Chiropractic is a regulated health profession, governed in the same manner as medicine, nursing, dentistry, physiotherapy and the other regulated professions.  Each province has a regulatory and licensing authority established in provincial legislation.  The boards of the regulatory authorities include members of the public appointed by the province.

Regulatory authorities are responsible for granting a licence to practice chiropractic in their jurisdiction, establishing standards of practice, and protecting the public interest. The regulatory process includes continuing education requirements, investigating complaints, and disciplining practitioners who fail to meet provincial licensing standards.

The Canadian Federation of Chiropractic Regulatory and Educational Accrediting Boards (Federation) is a national forum for the provincial regulatory authorities to share experiences and work together on matters of common interest.