Politics and Government

Politics and Government tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 TypePad Chiropractic Under the African Sun: WFC Biennial Congress tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56512 2013-05-08T12:00:32-07:00 2013-05-08T12:00:07-07:00

From April 8-13, 2013, the Chiropractic Association of South Africa (CASA) hosted the World Federation of Chiropractic's 12th Biennial Congress, titled "Chiropractic Under the African Sun,"at the International Convention Center in Durban, South Africa. New International Chiropractors Association Officers Sworn In tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56511 2013-05-06T12:00:32-07:00 2013-05-06T12:00:07-07:00

The International Chiropractors Association, in accordance with its Constitution and Bylaws, held elections of new officers prior to its 2013 Annual Meeting. The new officers are: Michael McLean, DC, president; Ronald Oberstein, DC, vice president; and Selina Sigafoose-Jackson, DC, secretary-treasurer.

ACA Sets Course for Next 10 Years; Palmer Alumni Drama Finally Put to Rest?

By Editorial Staff ACA Sets Course for Next 10 Years; Palmer Alumni Drama Finally Put to Rest? ACA House of Delegates Approves 10-Year Vision Statement tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56416 2013-03-13T12:00:32-07:00 2013-03-13T12:00:07-07:00

The American Chiropractic Association's (ACA) House of Delegates (HOD) has approved a new statement outlining what the association hopes to achieve over the next 10 years on behalf of the chiropractic profession and its patients. With an eye toward the future, delegates, who met March 8-9 in Washington, D.C., also passed resolutions to advance education and leadership development in their ranks.

Although one of the fundamental principles guiding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is to provide affordable insurance for all, the legislation undoubtedly targets the estimated 40-50 million Americans who currently do not have health insurance; and even more specifically, the millions who cannot afford to purchase insurance for themselves and/or their families. And while patients in all economic brackets often choose to pay for chiropractic care out of pocket, whether by choice or lack of coverage for chiropractic services, it is a relatively safe assumption that patients who cannot afford health insurance also cannot afford chiropractic care.

By Peter W. Crownfield, Executive Editor Although one of the fundamental principles guiding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is to provide affordable insurance for all, the legislation undoubtedly targets the estimated 40-50 million Americans who currently do not have health insurance; and even more specifically, the millions who cannot afford to purchase insurance for themselves and/or their families. And while patients in all economic brackets often choose to pay for chiropractic care out of pocket, whether by choice or lack of coverage for chiropractic services, it is a relatively safe assumption that patients who cannot afford health insurance also cannot afford chiropractic care. Indian Health Service Retains Chiropractic in Federal Loan Repayment Program tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56414 2013-03-05T12:00:32-07:00 2013-03-05T12:00:07-07:00

The Indian Health Service (IHS) has retained complementary medicine occupations, including chiropractic, in its Federal Loan Repayment Program. This reversed an earlier proposal to remove these occupations based upon a low response rate from a survey to tribal health directors, asking them to rate the importance of occupations.

By Gary Auerbach, BS, DC The Indian Health Service (IHS) has retained complementary medicine occupations, including chiropractic, in its Federal Loan Repayment Program. This reversed an earlier proposal to remove these occupations based upon a low response rate from a survey to tribal health directors, asking them to rate the importance of occupations. Horace Elliott to Retire From National Board of Chiropractic Examiners tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56412 2013-02-28T12:00:32-07:00 2013-02-28T12:00:07-07:00

After serving 27 years as executive vice president of the NBCE, Horace C. Elliott has announced that he will retire effective Feb. 28, 2014. The early announcement is timed to provide the NBCE board ample time to conduct a national search to fill the position and ensure organizational stability during a transition. Your Chance to See the National Chiropractic Legislative Conference Live tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56401 2013-02-26T12:00:32-07:00 2013-02-26T12:00:07-07:00

Even if you're not attending this year's National Chiropractic Legislative Conference and Educational Symposium in Washington, D.C., you still have the opportunity to check in on the proceedings as they occur courtesy of live streaming, which allows for the live delivery of video, audio and other media over the Internet.

It seems to take Congress a little longer every year, but doctors of chiropractic and other health care providers who treat Medicare patients can rest easy (for now), semi-secure in the knowledge that they have again avoided dramatic fee reductions just as they were about to take effect.

By Editorial Staff It seems to take Congress a little longer every year, but doctors of chiropractic and other health care providers who treat Medicare patients can rest easy (for now), semi-secure in the knowledge that they have again avoided dramatic fee reductions just as they were about to take effect. A Tribute to William Holmberg (1931-2013) tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56360 2013-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Born in Alabama, William Holmberg decided he wanted to become a chiropractor at the age of 10. He attended the University of Alabama and spent two years in the U.S. Army before enrolling at the Palmer School of Chiropractic, graduating in 1955. His bride, Barb, a woman of great charm, influenced him to stay in the area, as she was a local girl. In return, she attended hundreds of ceremonial dinners and cooked almost as many for Palmer students. Together they raised two daughters, Kris and Teresa.

