(1) Any licensed chiropractor desiring to be certified as an impairment evaluator to rate impairments of workers' compensation claimants or insurers shall file an application with the board.

(2) Applicants shall have been in active clinical practice in Montana for a minimum of 12 consecutive months, immediately preceding application.

(3) Applicants may qualify for certification by:

(a) successfully completing a board-approved program for education and training of certified chiropractic impairment evaluators, and passing the associated exam with a minimum of 75 percent; or

(b) successfully completing an educational and training program relating to chiropractic orthopedics, impairment ratings, or similar course work from a Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) status chiropractic college or any other college or university approved by the board, and passing the associated exam with a minimum of 75 percent; or

(c) by being in practice for more than five years and successfully demonstrating to the board that the applicant has completed a certified program equal to that recommended by the board.

(4) Diplomates of the American Board of Chiropractic Orthopedists (DABCO) in practice more than five years are exempt from the educational and training requirements.

(5) Applications shall be accompanied by official transcripts, diplomas, or similar certificates evidencing successful completion of one of the types of education and training programs approved by the board. Successful completion is deemed written certification by the course provider.