While Dynamic Chiropractic began the dialogue,1 virtually every chiropractic organization has felt compelled to take a position on the current situation regarding the directors of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE):
ICA Calls for Immediate and Profound Reform - "ICA estimates that the National Board has added over $50 million to the student debt burden over the past 12 to 14 years.
"We each have a personal stake in this matter because at present, the National Board, which was elected by no one, neither chartered nor accredited by any national government agency or recognized body, and, it appears, responsible to no one, is just not doing the job the profession needs or wants at this time. "ICA will lead the way in demanding fairness and responsibility from the National Board, or, lead the way to the establishment of an alternative."2
ACA Expresses Concerns - "The ACA believes a review of the following areas of concern could benefit the NBCE, the chiropractic profession as a whole, and most importantly, chiropractic students:3
"Legitimate issues and concerns have been raised regarding the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, the board's structure, the bylaws and the policies. Our representatives to the NBCE have stated in a letter to all U.S. licensing board members that they welcome these issues being raised and are committed to working for needed changes.
"We believe that a review of the organization, although sometimes initially painful, is a critical first step in addressing concerns. Accountability of the NBCE Board of Directors to the licensing agencies, which accept their tests, is paramount."4
Student ACA Voices Opinion - "Although NBCE feels that it operates financially within legal limits to retain not-for-profit status, excessive revenues and expenditures warrant further evaluation of testing fees. With the rising cost of tuition and a heavy undergraduate debt, chiropractic students are now more financially burdened than ever. In terms of mandatory testing, operational and institutional advancement costs for NBCE are justifiable. Excessive traveling expenses and expensive dinners are not. After all, it is the students' loan dollars that fund your overhead, business meetings, and staff expenses. In light of this, we ask that the NBCE reconsider their priorities. Are they to advance and ensure the continuance of a well-educated, qualified profession, or to pamper board members on 'business' meetings?"5
Student ICA Requests Reforms - "As we enter the 21st century, technology has never been more readily available or easier to use. Most postgraduate professions have been testing their students using computer-based technology for years. Computer-based objective testing is a simple and very cost-effective way to test students. Not only would computer testing significantly reduce the cost of testing students, but also it would significantly increase the rate at which students get their results back. In addition, computer testing would increase the number of tests available to students each year, accounting for the various schedules of chiropractic colleges, and giving more flexibility to the students."5
Association of Chiropractic Colleges (ACC) Request Consolidation of NBCE Parts II and III - During their session with representatives from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE), the chiropractic college presidents' discussion of educational issues resulted in several specific recommendations. ACC expressed the need for substantial change to include:
Every communication to Dynamic Chiropractic from doctors and students, save one, has echoed the frustration and desire for "profound" change for the National Board. Most organizations and DCs feel the National Board tests are not at issue, but that the financial management of the NBCE deserves much greater scrutiny and accountability.
One issue that hasn't been raised yet is:
Why has every National Board director for at least the past 20 years been a white male? Even the National Board's own current and revised bylaws use the term "his" when referring to the NBCE president, treasurer, district directors and those eligible to become directors, even though many delegates protested this language at the last delegates' meeting. Aren't any of the women and people of other ethnic backgrounds on the state licensing boards qualified to become National Board directors?
With an almost unanimous mandate from all concerned chiropractic organizations and the students and doctors of the chiropractic profession, the National Board delegates are well supported to demand change within their own organization. Unfortunately, the National Board directors have already demonstrated little regard for their delegates or parliamentary procedure. At the last annual meeting, a recommendation to extend the terms of the board of directors was soundly defeated, and a new resolution was passed:
"To have the five district directors review the bylaws and report to the delegates at next year's annual meeting."
This motion passed with little dissension. It was stipulated that the report of the review committee be mailed to all delegates no later than Jan. 1, 2000, to "give the delegates the ability to evaluate the proposed changes."6 Contrary to this motion, the five NBCE district directors held their recommendations for changes to the bylaws until 45 days before the annual meeting, effectively eliminating any opportunity for input by the delegates.
As the annual meeting approaches, the directors of the NBCE are becoming even more domineering. In preparation for the meeting, Kansas delegate James Edwards,DC, requested additional information on the bylaws and the financial expenditures of the NBCE Directors. In a letter dated March 24, 2000, the NBCE denied his request, stating :
"However, it would be inappropriate and impractical to provide information in response to specific requests by individual delegates in advance of the meeting.
"As to your request for additional financial information, the Board will, as is its practice, make its auditors report available to the Delegates at the annual meeting."
Apparently, the NBCE directors have received additional requests from other delegates. If the delegates are ever going to take back control of the National Board, they must do so by demanding three things:
References
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