By Alana Callender, EdD Born in Alabama, William Holmberg decided he wanted to become a chiropractor at the age of 10. He attended the University of Alabama and spent two years in the U.S. Army before enrolling at the Palmer School of Chiropractic, graduating in 1955. His bride, Barb, a woman of great charm, influenced him to stay in the area, as she was a local girl. In return, she attended hundreds of ceremonial dinners and cooked almost as many for Palmer students. Together they raised two daughters, Kris and Teresa. Register Now for the World Federation of Chiropractic's Durban Congress tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56333 2013-01-23T12:00:32-07:00 2013-01-23T12:00:07-07:00

It is now less than three months until the World Federation of Chiropractic's Silver Anniversary Congress in beautiful Durban, South Africa (April 10-13, 2013), hosted by the Chiropractic Association of South Africa (CASA). Are you one of the nearly 400 delegates registered already? Have you, like many others, booked your game-park trip before or after the Congress?

A Big Win for Chiropractic at the Polls; Palmer College Expands DoD / VA Internship Program; NUHS Naturopathic Medicine Program Receives Accreditation.

By Editorial Staff A Big Win for Chiropractic at the Polls; Palmer College Expands DoD / VA Internship Program; NUHS Naturopathic Medicine Program Receives Accreditation. Court Defends DC Scope in Texas Again tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56256 2013-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

For the past few years, Texas DCs have been under full frontal attack by the Texas Medical Association in regard to diagnosis and scope of chiropractic practice. In defense of our patients and the chiropractic profession, Texas doctors of chiropractic have fought back valiantly. In fact, members of the Texas Chiropractic Association contributed over $25,000 at a single luncheon after Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, Dr. Richard Brassard, and this author addressed the attendees back in June. And their commitment has paid off! On Nov. 21, 2012, the Texas Third Court of Appeals reversed summary judgment against the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners and ordered the case back to the trial court to proceed.

By James Edwards, DC For the past few years, Texas DCs have been under full frontal attack by the Texas Medical Association in regard to diagnosis and scope of chiropractic practice. In defense of our patients and the chiropractic profession, Texas doctors of chiropractic have fought back valiantly. In fact, members of the Texas Chiropractic Association contributed over $25,000 at a single luncheon after Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, Dr. Richard Brassard, and this author addressed the attendees back in June. And their commitment has paid off! On Nov. 21, 2012, the Texas Third Court of Appeals reversed summary judgment against the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners and ordered the case back to the trial court to proceed. From Complaining to Action: Refuse to Sit on the Sidelines tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56248 2012-12-02T12:00:32-07:00 2012-12-02T12:00:07-07:00

It's easy to sit on the sidelines and point to things that aren't working; actually knowing what needs to be done and how to do it is an entire different story. Too often, we see well-meaning chiropractors dissatisfied with developments within the profession launch wholly ineffective counterattacks. They rail in the chiropractic media but don't put their anger into action, or attack a chiropractic entity that has no authority on the issue at hand. Both approaches lead to a lot of noise and frustration, but no tangible results.

By Guy Riekeman, DC, President, Life University It's easy to sit on the sidelines and point to things that aren't working; actually knowing what needs to be done and how to do it is an entire different story. Too often, we see well-meaning chiropractors dissatisfied with developments within the profession launch wholly ineffective counterattacks. They rail in the chiropractic media but don't put their anger into action, or attack a chiropractic entity that has no authority on the issue at hand. Both approaches lead to a lot of noise and frustration, but no tangible results. American Chiropractic Association Presses HHS on Non-Discrimination Enforcement tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56224 2012-10-30T12:00:32-07:00 2012-10-30T12:00:07-07:00

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA), in an Oct. 19 letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, raises serious concerns regarding the department's implementation of a key provider non-discrimination provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

ACA Elects New Officers, Charts Course for Future; Allstate Insurance Fraud Case Finally Yields Judgment; Life West Names Alumnus, Student of the Year; D'Youville College Attracting More Veterans as Students; New Director of Academic Services at Logan College; Honorary ICC Fellowship for Standard Process President.

By Editorial Staff ACA Elects New Officers, Charts Course for Future; Allstate Insurance Fraud Case Finally Yields Judgment; Life West Names Alumnus, Student of the Year; D'Youville College Attracting More Veterans as Students; New Director of Academic Services at Logan College; Honorary ICC Fellowship for Standard Process President. News in Brief tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56185 2012-10-21T12:00:32-07:00 2012-10-21T12:00:07-07:00

Second Lincoln Prize Awarded; New Mexico Scope Battle: ACA Files Brief in Support of State Self-Determination; TCC Continues 9/11 Program Honoring First Responders.

