Financial pressure, enrollment declines and institutional challenges are emerging at several U.S. chiropractic colleges. Life Chiropractic College West's and Life University's struggles may be the most talked about but appear to be part of a larger story. And with recent USDE requirements threatening to hamstring federal student financing for DC degree programs, chiropractic education is facing questions for which it has no immediate answers.
| Digital ExclusiveAlternative Health Care Law Repealed in Washington State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].