Can the arbitrator further limit discovery in a Healthsource Chiropractic arbitration?

According to the 2025 Healthsource Chiropractic Franchise Disclosure Document, the arbitrator in an arbitration proceeding has the authority to further limit discovery. The document specifies initial discovery limitations for each side, including a maximum of three depositions totaling 12 hours, six interrogatories with no more than 12 questions each (without subparts), and three document requests.

Beyond these initial limitations, the arbitrator has the discretion to impose additional limits on discovery. The FDD states that the arbitrator will limit discovery to the greatest extent possible while maintaining basic fairness. This clause grants the arbitrator broad authority to manage the discovery process and prevent it from becoming overly burdensome or costly.

For a prospective Healthsource Chiropractic franchisee, this means that the amount of information they can obtain from Healthsource Chiropractic during an arbitration may be significantly restricted. While the initial discovery limits seem defined, the arbitrator's power to further limit discovery introduces uncertainty. A franchisee should be prepared to present their case effectively within potentially tight constraints on the evidence they can gather.

This provision aims to streamline the arbitration process and control costs. However, it also carries the risk that a franchisee may not be able to fully investigate and present their claims if the arbitrator imposes stringent discovery limits. It is important for franchisees to understand this potential limitation and factor it into their decision-making process when considering a Healthsource Chiropractic franchise.