Legislation makes nondiscrimination language state law.
Dynamic Chiropractic Staff
Dr. Vern Saboe, lobbyist for the Oregon Chiropractic Association, reports that the Oregon state Senate has unanimously passed House Bill 2468, legislation that inserts the federal provider non-discrimination Section 2706(a) from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare") into Oregon law. Dr. Saboe immediately requested a signing ceremony and Gov. Kate Brown signed the bill into law on May 27 (see photo).
"Oregon's legislation should act as a template for other states inserting the federal nondiscrimination provisions, but time grows very short," emphasized Dr. Saboe. "It is critical that states act quickly since the Republican-controlled Congress is poised to possibly repeal 'Obamacare' or portions of it, possibly eliminating the federal nondiscrimination protections.
"Of equal concern, the American Medical Association and subspecialty groups have twice introduced legislation in Congress to repeal just Section 2706(a). By inserting the federal non-discrimination language into Oregon law, even if 'Obamacare' and/or Section 2706(a) is repealed by Congress, Oregon's chiropractic physicians will be protected under state law. It is critical other states quickly follow Oregon's lead."
The proposed merger of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards was approved by NBCE delegates and FCLB members at their respective annual meetings, held jointly in Atlanta, Ga., this year. Per the new bylaws, the new entity takes the NBCE name, with FCLB continuing as a department within NBCE. The federation will continue to enjoy Board of Directors representation on what will be a single, expanded board.
Before introducing subscapularis syndrome as an upper extremity analog, it is essential to revisit piriformis syndrome as a well-established example of myogenic pseudo-radiculopathy. Piriformis syndrome has long served as a clinical exception to disc-centric models of lower extremity pain and provides an important framework for understanding how deep muscular dysfunction can mimic radiculopathy in the absence of nerve root compression.
Pain has become the dominant language of musculoskeletal healthcare. Numeric pain-rating scales and symptom reports are routinely used as primary indicators of clinical success. But while pain reduction is meaningful, it is an incomplete and often misleading representation of recovery. This has real consequences for patient adherence, long-term outcomes, and how conservative care is perceived within the broader healthcare system.
