The german Federal Administrative Court (Bundesverwaltungsgericht) Confirms a Sector-Specific Licensing Pathway
On 9 July 2026, the german Federal Administrative Court ruled in two cases that a Heilpraktiker license may be limited to the field of chiropractic. In the court’s view, chiropractic is sufficiently distinct and differentiated. It therefore constitutes a clearly defined professional field for the purpose of granting a sector-specific Heilpraktiker license.
In reaching its decision, the court considered the WHO guidelines on minimum requirements for chiropractic education and safety, the descriptions of professional activities provided by German professional associations, and the content of a degree program offered by a state-recognized private university in Germany. According to the court, these sources describe largely consistent fields of treatment and treatment methods.
DIU Alumnus Alexander Maaßen Pursued the Case Through the Courts
One of the two cases was initiated by Alexander Maaßen. From 2011 to 2016, he completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in chiropractic at the DIU. He earned his Bachelor of Science in 2015 and his Master of Science in 2016.
After graduating, Alexander Maaßen applied for a Heilpraktiker license restricted to chiropractic. His application was denied. In February 2017, he filed a lawsuit and subsequently pursued the case through several levels of the court system to the Federal Administrative Court. For nearly nine years, he remained committed to achieving legal clarification.
Throughout the proceedings, he was supported by Frank Soens, President of the Bund Deutscher Chiropraktiker e.V. (BDC), who is also a graduate of a DIU chiropractic degree program.
His commitment has implications beyond his individual case. By deciding to pursue the lengthy legal process, the DIU alumnus made a significant contribution to obtaining clarification from Germany’s highest administrative court regarding the requirements for a sector-specific Heilpraktiker license.
The DIU Contributed Its Academic Expertise
The DIU was not only the claimant’s university. It also contributed its academic expertise to the proceedings. As early as 2018, the university explained to the Administrative Court the structure and content of its degree programs, their alignment with the WHO guidelines, and the specialist knowledge and methods taught throughout the programs.
The DIU later responded to further questions concerning the fields of treatment, therapeutic techniques, scope, and limitations of chiropractic practice. It also helped distinguish chiropractic from related fields of practice. The corresponding statements and responses became part of the published court records.
The Federal Administrative Court’s explicit reference to the content of a university degree program underscores the importance of a structured, research-based qualification completed over several years. Academic curricula help define the field of practice in a transparent manner and make professional standards visible.
What the Decision Means for DIU Alumni
The ruling offers three key benefits for alumni of the degree programs “Chiropractic (B.Sc.)” and “Chiropractic (M.Sc.)”:
- A legally recognized sector-specific route to licensure: In addition to an unrestricted Heilpraktiker license, applicants may, in principle, pursue a license limited specifically to chiropractic.
- A field-specific knowledge assessment: The responsible authority may require an assessment. However, this assessment must focus on chiropractic practice.
- Greater recognition of academic education standards: The content of a university degree program was expressly considered when defining the professional field. This reinforces the qualitative importance of rigorous academic education.
For alumni planning to practice independently or establish their own practice, the decision can provide a more reliable basis for professional planning. The responsible authority must still grant the sector-specific Heilpraktiker license following the required knowledge assessment.
A degree alone still does not constitute authorization to practice. The ruling neither grants automatic licensure nor replaces the responsible authority’s case-by-case assessment. Current DIU program information also explains that additional legal requirements must be met alongside the academic degree.
Aligning Professional Prospects With Patient Safety
The Bund Deutscher Chiropraktiker welcomes both the general possibility of obtaining a sector-specific Heilpraktiker license and the required knowledge assessment. The new licensing pathway combines a clearer professional outlook with verifiable professional requirements and the protection of patients.
It is also highly likely that universities and professional associations will play an important role in shaping the assessment process. The association will analyze the further implementation of the ruling and continue its dialogue with the responsible authorities.
The decision reflects the persistence and personal achievement of a DIU alumnus, together with the value of academic qualifications and the professional support of a university. These contributions helped advance the framework governing an entire professional field.
Learn more now about the degree programs “Chiropractic (B.Sc.)” and “Chiropractic (M.Sc.)”.
Next start: 1 October 2026
Source: Press release of german Federal Administrative Court (Bundesverwaltungsgericht)
