What is required for the board to suspend, revoke, or cancel a license?

For the board to suspend, revoke, or cancel a chiropractic license in Massachusetts, a majority vote is required. This means that more than half of the board members must agree to the decision for it to be enacted.

The rationale behind requiring a majority vote ensures that different viewpoints within the board are considered, promoting fairness and deliberation in significant disciplinary actions. A unanimous vote or a two-thirds majority would create a higher threshold that might hinder the ability of the board to take necessary actions swiftly in cases of misconduct or serious violations of practice standards. Similarly, allowing board approval without a vote would undermine the democratic process of decision-making and accountability within the licensing board, which is essential for maintaining professional integrity within the chiropractic community. Therefore, the majority vote requirement balances the need for accountability with the board's responsibility to regulate the profession effectively.