By Editorial Staff Second Lincoln Prize Awarded; New Mexico Scope Battle: ACA Files Brief in Support of State Self-Determination; TCC Continues 9/11 Program Honoring First Responders. FCPAA: Fighting for Full-Scope Chiropractic tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56184 2012-10-21T12:00:32-07:00 2012-10-21T12:00:07-07:00

The Florida Chiropractic Physician Association (FCPA) incorporated in June 2011 and announced its arrival two months later via e-mail and social media. According to FCPA CEO Roderic Lacy, MD, DC, a 1975 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic, the association gained its first five members in only 15 minutes and more than 1,000 Florida practitioners have become members in less than a year. In addition, "daughter" associations have been established in Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas, with the Arkansas Chiropractic Society as an associated organization.

By Editorial Staff The Florida Chiropractic Physician Association (FCPA) incorporated in June 2011 and announced its arrival two months later via e-mail and social media. According to FCPA CEO Roderic Lacy, MD, DC, a 1975 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic, the association gained its first five members in only 15 minutes and more than 1,000 Florida practitioners have become members in less than a year. In addition, "daughter" associations have been established in Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas, with the Arkansas Chiropractic Society as an associated organization. ACA Contributes to Washington Post Article on Essential Benefits tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56169 2012-10-03T12:00:32-07:00 2012-10-03T12:00:07-07:00

ACA Senior Vice President of Government Relations, John Falardeau, was recently quoted in a Washington Post article discussing one of the most critical components of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) � determining what health care benefits are absolutely essential. The article addresses how state advisory boards are currently working to determine what exactly "essential care" means in their state.

Seen any political ads lately? I don't have to tell you that there is a presidential election next month; all you have to do is turn on the television or look at any newspaper. You're inundated with messages suggesting the choice you should make if you "love your country." But here's the thing: Regardless of which side you support, it's your choice to vote that shows your patriotism. Choosing to participate instead of standing on the sidelines is what makes the political process important. This election season has a lot in common with chiropractic. Your voice is needed far beyond a voting booth.

By Kent Greenawalt Seen any political ads lately? I don't have to tell you that there is a presidential election next month; all you have to do is turn on the television or look at any newspaper. You're inundated with messages suggesting the choice you should make if you "love your country." But here's the thing: Regardless of which side you support, it's your choice to vote that shows your patriotism. Choosing to participate instead of standing on the sidelines is what makes the political process important. This election season has a lot in common with chiropractic. Your voice is needed far beyond a voting booth. ACA Advocates for N.M. Chiropractic Physicians' Right to Self-Determination tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56148 2012-09-18T12:00:32-07:00 2012-09-18T12:00:07-07:00

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has filed an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief in the New Mexico Court of Appeals, supporting the expertise of chiropractic physicians in that state and their right to self-determination. Calif. Bill Would Take DCs Another Step Down in Worker's Comp tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56122 2012-10-07T12:00:32-07:00 2012-10-07T12:00:07-07:00

Chiropractic's role in state worker's compensation systems appears to be increasingly tenuous, as evidenced by proposed legislation in several states including California, where Senate Bill 863 is currently under deliberation. In The Golden State, the California Chiropractic Association is vigorously opposing SB 863, which the CCA contends "would eliminate the right for injured workers to select a doctor of chiropractic specialist as a Qualified Medical Examiner, and would prohibit a [DC] who has reached the 24-visit treatment cap from continuing to manage the patient's care � even if the doctor is within the employer's Medical Provider Network."

By Editorial Staff Chiropractic's role in state worker's compensation systems appears to be increasingly tenuous, as evidenced by proposed legislation in several states including California, where Senate Bill 863 is currently under deliberation. In The Golden State, the California Chiropractic Association is vigorously opposing SB 863, which the CCA contends "would eliminate the right for injured workers to select a doctor of chiropractic specialist as a Qualified Medical Examiner, and would prohibit a [DC] who has reached the 24-visit treatment cap from continuing to manage the patient's care � even if the doctor is within the employer's Medical Provider Network." ICD-11 May Be the Next Coding Hurdle tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56090 2012-08-26T12:00:32-07:00 2012-08-26T12:00:07-07:00

The health care community's on-going "scramble" to prepare for adoption of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition (ICD-10) got a welcome reprieve recently when the Department of Health and Human Services announced a proposed delay in the compliance deadline until Oct. 1, 2014. Now the American Medical Association has taken the conversation a step further, proposing at its 2012 House of Delegates meeting that ICD-11 be considered as a possible option to replace ICD-9, effectively bypassing ICD-10 implementation altogether.

