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 By inserting the federal non-discrimination language into Oregon law, even if 'Obamacare' and/or Section 2706(a) is repealed by Congress, Oregon's chiropractic physicians will be protected under state law.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."
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.
Musculoskeletal pain in perimenopause and menopause reflects a broader physiologic shift rather than an isolated structural problem. Declining estrogen, increased inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and nervous system dysregulation collectively alter tissue quality, pain perception, and recovery capacity. Recognizing this interconnected model enables clinicians to move beyond symptom management and toward more effective, systems-based care that improves long-term outcomes for midlife women.
As the world remembers Dolly Parton following her death Aug. 25 at age 80, there is a little-known connection to the chiropractic profession worth revisiting: Dolly publicly acknowledged using chiropractic care and another famous entertainer even recalled meeting her at a chiropractor's office.
