The Romberg test is a neurological procedure used to assess balance and can be used to gauge a patient’s risk of falling. Unfortunately, the test itself is a fall risk. The fall risk is not huge, and falls are not frequent. However, I have encountered a few situations that have influenced how I use and teach the test.
Oregon Preserves Section 2706
Dr. Vern Saboe, lobbyist for the Oregon Chiropractic Association, reports that the Oregon state Senate has unanimously passed House Bill 2468, legislation that inserts the federal provider non-discrimination Section 2706(a) from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare") into Oregon law. Dr. Saboe immediately requested a signing ceremony and Gov. Kate Brown signed the bill into law on May 27 (see photo).
"Oregon's legislation should act as a template for other states inserting the federal nondiscrimination provisions, but time grows very short," emphasized Dr. Saboe. "It is critical that states act quickly since the Republican-controlled Congress is poised to possibly repeal 'Obamacare' or portions of it, possibly eliminating the federal nondiscrimination protections.
"Of equal concern, the American Medical Association and subspecialty groups have twice introduced legislation in Congress to repeal just Section 2706(a). By inserting the federal non-discrimination language into Oregon law, even if 'Obamacare' and/or Section 2706(a) is repealed by Congress, Oregon's chiropractic physicians will be protected under state law. It is critical other states quickly follow Oregon's lead."