A suspended license means your chiropractor cannot legally practice in Washington state, and you need to find care elsewhere when ready
When a chiropractor's license is suspended in Washington, the state Department of Health has determined that person cannot see patients until the suspension is lifted. This is not a temporary closure of their office — it is a legal prohibition. If you are currently under their care, you cannot continue treatment with them, and you should not pay for future appointments.
The suspension appears in the state's public license lookup system, which you can check yourself. Washington maintains this database so patients can verify that any healthcare provider they see holds an active, unrestricted license. If your chiropractor's name shows a suspended status, that is your signal to stop scheduling with them and find another provider.
Key Takeaways
- A suspended license is a legal prohibition — your chiropractor cannot treat patients until the state lifts the suspension, regardless of their skill or your preference to continue.
- You can verify suspension status yourself through the Washington Department of Health license lookup tool at doh.wa.gov, which is free and public.
- If you paid for future appointments or prepaid treatment plans, you have the right to request a refund from the office, and you should do so in writing.
- Finding a new chiropractor takes one to two weeks if you call offices directly; most can schedule new patients within that timeframe.
- Your medical records belong to you — request them from the suspended chiropractor's office in writing, as you will need them for your new provider.
How to check if a Washington chiropractor's license is actually suspended
Go to the Washington Department of Health website at doh.wa.gov and use the "License Lookup" tool. Enter the chiropractor's name or license number. The system will show you their current status — active, suspended, revoked, expired, or other designations. If it says suspended, the state has removed their right to practice.
The lookup tool is public and free. You do not need to log in or provide personal information. If you cannot find the person in the system at all, that is also a red flag — it means they either never held a Washington license or their license was revoked entirely (which is permanent, unlike suspension).
Write down the suspension date and reason if the system displays it. This information matters if you need to dispute a charge or explain to insurance why you stopped treatment with that provider.
What to do if you have already paid for treatment
Contact the chiropractor's office in writing — email or certified mail — and request a refund for any prepaid services, treatment packages, or appointments you paid for but have not yet received. State the date you paid, the amount, and that you are requesting a refund because the license is suspended and you cannot receive treatment.
Keep a copy of your written request. If the office does not respond within 10 business days, you have two options: file a complaint with the Washington Department of Health (which can pressure the office to refund you as part of their investigation) or pursue the refund through your credit card company or bank if you paid by card or check.
If you paid in cash and have no receipt, the situation is harder. You can still file a complaint with the Department of Health, but without proof of payment, a refund becomes unlikely. This is why written payment records matter — keep receipts for all healthcare payments.
Requesting your medical records from the suspended chiropractor
Your chiropractic records are yours, not the office's property. Send a written request to the office asking for copies of your complete medical file, including any X-rays, treatment notes, and progress reports. Include your name, date of birth, and the date range of your care. Request that they send the records within 30 days, which is Washington's legal important date.
If the office is closed or the chiropractor is unresponsive, contact the Washington Department of Health and file a complaint. The state can compel the release of records as part of their investigation into the suspension. You will need these records for your new chiropractor, so do not skip this step.
If the office charges a copying fee, it must be reasonable — typically $0.25 to $1.00 per page. Ask for an estimate before they process the request. Some offices waive the fee if you are switching providers due to a license suspension.
Finding a new chiropractor in Washington
Start by calling chiropractic offices in your area and asking if they are accepting new patients. Most can schedule you within one to two weeks. When you call, mention that you are transferring from another provider and ask if they need your previous records sent before your first appointment — some do, some do not.
You can search for chiropractors through the Washington Department of Health license lookup (filter by your county), through your insurance provider's directory, or through local referrals. Verify that any new provider's license shows "active" status in the state system before you schedule.
Bring your previous records to your first appointment with the new chiropractor, or have them sent directly from your old office. This gives your new provider context about your condition and previous treatment, which can speed up your care plan.
Why licenses get suspended in Washington
The Washington Department of Health suspends chiropractor licenses for specific reasons: unprofessional conduct, failure to maintain required continuing education, patient complaints substantiated after investigation, practicing without a license, or violation of state health regulations. Suspension is temporary — the chiropractor can petition to have it lifted once they address the underlying issue.
Revocation, by contrast, is permanent. If you see "revoked" in the license lookup, that chiropractor cannot practice in Washington again. Suspension means they are prohibited now, but may return to practice later.
You do not need to know the specific reason for the suspension to make your decision: if the state has suspended the license, you cannot legally receive treatment from that person, and you should not. The state's action is your protection.
Filing a complaint if you were harmed by the suspended chiropractor
If you experienced injury, improper treatment, or billing fraud before the license was suspended, you can file a formal complaint with the Washington Department of Health. This does not undo what happened, but it creates an official record and can support your case if you pursue a refund or legal action.
File the complaint in writing through the Department of Health's website or by mail. Include dates, what happened, how you were affected, and any documentation (receipts, medical records, photos of injury). The state will investigate and may take additional action against the chiropractor's license.
You can also consult a consumer protection attorney if you believe you have grounds for a lawsuit. Many offer free initial consultations and can advise you on whether you have a case for damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still see this chiropractor if I sign a waiver?
No. A suspended license is a legal prohibition that applies regardless of patient consent or written agreements. Seeing a suspended chiropractor is illegal for both the provider and potentially problematic for you — your insurance will not cover it, and you have no legal recourse if something goes wrong.
Will my insurance cover treatment with a new chiropractor after I switch?
Yes, as long as your new chiropractor holds an active license and is in your insurance network. You may need to restart your deductible or visit limit depending on your plan. Contact your insurance company to confirm coverage before your first appointment with the new provider.
How long does a suspension usually last?
Suspension length varies. It can last months or years depending on the reason and whether the chiropractor takes corrective action. You can check the Department of Health website periodically to see if the status changes, but do not assume it will be lifted soon.
What if the chiropractor says the suspension is a mistake or temporary?
The Department of Health's public license lookup is the official record. If it shows suspended, that is the truth regardless of what the chiropractor tells you. Do not rely on their explanation — trust the state system.
Can I get my money back if the office goes out of business?
If the office closes, your refund becomes harder to recover. File a complaint with the Department of Health when ready and contact your credit card company or bank. If you paid by card, the bank may reverse the charge. If you paid in cash, document everything and consult a consumer protection attorney about your options.