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ISSUE 4  May 15, 2012 

 

 

In This Issue
Dr. Riekeman at FCLB
NCMIC Warning
Drug Debate at WCCS
Report From New Mexico Convention
Subluxation in the Standards?
Quick Links
Past Issues
 
 
 
Greetings!

Welcome to the fourth edition of the "ICA  In Action" newsletter. The first weekend of May was a busy one in the Chiropractic profession.  In this issue I will report on my personal observations at the FCLB annual meeting including the 2012 Janse lecture and comments by Dr. Sportelli regarding continuing education, state statutes and malpractice insurance. I will also report on feedback from the World Congress of Chiropractic Students meeting at Life West and the New Mexico annual convention. 
 
The "prescription drug" controversy continues to spread as more practitioners and students become aware of the recent changes to the CCE educational standards and the long range implications to the profession.   The voices of the silent majority, opposed to the introduction of prescription drug rights in chiropractic, are coming through loud and clear as efforts to "spread the word" continue.
 
I have provided links to two short 'highlight" videos of two different chiropractic leaders with vastly different viewpoints on the future of our profession.  Both are sincere.  Both are attempting to lead ... but in completely different directions.  One is for "subluxation" and against "drugs" in chiropractic .  The other is for "prescription drug rights" in chiropractic and against the  "subluxation".  Watch the videos ... then get involved and make sure your voice is heard.
 
Finally, the degree of "spin" surrounding the claim that "subluxation" was removed or not removed from the new CCE standards continues to escalate.  I did a simple word search on the 2007 and 2012 standards.  The results speak for themselves.
 
Every two to three  weeks  I will continue to inform, educate and assure you that the ICA is working on your behalf to "Advance chiropractic throughout the world as a distinct health care profession predicated upon its unique philosophy, science and art." 

As the ICA continues to increase its involvement in state, national and international events I hope to keep you informed as to the "what, where and whys" behind the ICA actions.  I look forward to your feedback.

 

Dr. Steve Welsh 
Secretary/Treasurer
ICA
Dr. Riekeman Delivers 2012 Janse Lecture at FCLB Conference 
JanseSpeech2012.m4v

Highlights JanseSpeech 2012.m4v

"Say No to Drugs"


 Dr. Guy Riekeman was the featured speaker at this years Annual Meeting of the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB). Starting with a description of how successful companies, like Apple, define their value proposition, or the WHY they do what they do, Dr. Riekeman suggested that the chiropractic profession should explore the WHY of chiropractic as it struggles with the contemporary identity issues of the day.  Reminding the audience that we are not just machines, he suggested that our role was to remove the interference and allow the body to restore homeostasis.


FCLB Janse Speech 2011 Highlights.mov

Highlights Janse Speech 2011 .mov

"Say Yes to Drugs"


The speech was a refreshing contrast to last years speech in which Dr. James Winterstein suggested that the future of our profession lies in prescription drug rights and suggested that we follow the same paths as the Osteopaths.  The viewpoints of Dr. Winterstein are perceived by many as representing a small group in our profession wishing to expand their scope into the realm of medicine and who are rejecting the concept that chiropractic should remain  a profession separate and distinct profession.  Dr. Winterstein seems to be attempting to change the identity of Chiropractic by  using the terminology "Chiropractic Medicine".

I would suggest that you view both videos ( click on the video )  and let me know which vision best reflects your own personal view on the most appropriate identity of chiropractic.  E-mail me at [email protected] with your thoughts. 
NCMIC's Dr. Sportelli Delivers Warning at Annual FCLB Conference

Dr. Louis Sportelli

President, NCMIC

Dr. Lou Sportelli  issued a warning to both state regulators and DCs at the Annual Meeting of the FCLB.  Dr. Sportelli, using the Webster Technique/Obstetrics controversy as an example, proceeded to explain that some state boards were approving continuing education for subjects and procedures that might be in violation of the statutes in their states. ( New Mexico comes to my mind!)

