Bettendorf Chiropractor’s License Suspended for COVID Relief Fraud, Unlicensed Practice
State regulators have suspended the license of a Bettendorf chiropractor who pleaded guilty to bank fraud and money laundering tied to misuse of COVID-19 relief funds, and who continued to practice without a valid license, according to Iowa Board of Chiropractic records.
Jason Rannfeldt, a former chiropractor at Rannfeldt Family Chiropractic, was charged by the board in July 2025 with practicing outside the scope of his profession, representing himself as a chiropractor without an active license, and being convicted of offenses directly related to his duties. The disciplinary action came 14 months after Rannfeldt pleaded guilty to five federal charges, including bank fraud, money laundering, and making false statements to a financial institution.
What Did the Iowa Board of Chiropractic Find?
The board alleged that Rannfeldt continued to practice chiropractic even after his license lapsed in 2023. He also posted videos online describing himself as a physician and discussing treatments for diabetes, ADHD, and thyroid dysfunction — areas outside the scope of chiropractic care.
To resolve the disciplinary case, the board agreed to suspend Rannfeldt’s license for one year, backdated to November 2025. This means he will be eligible for reinstatement in about four months. Once reinstated, his license will be on probation for up to six years, with his billings and financial reports subject to outside review. He must also complete 15 hours of ethics and professionalism training.
How Did Rannfeldt Misuse COVID Relief Funds?
Federal prosecutors indicted Rannfeldt in March 2023 on 20 charges. They accused him of using his chiropractic clinic and other businesses to secure Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans — a federal program designed to help small businesses maintain payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prosecutors alleged that Rannfeldt falsified numerous PPP loan applications and routed the money to his personal bank account. He also falsified records to secure a down payment on a new $785,000 home. While many applications were denied, some were approved, resulting in $115,000 in attempted losses to Quad-Cities Bank & Trust, U.S. Bank, and Northeast Bank, plus $465,692 in attempted losses to Cross River Bank. Cross River Bank sustained $29,542 in actual losses, and Vibrant Credit Union lost $262,333.
Rannfeldt pleaded guilty to five charges, and prosecutors dropped the remaining 15. He was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay $291,875 in restitution to the Small Business Administration.
Did Rannfeldt Continue Fraud After His Guilty Plea?
Yes. Prosecutors alleged that even after pleading guilty, Rannfeldt filed fraudulent documents. In November 2023, he submitted a residential lease application that falsely presented his father-in-law as a guarantor, included fraudulent earnings statements, and forged his father-in-law’s signature.
Prosecutors cited Rannfeldt’s “repeated and blatant fraud” against taxpayers, telling the court: “He lied and used falsified documents to get loans. He lied and used falsified documents to get those loans forgiven. He lied and used falsified documents to get bankruptcy protection. And … he hasn’t stopped.”
What Did Rannfeldt Say in His Defense?
At his May 2024 sentencing, Rannfeldt’s attorney, Terence L. McAtee, cited his client’s medical issues from “long COVID,” including breathing problems, memory issues, muscle cramps, and mental health challenges. McAtee described Rannfeldt as a “beloved husband, father, successful chiropractor, church member, and pillar of the community.”
Rannfeldt apologized to the court, saying: “This is not me. No matter what the reason, there is no excuse for this, to waste taxpayer dollars wasted on this case. I’m honestly so embarrassed for what has happened. My family means a lot to me, and I’m going to spend the rest of my life trying to recover that.”
The Iowa Capital Dispatch was unable to reach Rannfeldt for further comment.
What Does This Mean for Iowa Taxpayers and Accountability?
This case highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for misuse of taxpayer-funded programs like the PPP. Iowa conservatives value fiscal responsibility and integrity in public programs. Rannfeldt’s actions — falsifying loan applications, continuing to practice without a license, and attempting to defraud multiple financial institutions — represent a breach of trust that undermines the purpose of relief programs designed to help small businesses during a national crisis.
The board’s decision to suspend his license and impose probation reflects a commitment to professional standards and public safety. As Rannfeldt seeks reinstatement, Iowans can expect continued oversight to ensure he does not repeat these offenses.