By Editorial Staff The health care community's on-going "scramble" to prepare for adoption of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition (ICD-10) got a welcome reprieve recently when the Department of Health and Human Services announced a proposed delay in the compliance deadline until Oct. 1, 2014. Now the American Medical Association has taken the conversation a step further, proposing at its 2012 House of Delegates meeting that ICD-11 be considered as a possible option to replace ICD-9, effectively bypassing ICD-10 implementation altogether. Former NBCE President Appointed to Phoenix Sister Cities Commission tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56073 2012-08-06T12:00:32-07:00 2012-08-06T12:00:07-07:00

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton has appointed former National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) president, Dr. James J. Badge, to the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission (PSCC). At the group's inaugural meeting, the PSCC elected Dr. Badge to serve on the executive committee as treasurer and as chair of the finance committee.

Health care practitioners have a unique vested interest in the immediate and long-term future of health care; after all, your priority is both your patients' health and your own. Out-of-control health care costs, overreliance on pharmaceuticals and horror stories of medical mismanagement have spurred rapid migration toward increased collaboration, integration, shared decision-making and evidence-based care. The focus is finally on the patient and determining what best ensures their health and wellness � the way DCs have been doing it for years, and the way the health care system should have worked all along.

By Editorial Staff Health care practitioners have a unique vested interest in the immediate and long-term future of health care; after all, your priority is both your patients' health and your own. Out-of-control health care costs, overreliance on pharmaceuticals and horror stories of medical mismanagement have spurred rapid migration toward increased collaboration, integration, shared decision-making and evidence-based care. The focus is finally on the patient and determining what best ensures their health and wellness � the way DCs have been doing it for years, and the way the health care system should have worked all along. Unraveling Health Care Reform and Identifying Our Opportunities tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56037 2012-07-29T12:00:32-07:00 2012-07-29T12:00:07-07:00

Some of our nation's top thinkers in politics, business, law, health policy and health care gathered recently on Life University's campus and challenged chiropractic to exert greater influence on evolving health care reform and implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The 4th Annual LIFE Octagon Conference launched a significant effort to guide the profession in better understanding and impacting how PPACA is realized.

By Guy Riekeman, DC, President, Life University Some of our nation's top thinkers in politics, business, law, health policy and health care gathered recently on Life University's campus and challenged chiropractic to exert greater influence on evolving health care reform and implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The 4th Annual LIFE Octagon Conference launched a significant effort to guide the profession in better understanding and impacting how PPACA is realized. Canadian Chiropractic Association Welcomes New Executive Director tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56026 2012-07-11T12:00:32-07:00 2012-07-11T12:00:07-07:00

Dr. John Corrigan, president of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Alison Dantas as executive director of the CCA effective Sept. 4, 2012.

Dr. John Corrigan, president of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Alison Dantas as executive director of the CCA effective Sept. 4, 2012. Dr. Allan Gotlib Awarded the Order of Canada for Research Contributions tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56017 2012-07-10T12:00:32-07:00 2012-07-10T12:00:07-07:00

Dr. Allan Gotlib, director of research programs and editor of the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, has been awarded the Order of Canada for his work developing the profession's research capacity. The Governor General announced this year's recipients on June 29. Dr. Gotlib has been named a Member of the Order of Canada. The Member designation recognizes achievements in a particular field, in this case health.

Celebration of the chiropractic profession's inclusion into the NRCME program has settled a bit. The balloons are being collected. The champagne corks are being swept up off the floor. We all know the process, the final rule and all of the procedures we must go through in beginning or continuing to perform these vital examinations. Chiropractic physicians, despite some mild opposition, had ardent and unwavering support from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This is all good for our profession, which despite itself at times, is gaining integrity and strength in the health care system. NRCME is just the first step.

By Clinton M. Smith, DC Celebration of the chiropractic profession's inclusion into the NRCME program has settled a bit. The balloons are being collected. The champagne corks are being swept up off the floor. We all know the process, the final rule and all of the procedures we must go through in beginning or continuing to perform these vital examinations. Chiropractic physicians, despite some mild opposition, had ardent and unwavering support from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This is all good for our profession, which despite itself at times, is gaining integrity and strength in the health care system. NRCME is just the first step. Are DoD Chiropractors Getting Shortchanged? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55996 2012-07-15T12:00:32-07:00 2012-07-15T12:00:07-07:00

A minority of military treatment facilities currently staff a doctor of chiropractic, but the House Committee on Armed Services appears committed to ensuring DCs currently contracted within the Department of Defense health care system receive wage rates on par with other providers employed at such facilities.

By Peter W. Crownfield, Executive Editor A minority of military treatment facilities currently staff a doctor of chiropractic, but the House Committee on Armed Services appears committed to ensuring DCs currently contracted within the Department of Defense health care system receive wage rates on par with other providers employed at such facilities.