The Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan (CFSP) is a groundbreaking initiative that unites the chiropractic community under a shared vision and mission for the profession’s future. Emerging from collaborative discussions and extensive planning, the CFSP exemplifies inclusivity, grassroots participation, and data-driven strategies.
The Birth of a Vision: Future of Chiropractic Forum, 2019
The idea for CFSP was born on Nov. 9, 2019, at the ChiroCongress annual convention in San Diego, Calif. The Future of Chiropractic Forum brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including state association leaders, colleges, national organizations, corporate partners, and practitioners. The consensus was clear: The profession needed a unified strategic plan to navigate the next 50 years. ChiroCongress took on the responsibility of coordinating this ambitious project.
Key Workgroups Driving the CFSP
Better Access to Chiropractic PAC (BAC PAC): A newly established Super PAC, BAC PAC, focuses on electing pro-chiropractic candidates to Congress, strengthening the profession’s political influence and advancing federal pro-chiropractic legislation. BAC PAC is the only Super PAC in the chiropractic profession.
Super PACs differ significantly from traditional PACs because they can receive unlimited donations from corporations, individuals, and unions. Super PACs cannot make direct contributions to campaigns or political parties.
The ability to raise and spend large sums of money has given Super PACs an influential role in the political process in recent years. In October 2024, BAC PAC announced its support for U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA2) in her re-election effort and the release of a digital commercial recognizing her work advocating for access to chiropractic care for veterans in her district.
This was the first time in the history of the chiropractic profession that an independent-expenditure political-action committee released a commercial in support of a pro-chiropractic candidate for Congress. The commercial had 195,524 video views and a completion rate of 98.76%. With 51% of the votes, Rep. Kiggans was re-elected to office.
ChiroTech Consortium: The ChiroTech Consortium (CTC) tracks utilization metrics that empower the profession with reliable data. In 2022, CTC created version 1 of the reimbursement dashboard. This tool benchmarks reimbursement trends across states, enabling practitioners to optimize cash flow and state associations to identify key drivers influencing outcomes. Updated regularly, the dashboard serves as a powerful resource for decision-making.
Version 2 was released in 2023, with version 3 anticipated for completion by March 2025.
This tool is provided at no charge to state association executive directors. As a result, state associations can recognize reimbursement concerns or issues early and take action. Information provided by the reimbursement dashboard aided one state in filing a complaint with the Department of Insurance and returning money owed to chiropractors from a third-party payor.
The CTC collaborated with Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business to develop the first national health care data lake for chiropractic (DASH). This data repository will drive legislative, reimbursement, research, and public-relations initiatives, positioning the profession as a data-driven health care leader.
With the assistance of the Research Workgroup, beta-testing of DASH began in October 2024 and continues in 2025. This is the first major effort to collect health care data from within the profession that will be used for academic-level research and outcome studies. The collaboration with Oklahoma State University underscores the profession’s commitment to leveraging academic expertise and resources for the benefit of chiropractic research and practice.
Communications: The Communications Workgroup has been working to create a transparent communications plan and ensure chiropractic professionals stay informed about the CFSP’s progress and opportunities for involvement.
In 2024, the workgroup spearheaded a project to overhaul the Chiropractic Future website to make information more accessible; and also completed an 18-month project to create a toolkit for graduating and new chiropractors.
In November 2024, the workgroup announced that Road to Practice was complete. This comprehensive guide supports chiropractors at every stage of their careers, offering essential information on licensing requirements, scope of practice, and insurance participation for all states.
These projects have significantly improved the accessibility of information and resources for chiropractors, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions about their practice.
Fundraising: The Fundraising Workgroup ensures the resources needed to fully implement the strategic plan and advance initiatives that benefit the profession. In May 2024, Chiropractic Future appointed a development director to lead fundraising efforts, focusing on strategic revenue growth and donor base diversification. This role reflects the organization’s commitment to securing the support required to achieve its ambitious goals.
Government Affairs: Focused on legislative priorities, this workgroup creates tools like the GA Hub, a prototype website offering comprehensive information on chiropractic-related policies across states. The GA Hub was completed in November 2024. It allows users to quickly compare details about the chiropractic profession by selecting a state or a topic for cross-referencing across multiple states. Additionally, the Government Affairs workgroup hosted the first-ever in-person legislative forum at the ChiroCongress convention in Denver, Colorado, in November 2024. The forum brought leaders from around the country to share historical legislative language.
Research: This workgroup fosters a robust research environment and supports initiatives like the Chiropractic Research Fellowship at Dartmouth, the ACC-RAC Student Research Stipend, and the Case Study Mentoring Program.
Dr. Logan Benjamin, a graduate of Logan University, is in his second year of the Dartmouth Fellowship. He has initiated his research project and presented plans and findings to peers and mentors at appropriate regional and national meetings. Upon completion of formal coursework, Dr. Benjamin will earn a Master of Science degree in Healthcare Research.
The ACC-RAC Student Research Stipends, which allow students to attend the ACC-RAC conference, provide an excellent opportunity for students to network with professionals and peers worldwide, learn about the latest research and advancements in chiropractic care, and gain valuable experience presenting in a professional setting. By delivering research at this conference, students can establish themselves as thought leaders in the industry and make meaningful contributions to the field.
In 2024, CFSP selected five students to receive stipends to help cover travel and lodging costs, making it easier for them to attend and showcase their projects. Three students were selected to receive stipends for the 2025 ACC-RAC conference, held in New Orleans, La., in March.
In July 2024, the Research workgroup announced the Case Study Mentoring Program, designed to guide chiropractors through the case report publication process. By sharing valuable clinical information, the program aims to enhance clinical research contributions and elevate the profession’s academic presence.
Transforming the Profession
Since its inception, the CFSP has unified the chiropractic community, created actionable strategies, and positioned chiropractic as a vital component of modern health care. Key achievements include:
- Strengthened political influence through BAC PAC
- Enhanced decision-making tools from the ChiroTech Consortium
- Improved access to resources via the Communications Workgroup.
- Increased research contributions through scholarships and mentoring programs
A Call to Action
The CFSP represents more than a roadmap; it is a shared vision for the profession’s future. By fostering collaboration, leveraging data, and aligning goals, the plan ensures a thriving future for chiropractors and their patients. To stay connected and contribute to this historic effort, visit www.chiropracticfuture.org and join the movement to shape a bright future for chiropractic care.
