a broader split on other bills. Representative Kelly said the measure passed both chambers in the previous session but was vetoed by the governor; the revised language aims to resolve the governor’s concerns about explicit eligibility.

Committee members did not take final action; the hearing record was closed and testimony will be included in committee deliberations.