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"Are we being set up?"

Dear Editor,

I am staring at the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Journal that includes an article with themes common to many publications: We have too many chiropractors; they may be incompetent; they do not fit into the mold of "physician," and they must be tested for relicensure.

Donald M. Petersen Jr., the editor and publisher of Dynamic Chiropractic, shared several insights of things to come in his "Report of My Findings" column (See "A Forbidden Subject? Free Market vs. Planning," August 25, 1997). An example; "Some states are increasing matriculation standards, such as requiring bachelor degrees; others are adding 'training programs' prior to licensure. The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) is in the process of raising the required grade point average for matriculating students. The notion is that upgrading certain requirements will result in better qualified students and fewer DCs."

From the same article: "According to the latest chiropractic licensure figures published by the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB), the ratio of active chiropractic licenses vs. state populations (using 1990 census data) is one DC for 3,495 potential patients. Assuming that 10 percent of the population receives chiropractic care, which equates to an average of 350 patients for every DC. But with over 12,000 chiropractic students waiting to graduate in the next 3-4 years, it won't be too long before the ratios bring concern."

The NBCE Journal keeps bringing up the Special Purposes Examination for Chiropractic (SPEC), although in its spring 2000 issue it stated: "The test addresses special state licensing board issues such as (but not limited to) state-to-state reciprocity/endorsement, disciplinary action, licensure lapse, suspension or revocation." Sure, we can believe that quote, just like parts I and II are all one needs for state licensure. But then along comes Part III and Part IV. Will SPEC be Part V and be required to maintain one's license?

The NBCE appears to be losing ground in their dominance in the testing field, as more and more state boards are starting to look into the finances and spending habits of NBCE, taking more responsibility for licensure in their respective states.

Another article, "Are You Satisfied?" (Dr. Craig Morris, Dynamic Chiropractic, October 31, 2000) noted that some do not fit into the "cultural, professional and social authority" of the FCLB. This kind of "supreme authority" thinking comes right out of George Orwell's 1984. We complain about too much government in our lives, yet we let some in this small group of elites within the NBCE and FCLB insist we need to be under their "authority."

The NBCE Journal, September 2000, elucidated the intent of the NBCE with the advent of the SPEC exam. "The SPEC exam protects public safety and the integrity and quality of the profession by ensuring that licensed chiropractor practitioners possess the necessary knowledge and skill to treat patients effectively." This statement will be the "phraseology" to be used to press for total control of the profession.

The NBCE Executive Committee (minutes, page 9) is "conducting a study to determine if the NBCE certificate of attainment issued upon passing Parts I and II should be eliminated in favor of a certificate for passing all four parts of the NBCE exams." This is in direct response to the NBCE losses in Illinois and Michigan. With only one certificate, they will try to force all states to comply with their authority.

As in all cases - follow the money!

In the same document, we find they are "surveying state boards relative to having the Job Analysis 2000 modified and provided as a state-by-state document." Will this be used to try to expand the scope of practice or limit the number of chiropractors to fit the "cultural, professional and social authority" of the NBCE?

Do we really have too many chiropractors, or do we have too many chiropractic physicians not doing chiropractic?

Are we being set up? Ask your state boards just what the plan is for the future and how it will affect your license and your right to practice. Do you really want to be under the NBCE's and the FCLB's "cultural, professional and social authority"?

Norris Erickson,DC,LCP(hon),FPAC
Aurora, Illinois

Dear Editor,

We are writing to you as representatives of the student body of the IFEC: the Franco-European Chiropractic College (Institut Franco-Europe³n de Chiropratique).

For the third time in its history, our college is preparing to participate in the EDHEC, the most important student sailboard race in France, which will take place April 21-28, 2001.

We already have a boat, a qualified skipper and sailor team, half of the budget, and enormous motivation.

As chiropractic students, we are regular readers of Dynamic Chiropractic, and we know your interest in supporting our wonderful profession. That is why we are asking for your help. The French Chiropractic Association (AFC) and many French chiropractors are helping us; however, we still need $6,000 (U.S.).

We would be very disappointed to see all of our efforts "drown" because of a lack of financial resources. This race is a unique way of defending the "colors" of chiropractic in an athletic and healthy environment, comprised of tomorrow's leaders.

The race is taking place only a few weeks before the World Chiropractic Congress, to be held in Paris, May 24-26, 2001.

We thank you very much in advance for publishing our request.

Anne Théodore
Jean Philippe Pailasse
IFEC student body representatives
Paris, France
bdc@ifec.net

Editor's note: Contributions may be sent to:

BDE (Student Office of the IFEC)
Attn: Anne Théodore
IFEC (Institut Franco-Européen de Chiropratique)
24, Blvd. Paul Vaillant-Couturier
94200 Ivry-sur-Seine
FRANCE