AAC'S PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROPOSAL FAILS IN LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE VOTE
The effort by the AAC to gain prescriptive drug authority for chiropractors failed to pass a key committee vote on 12/10/13, thus dooming its fate for the 2014 Legislative session. The AAC had tried to gain the right for 20 chiropractors to prescribe two anti-inflammatory and two muscle relaxant drugs in a pilot program lasting 5-7 years. Extensive education would have been required along with time spent with an MD or DO in their practice. Committee members simply could not go along with the idea of chiropractors prescribing drugs based on the level of education received. The Arizona Osteopathic Association testified strongly against the concept.
The AAC had never polled the profession to see if state DCs wanted the right to prescribe drugs, and had never informed state DCs or even their own members of their effort. Only ACS had informed the profession that the AAC was involved in this project. ACS's objections were taken seriously by committee members.
ACS remains committed to devoting all resources to passing an enforceable insurance equality law and lowering copays to primary care physician levels. The AAC has committed to supporting these efforts. Stay tuned to your emails for progress reports on these legislative proposals. You will be asked to do grassroots work to pass these bills. The prospects for 2014 are much better than 2013 for a variety of reasons. If you are not already a member, join now to increase our chances for victory.
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