Because they have yet to pass national legislation protecting the chiropractic profession, Japanese DCs are in a similar situation that U.S. DCs faced. We were fortunate enough to be able to pass chiropractic licensure state by state. The DCs in Japan must accomplish this nationally, which has proved to be an extremely difficult task. And in spite of their efforts, Japanese DCs are currently faced with two chiropractic professions.
Alternative Health Care Law Repealed in Washington State
A federal judge in Washington state has ruled that the existing alternative care law should not apply to ERISA plans (approximately 50% of the health plans in Washington). The law required health insurance companies to offer "any category of provider" which would ultimately include at least one chiropractor in each plan. The ruling is expected to be appealed by State Insurance Commissioner Deborah Senn. If so, the law will remain in effect during the lengthy appeals process. This would obviously be a step backwards for all forms of "alternative care." For more information, visit the website of the Washington State Insurance Commissioner's Office at [url=http://www.wa.gov/ins]http://www.wa.gov/ins[/url].