He stated that "... if it is ruled by the examining board or a court or another entity with authority not to be in the scope of practice, it is not covered, as our policy excludes activity not within the scope of practice ... do you see the confusion with Boards that approve CE courses on this very subject and then the statutes or the scopes not permitting the utilization of the very subject matter they approved CE courses for...?" 

Dr. Sportelli also warned that "...thus instruction for demonstration purposes or teaching is not part of the standard malpractice professional liability coverage ...."  I believe the message is crystal clear:  There are chiropractic boards and/or CCE accredited chiropractic colleges currently approving CE courses for procedures that are in fact outside the legal scope of practice of chiropractic in many states. 

Your malpractice insurance will probably NOT cover you for these procedures, be certain to check with your insurance carrier for specific information on questions.  As a licensed DC it is YOUR responsibility to know what is and what is not legally considered to be in your scope of practice.
WebsterTechnique.m4v
WebsterTechnique.m4v

 If you are interested in Dr. Sportelli's remarks regarding the Webster Technique click on the video to the left.

 

THIS VIDEO TALK WAS PRIVATELY TAPED WITHOUT THE AWARENESS OR PERMISSION OF THE SPEAKER. 

 

Editors note:  Dr. Sportelli did not mention the "New Mexico" situation in his remarks.
 
World Congress of Chiropractic Students Question Position on Drugs
The topic of CCE and drugs surfaced during the recent WCCS event at Life West on May 3 as students grilled several chiropractic leaders regarding their support for a CCE that was prepared to accredit programs providing instruction in topics related to drugs and surgery.  The discussion focused on statements made at a recent CCE stakeholders meeting in Las Vegas (see ICA INACTION Issue 3) at which it has been reported that a CCE spokesperson indicated that there was no basis for denying accreditation that included drug education in their programs.  Given the different interpretations offered by several attendees of that meeting, a letter has been sent to CCE officially inquiring of the CCE position on the matter.  Click here to access a copy of that letter from Dr. Clum to the CCE.
NMCA Annual Convention: 
Dr. Winterstein (NUHS)  
and Dr. Murphy (ICA) Speak
The headline speaker at the recent New Mexico Annual Convention was Dr. James Winterstein, President of National University of Health Sciences.  It has been reported that Dr. Winterstein once again promoted the need for chiropractors to obtain prescription drug rights and suggested that the chiropractic profession should follow the path of the Osteopaths into the realm of mainstream medicine.  Dr. Dan Murphy, past ICA Vice-President, was also a featured speaker on the program educating the New Mexico DCs on the science of nutrition as it relates to the subluxation and the practice of Chiropractic.  One of the fundamental questions raised by the two different viewpoints:  Is the administration of an IV of vitamins and minerals the practice of nutrition and included in the chiropractic scope of practice? Or, is it the practice of medicine and excluded from the chiropractic scope?  Does a DC license authorize the practice of "Functional Medicine", or just "Nutritional Counseling"?  One can argue that certain IVs are allowed under the New Mexico statutes, however, those statutes require approval of the Medical and Pharmacy Boards.  The New Mexico Appeals Court has recently granted a stay (requested by the ICA) ruling that IV procedures are NOT authorized by the current formulary.  This ruling has significant implications to those DCs who may be using some of these procedures. Although they have been taught in CE seminars approved by the New Mexico Board of Examiners, the use of these procedures may not be covered by their malpractice coverage. (See Dr. Sportelli's remarks above)  Even the Board itself could ultimately held liable if any legal action is taken against DCs for performing procedures outside their legal scope.   
Is Subluxation in the New CCE Standards ?    The Evidence Says NO!
 
 
The ICA continues to strive to advance chiropractic throughout the world as a distinct health care profession predicated on its unique philosophy, art and science on a daily basis.  I sincerely hope that the "ICA In Action" newsletter will assist you in combating the mis-information campaigns that have begun to proliferate as the ICA continues to increase its efforts to defend chiropractic. 
 
 
Sincerely,

 
Stephen P. Welsh, DC, FICA
International Chiropractors Association