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Clarification on "Arkansas Passes Act to Protect Chiropractic" Article (4-9 issue)

I will attempt to clarify the intent of the Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners in drafting Act 197 during this regular session. It appears that there has apparently been some misunderstanding of this bill, and some journalistic headlines. In some cases, it was made to appear that we passed a new regulation of manipulation, limiting it to DCs, DOs, and MDs.

The entire purpose of the board's decision to draft the bill was to give our board the authority to impose a civil penalty, not to exceed $5,000 per violation for persons practicing chiropractic without first being licensed by this state chiropractic board. There are other state agencies here in Arkansas that have similar laws governing their professions.

The board's decision to pursue such an addition to our law was motivated due to the fact that in the past we had to turn over our records to the prosecuting attorney to prosecute such cases. We found that they have thousands of cases (complaints) made yearly by citizens and agencies concerning any number of misdemeanor and felony occurrences, and they do not have the staff to handle all the investigative work that is needed. They have never prosecuted any of the cases we have sent to them. Therefore, the Board of Examiners decided to have our law amended so that the board could determine after due notice and a hearing, if any regulation is violated, the board may impose a civil penalty.

The first part of the Act quotes our existing law:

Section 1 §17-81-301 and Section 2 17-81-303(d)(1)(2)(3), which has been in place "forever" and did not change.

Section 3, Arkansas Code 17-81-301(e)(1)(2)(A)(B)(3), is the amended subsection. So, this is the section that should be the actual focus of Act 197.

I enjoyed your editorial "Going from Straight to Mixer" in the March 26 edition of Dynamic Chiropractic. You discuss the apparent ease with which the WCA (i.e., Terry Rondberg) can change its spots from vitriolic "principled" chiropractors to vitriolic "whatever-you-need" chiropractors, if it suits its ends. In this case, it has turned to rend the ICA. A few months ago, the WCA tried to sabotage the Veterans' Administration's leaning toward including DCs in benefits available to veterans. A few years before that, it was their laughable "Mercy-guidelines-wanna-bea" publication, Vertebral Subluxation in Chiropractic Practice, which gave carte blanche to anything and everything in the guise of scientific approval. What will it be next month? Whatever it is, you can bet it will be divisive, petty and short-sighted.

We should get it through our heads that the problem with the WCA is to a very large degree Terry Rondberg himself. He is the Bill Clinton of our profession. Like Clinton, Rondberg is a flawed human being. Blinded by the luminescence of their own brilliance, he makes decisions without the usual constraints under which the rest of us operate. Underlying everything he does is his own self-interest, which is the heart of his existence. He is a master of spin and packaging. Actions speak louder than words. History shows that Rondberg has always been motivated by monetary considerations, as witnessed by several blatant money schemes of his past. He has collected an odd assortment of fringe lunatics and money gurus about him to chant the money-hum he loves to hear. He then wraps all this in the guise of purity and dares call it "principled chiropractic," when actually it is anything but. It's real intent is to make as much money as possible, with the least amount of responsibility or work.

If his organization is indeed losing membership, is it any wonder? Most organizations built on charisma rather than sound principles are destined to eventually fall. Like any cult, they are built on personality rather than sound doctrine. When that personality eventually cracks - as is usually the case due to the flaws inherent in most charismatic leaders - the disciples find that their roots are shallow, and their shield of delusion can no longer protect them from the scorching light of fact. We have our share of goofballs in this profession. And to some degree we perpetuate the idiosyncratic side of our profession, since often it is the squeeky wheel that gets the grease. We seem to rate zeal over reason. Too often we allow anyone with passionate views to lead us, regardless of whether they actually make sense.

Terry Rondberg, in my opinion, is just another salesman who's had his 15 minutes of fame. I don't think that most of what he says or does deserves the ink it gets. Sadly, even when his curtain comes down, I suppose some new guru is waiting in the wings to take his place. I am encouraged though that we seem to possess a silent majority, doctors whom are content to do their jobs, render honest and responsible care, love their patients, and let the money for an honest day's work suffice. Most of us have an accurate view of what we can and can't do for our patients. We keep our perspective and treat what we can treat, and refer what we need to refer. We don't pretend to cure everything, and we're content with the gratitude of thankful patients. We don't want to be medical doctors, but we appreciate what they do as well. We're content with genuine, honest chiropractic care and we don't go running off after every new scheme to squeeze the last possible dollar from anything that moves. I think this silent majority of us are on solid ground and we'll just smile and shake our heads at the antics of the Rondbergs of our profession, and quietly go back to work the next morning.

Garth Aamodt,DC
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Dear Editor,

I just wanted to take a few minutes and thank you for running the letter by Garrison Pomeroy in the March 26, 2001 issue of DC. It was an eye-opener to read some of the questions that Mr. Pomeroy addressed to Dr. Rondberg. I was at one time insured by CBS, but have since changed my malpractice insurance to one that I feel is more reliable. We need more people like Mr. Pomeroy in the chiropractic profession. I want him and others like him to know that I stand behind him 100 percent. I am in full agreement of a national public relations campaign, and I am in full agreement with what he said about Dr. Rondberg.

Again, thank you for publishing his article. I think it is most helpful in helping chiropractors like myself to see the benefits of having people in this profession that want to make it great. Keep up the good work.

John Braun,DC
Ogden, Utah