The proposed merger of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards was approved by NBCE delegates and FCLB members at their respective annual meetings, held jointly in Atlanta, Ga., this year.
Per the new bylaws, the new entity takes the NBCE name, with FCLB continuing as a department within NBCE. The federation will continue to enjoy Board of Directors representation on what will be a single, expanded board.
First proposed in late 2025, the merger into a single entity makes sense on multiple levels, according to the two organizations:
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,” explained NBCE / FCLB leadership.
The vote to merge culminates a months-long process that featured multiple town-hall meetings and other opportunities for stakeholders to vet the proposal and process, including the proposed new bylaws. To review the executive summary, governance structure, legal considerations, and more, visit https://www.nbce.org/fclbnbce2026/.
Editor's Note: Look for a historical perspective on the merger from Publisher Don Petersen Jr. in the July issue.
