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.
Military's Chiropractic Demonstration Project Underway
The three-year Chiropractic Health Care Demonstration project, created by the 1995 National Defense Authorization Act, is in full swing at 10 military treatment facilities. Three other military sites not offering chiropractic are being used to compare outcomes. Chiropractic care is being put to the test for treatment and cost effectiveness.
Active duty members, active duty family members, retired members, and retired family members participating in the demonstration project go through a screening process to determine if their conditions are neuromusculoskeletal. It they are, they have the option of receiving chiropractic or traditional medical care. Patients under 17 and those who are pregnant are excluded from receiving chiropractic.