2023 State of HR in Chiropractic Care

Compliance Training

Our survey of over 300 chiropractic practice owners revealed that 27% of respondents identified compliance training as the most challenging aspect of their HR function. Compliance training is crucial for chiropractic practices to maintain federal and state regulations, as well as to ensure the safety of employees and patients.

Chiropractic practices are subject to a range of regulations, including HIPAA, OSHA, and the Affordable Care Act. Compliance training is mandatory for all employees, and failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines and legal fees.

In addition to the cost of non-compliance, many chiropractic practices also struggle with getting their employees to complete the required training. Given the busy schedules of chiropractic staff, finding time for training can be a challenge, and ensuring that employees retain the information they've learned can also be a struggle.

To address these challenges, many chiropractic practices turn to online training solutions, which offer a flexible and convenient way for employees to complete their training requirements. Or a compliance officer or outsourced team to oversee training and ensure that all employees are up-to-date on the latest regulations. This person or team can also be responsible for conducting compliance audits and identifying areas for improvement.

Employee Handbooks and Policy Updates

We also uncovered some interesting insights into how practices handle employee handbooks and policies. 41% of respondents reported relying on lawyers to write their handbooks or policies, while 23% wrote the policies themselves. While using a lawyer may seem like a wise choice for legal expertise, it can be costly and may not result in a handbook or policy that is tailored to the specific needs of the practice. Similarly, writing the policies oneself can result in compliance issues or may not reflect the best practices in the industry.

While we are happy to see this number low, it was also concerning that 1% of respondents indicated that they do not have an employee handbook. This can leave the practice exposed to legal and compliance risks. Employee handbooks and policies are essential for establishing clear expectations and guidelines for employees, as well as for protecting the practice from legal issues such as wrongful termination or harassment claims.

Additionally, our survey revealed that 24% of chiropractic practices rarely or never update their handbook or policies. This is problematic because regulations and policies can change rapidly, and outdated or inaccurate policies can put the practice at risk of legal and compliance issues. For example, a policy that is not up-to-date with current wage and hour regulations can result in claims and fines.

To address these challenges, chiropractic practices can consider working with HR professionals or consultants to develop and maintain their employee handbooks and policies. These experts can help practices stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and ensure that policies are tailored to the specific needs of the practice. They can also provide training and support to ensure that employees are aware of the policies and understand their responsibilities.

Time Spent on HR Related Tasks

Our survey of practice owners revealed that many practices are dedicating a significant amount of time and resources to HR-related tasks. In fact, 25% of respondents indicated that their HR team spends over 20 hours per week on employee-related tasks such as training and payroll. Additionally, 56% of respondents reported that they themselves spend between 6-15 hours per week on these tasks.

The amount of time and resources that practices are dedicating to HR-related tasks can have a significant impact on the practice's overall success and profitability. With so much time and attention focused on HR-related tasks, practice owners and staff may have less time to focus on patient care, practice growth, and revenue generation. In particular, practice owners could miss out on potential revenue opportunities by dedicating too much time to HR tasks, which could harm the practice's bottom line over time.

One way to address these challenges is to identify and prioritize HR tasks that are critical to the practice's success and delegate them to staff members or department leads. This approach can help ensure that HR tasks are being completed efficiently and effectively, while also allowing practice owners and staff to focus on patient care and practice growth.

Finally, practices can consider partnering with HR for Health, which offers HR solutions specifically designed for the chiropractic industry. HR for Health can help streamline HR tasks, reduce compliance issues, and improve productivity and efficiency. By partnering with HR for Health, chiropractic practices can reduce the time and resources needed for HR-related tasks, and focus on providing high-quality patient care and growing their practices.

Claims and Lawsuits

Unpaid wages were the most common type of employee claim or dispute reported in the survey. This can be a challenging issue to address, particularly when it arises from unintentional errors in payroll calculation, overtime payment, or employee classification. However, it is essential for practices to address these issues proactively, as they can result in costly legal fees, penalties, and damages.

Additionally, our survey found that 75% of respondents reported experiencing employee claims or disputes within the last three years. This high number of claims and disputes can be attributed to several factors, including the shifting landscape of employment laws and regulations, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the workplace, and changing employee expectations and demands. With employees working from home and changes in laws and regulations, chiropractic practice owners need to fully understand the rules and regulations themselves in order to avoid any potential claims or lawsuits.

To address these challenges, chiropractic practices need to have clear and updated policies in place to ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations. They also need to educate their employees on these policies to ensure that they understand their rights and responsibilities in the workplace. By being proactive and addressing issues before they arise, practices can reduce the likelihood of employee claims or disputes, while also improving employee satisfaction and retention.

One solution for chiropractic practices is to partner with HR professionals or consultants who can provide guidance and support on employment law and compliance issues. These professionals can help practices develop and maintain their policies and procedures, while also providing training and education to staff members. Another option is to use HR software and payroll solutions to automate tasks and reduce errors, which can be particularly helpful for smaller practices with limited resources.

How Compliant You Think You Are

Our survey of over 300 chiropractic practice owners found that the majority of respondents felt they were very or fully compliant with every law and regulation, both state and federal. While this is a positive sign, it is important to note that there are many areas in which practices may not be fully compliant. This is particularly true given the ever-evolving landscape of employment laws and regulations, and the challenges of maintaining compliance in a constantly changing environment.

It is important for chiropractic practices to prioritize compliance efforts to avoid potential legal and financial risks. For example, patient lawsuits can have a significant impact on a practice's reputation, finances, and patient care. In addition, employee claims and disputes can lead to costly legal fees, penalties, and damages, as well as decreased employee satisfaction and retention.

To mitigate these risks, chiropractic practices should take a proactive approach to compliance. This involves regularly reviewing and updating policies and procedures to ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations. It also involves ongoing training and education for staff members to ensure that they understand their rights and responsibilities in the workplace.

One of the key challenges facing chiropractic practices is staying up-to-date with changing laws and regulations. Employment laws and regulations can change frequently and without warning, and practices need to be prepared to adapt quickly. Additionally, practices may be subject to multiple laws and regulations, such as HIPAA, OSHA, and the Fair Labor Standards Act, which can be complex and difficult to navigate.

To address these challenges, chiropractic practices can consider partnering with HR for Health who can provide guidance and support on employment law and compliance issues. These professionals we employ can help practices develop and maintain their policies and procedures, while also providing training and education to staff members. They can also provide ongoing support to help practices stay up-to-date with changing laws and regulations.