Executive Summary
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.
If approved, NBCE would be the surviving corporate entity (continuing to operate under the NBCE name), with FCLB continuing as a dedicated department within NBCE. All FCLB programs and services and all NBCE examination programs will continue without material change for regulatory boards.
The proposed governance structure would include a single Board of Directors and a unified delegate structure that closely reflects the current representation and selection methods of both organizations. Regulatory boards will retain their key rights and responsibilities as delegates of the combined organization.
The proposed bylaws have been finalized and approved by the NBCE Boards of Directors. Members and delegates are encouraged to review the proposed bylaws using the links provided on this page. There will be another virtual Town Hall April 14, and a final in-person discussion at the Annual Meeting. Final approval of the bylaws—and the proposed combination—will be determined by votes of FCLB members and NBCE delegates at the 2026 Annual Meetings.
All stakeholders are encouraged to examine the proposed bylaws as part of the ongoing process. Questions and comments can be submitted online here during the open comment period.
Proposed 2026 Bylaws
(three layouts, one version)
Open Comment Period
Submit a question or comment before April 22, 2026
Watch Recent Town Halls
Detailed Information Supporting the Executive Summary
Purpose and Rationale for the Proposed Combination
The leadership of FCLB and NBCE believe that combining the two organizations is in the best interest of the regulatory boards and the profession for several reasons:
- FCLB and NBCE share a common mission—to protect the public by ensuring professional competence and promoting excellence in the regulation of the chiropractic profession.
- Both organizations exist to serve the state licensing boards and strengthen public confidence in the chiropractic profession.
- There is already significant overlap in governance, with regulatory boards holding voting roles in both organizations.
- Combining will achieve important synergies, efficiencies, and cost savings.
- Combining will better ensure the longevity of both FCLB and NBCE and allow FCLB’s valuable services to continue uninterrupted and be expanded and improved.
- Combining resources will enable improved offerings and support for regulatory boards.
This approach is consistent with many regulated professions, where a single organization of regulatory boards both supports boards and administers the national licensing examination.
As discussed during the March 19 Town Hall, FCLB currently relies significantly on NBCE for financial support, with more than 60% of its annual budget funded through NBCE contributions under an existing agreement. Combining the organizations is intended to create a more sustainable long-term model, reduce duplication of costs, and ensure the continued availability and growth of FCLB programs and services.
It was emphasized at the April 14 Town Hall that this effort is not a recent or rushed decision, but the result of years of discussion. Moving forward now allows for cost efficiencies to begin sooner and avoids delaying necessary structural improvements as the existing agreement between the organizations approaches expiration. It was also reiterated that FCLB is financially dependent on NBCE support, with more than 60% of its annual budget funded through NBCE contributions. Combining the organizations is intended to create a more sustainable long-term structure and reduce duplication of costs.
What the Combined Organization Is Expected to Look Like
If approved, the combined organization is expected to operate as:
- One corporate entity
- One Board of Directors
- One set of delegates and alternate delegates
- One infrastructure and office in Greeley, Colorado
- One combined staff
NBCE would be the surviving corporate entity and would continue to operate under its current name. FCLB would eventually be dissolved as a separate corporate entity; however, the FCLB name would continue as a dedicated department within NBCE, with all programs and services continuing under their existing names.
The intent is that regulatory boards will not experience any material change in services, programs, or exam use. It was reaffirmed at the April 14 Town Hall that neither FCLB nor NBCE are regulatory bodies, and that the proposed combination will not impact the authority of state regulatory boards over licensure, discipline, or other regulatory decisions.
Governance of the Combined Entity
The proposed bylaws reflect a Board of Directors structure for the combined entity that closely matches the current representation and selection methods of the NBCE and FCLB Boards. Current expectations include:
- Expansion of the NBCE Board from 11 to 13 members, including delegate-elected positions representing approximately 62% of the Board, maintaining strong regulatory board influence.
- Eight Directors elected by NBCE delegates (including five District Directors)
- A new Director position for a Board Administrator elected by delegates
- Two National At-Large Directors elected nationally by delegates (replacing the directorships historically reserved for two appointees from the FCLB Board of Directors)
- Five At-Large Directors selected by the Board
- The existing 12-year aggregate NBCE Board service limit will remain unchanged and will not reset
Additional details reviewed during the March 19 Town Hall include:
- Creation of a new Agency Administrative Director position to ensure continued representation of board administrators
- Establishment of a standing FCLB Committee within the NBCE governance structure
- Alignment of Board member terms to three-year terms to promote consistency and continuity
Delegates of the combined entity are expected to retain the same key rights and responsibilities as under the current structures, and any differences will be clearly explained in the bylaws.
Impact on Regulatory Boards, Programs, and Exams
The following points have remained consistent throughout the Town Halls:
- There will be no material changes for FCLB members or NBCE delegates.
- FCLB’s programs and services will continue without interruption.
- NBCE examination programs will not change.
- Programs such as PACE, RCSP, and other FCLB offerings will remain the same.
- The combined organization will remain focused on public protection and support to regulatory boards.
Participation in the combined organization will remain voluntary. Jurisdictions that use NBCE exams will continue to have the ability to participate and provide input, regardless of their level of involvement in governance activities.
Legal Considerations and Authority of Regulatory Boards
Outside counsel have clarified that:
- Regulatory boards are voting in their capacity as members of FCLB and delegates of NBCE—not as governmental regulators of a corporate merger.
- Voting on bylaws changes is a membership right under both organizations’ governing documents.
- Participation and voting by regulatory boards in these organizations is longstanding and consistent with nonprofit law.
Both the NBCE and FCLB names will continue in the organizational documents of the combined entity to maintain alignment with state statutes referencing the organizations or their programs.
Timeline and Key Steps in the Process
The March 19 Town Hall confirmed the following six-step process:
- Drafting of new bylaws and preparation (complete)
- Votes of the FCLB and NBCE Boards of Directors on the bylaws (complete, approved by both boards unanimously)
- Distribution of proposed bylaws to members and delegates (completed on February 28, links provided above)
- Review period and Town Hall discussions (currently underway)
- Vote of FCLB members and NBCE delegates at the Annual Meeting
- Implementation of the combined organization following approval
Implementation would include transferring FCLB assets and staff into NBCE, establishing the FCLB department within NBCE, and eventually winding down FCLB as a separate corporate entity.
Communications and Next Steps
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- Copies of the proposed bylaws have been distributed to members and delegates.
- Additional Town Halls will be held in April to review the bylaws in detail and address questions.
- An in-person session will be held on April 30 at the Annual Meeting prior to the vote.
Additional information regarding the Annual Meetings, including registration and meeting materials, is available on the websites of each organization.
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