This context makes it all the more important for professionals to train in quality, internationally recognised university programmes, ensuring standards of safety and excellence in care. Currently, Universidad Central de Chile is the only institution in the country offering a chiropractic degree with international validity backed by the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC).
University autonomy
Decree with Force of Law No. 3,541 of 1980, in its article 14, recognises that universities may create and award professional degrees other than those listed in other articles, confer academic degrees and grant diplomas and certificates. This includes the possibility of training chiropractors within university programmes, such as the chiropractic bachelor's and professional degree programme at Universidad Central de Chile.
Freedom to practise a profession
Article 19 No. 16 of the Chilean Constitution establishes that everyone may practise the profession of their choice, unless expressly prohibited by law. This guarantees the right of chiropractic-trained professionals to practise freely in Chile.
Notwithstanding the Health Code, there is no express legal text in Chile prohibiting the incorporation of chiropractic into new professional health activities, since —given advances in knowledge, technology and globalisation— restrictive legislation in that sense would run counter to public health.
Auxiliary health professions
Article 112 of the Health Code only specifies certain health professions —medicine, psychology, dentistry, pharmacy and midwifery— and its second paragraph makes room for “auxiliary professions”, such as physiotherapy, medical technology, nutrition and occupational therapy, among others.
“Likewise, auxiliary professions of those referred to in the preceding paragraph may be practised by those authorised by the Director General of Health. A regulation shall determine the auxiliary professions and the manner and conditions under which such authorisation shall be granted, which shall be permanent unless the Director General of Health, by reasoned resolution, orders its cancellation.” — Article 112, second paragraph (unofficial translation).
Historical case law
The case of Dr. Jorge Melo Claverie (1993) set a precedent: the Santiago Court of Appeals authorised the free practice of chiropractic in Chile, a ruling upheld by the Supreme Court.
International recognition and complementary regulations
The WHO recognises chiropractic as a health profession and recommends international training standards. The WFC evaluates and validates educational institutions that meet them. In Chile, the Ministry of Health has begun integrating complementary medicine into the health system through decrees and regulations governing practices such as acupuncture and homeopathy, setting a precedent for chiropractic.
In summary, chiropractic in Chile is supported by university autonomy, the constitutional freedom to practise a profession and consolidated case law. Its full integration into the health system will depend on moving towards regulatory recognition that incorporates international standards, always ensuring patient quality and safety.
Last updated: October 2025