A historic resolution was overwhelmingly passed at the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) 18th Biennial Congress in May. While not naming a particular member association, the resolution is clearly focused on activities consistent with those of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) in its efforts to provide membership to individuals from other countries who have not graduated from an accredited chiropractic program:1-2
Title: Resolution that WFC Take Immediate Action Against Member Association Violations of WFC Policies
Whereas, WFC Policy Statement titled “Use of the Title Chiropractor,” Approved by the Assembly of the World Federation of Chiropractic Paris, May 2001, and as amended in Orlando, Florida, April 2003 asserts the terms “Chiropractor” and “chiropractic,” and their derivatives should only be used by duly licensed and registered graduates from accredited chiropractic programs or agencies.
And whereas, any actions that misrepresent qualifications or fraudulently portray individuals as qualified chiropractors have been deemed by the WFC to pose a significant risk to public safety and undermine the integrity of the profession.
And whereas, the WFC Policy on Non-Interference and Respect for National Authority, updated by the Board of Directors on the 13th day of August 2024, reinforces that WFC members are expected to uphold standards of non-interference and respect for national authority and should not conduct activities that undermine the reputation of the chiropractic profession in other nations.3-4
And whereas, activities that undermine the reputation of the chiropractic profession include offering untrained, unlicensed members access to continuing education programs and other online resources, live programs and events intended for legitimate doctors of chiropractic.
And whereas, WFC Membership is a privilege that requires compliance with bylaws and adherence to standards of conduct and behavior that maintain the long-standing, positive international reputation of the WFC.
Therefore, be it resolved, that the Assembly of the WFC publicly censure and the WFC execute any other actions within its powers against the activities of any member association providing membership status to practitioners who do not hold a chiropractic degree from an accredited institution but are operating within a “chiropractic” business model and would be offered access to training regularly reserved for chiropractors.
The resolution, submitted by both the International Chiropractors Association and the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association, received support from a large majority of WFC member associations, many of which shared similar concerns. The WFC – which supports the growth of chiropractic globally with 98 national associations – clearly listened. The ACA declined to comment when contacted.
The WFC is expected to consider the resolution as it applies to its member associations later this year.
References
- “Chiropractic at Risk Globally.” Dynamic Chiropractic, January 2025. Read Here
- “ACA Welcomes Japanese Members.” ACA Today.org, May 7, 2024. Read Here
- “WFC Board Adopts Policy on Non-Interference and Respect for National Authority.” World Federation of Chiropractic Quarterly World Report, January 2025. Read Here
- Policy on Non-Interference and Respect for National Authority. World Federation of Chiropractic; adopted by the Board of Directors, Aug. 13, 2024. Read Here
