The Texas Court of Appeals has upheld a penalty against Dr. Eric Vanderwerff, a chiropractor, for providing health care services while his chiropractic license was expired. The court's decision, made on July 23, 2026, affects not only Vanderwerff but also sets a precedent for how licensing issues are handled within the Texas workers’ compensation system.
The case arose after the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), issued an administrative penalty against Vanderwerff after he continued to treat patients despite his license expiring on October 1, 2020. The court's ruling reinforces the importance of maintaining valid licenses for health care providers within the workers' compensation system.
Background
Dr. Eric Vanderwerff has been a practicing chiropractor for over 25 years and has provided services to patients in the workers’ compensation system. According to Texas law, chiropractors must hold a valid license to provide care to injured workers. The Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners issues these licenses, which must be renewed every two years.
Vanderwerff received a renewal notice from the Chiropractic Board in August 2020, but he failed to complete the necessary requirements before his license expired. He did not fulfill the renewal requirements, which included paying a fee and completing continuing education courses, until June 2021. During the time his license was expired, he continued to bill for services rendered to patients, prompting the DWC to take action against him.
The Ruling
The court ruled that the DWC had the authority to impose an administrative penalty against Vanderwerff for practicing with an expired license. The court stated, “We conclude substantial evidence supports the administrative order,” affirming the lower court's decision. The ruling emphasized that the DWC is responsible for ensuring that health care providers are properly licensed to protect injured workers.
Chief Justice Brister and Justices Field and Farris made up the panel that decided the case. They found that the DWC acted within its statutory authority when it sanctioned Vanderwerff for violating licensing requirements. The court noted that “the Division has no statutory discretion to permit an unlicensed chiropractor to render professional services to injured workers.”
Impact
This ruling has significant implications for chiropractors and other health care providers in Texas. It establishes that the DWC has the authority to enforce licensing requirements strictly and to impose penalties for violations. This decision reinforces the notion that health care providers must maintain valid licenses to practice within the workers’ compensation system.
The ruling also clarifies the relationship between the DWC and the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners, emphasizing that while the Board issues licenses, the DWC has a duty to ensure compliance with licensing laws in the context of workers’ compensation. This case may serve as a warning to other health care providers about the importance of adhering to licensing regulations.
What's Next
Details were not available in the court filing regarding whether Vanderwerff plans to appeal the decision. However, the ruling stands as a reminder of the strict enforcement of licensing laws in Texas and may influence future cases involving health care providers and their licensing obligations.