On Jan. 24 1978, the New Zealand governor-general referred to a Commission of Inquiry an investigation to determine the desirability of providing for reimbursement of chiropractic benefits under the New Zealand Social Security Act and the New Zealand Accident Compensation Act. The commision's findings would impact chiropractic worldwide for decades to come.
News in Brief
Updated Neck Pain & Whiplash Guideline
If you're not up to date on current neck pain and whiplash guidelines, then it's high time to read the Bussières, et al., clinical practice guideline: "The Treatment of Neck Pain–Associated Disorders and Whiplash-Associated Disorders." Published in the October 2016 issue of JMPT, the guideline (available free here) "replaces two prior chiropractic guidelines on NADs and WADs."
Commenting on the paper, JMPT Editor in Chief, Dr. Claire Johnson, stated: "Understanding the evidence and which treatments are best for neck pain and whiplash-associated disorders can be daunting. Thankfully, an outstanding team of authors has provided the map to help providers deliver best care to these patients ... You will see a plethora of information in this guide that you can begin using immediately in your clinical care."
Attention, IHS DCs
Dr. Ryan Kain, a doctor of chiropractic working for a tribe with Indian Health Service (IHS), has created a Listserv to allow DCs working with different tribes to communicate and share information. Dr. Kain, who works at Benewah Medical Center on the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation in Plummer, Idaho, encourages DCs to email him at rykain@bmc.portland.ihs.gov with their tribal affiliation to be placed on the Listserv.
New VP of Institutional Advancement At Palmer
Barbara Melbourne, JD, is the new vice chancellor for institutional advancement at Palmer College of Chiropractic. Melbourne, who assumed the position Nov. 28, 2016, graduated from the University of Kansas School of Law following undergraduate work at Creighton University.
"We're thrilled to secure Barbara for this ground-breaking administrative position," said Trevor Ireland, DC, chairman of the Palmer Board of Trustees. "Her background makes her a powerful addition to Palmer's executive administrative team."
N.J. DC Interns At U.S. Olympic Training Center
Dr. Anthony DeLuca recently completed a two-week internship at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif. Dr. DeLuca has participated as a DC in several high-level athletic events, including the 4th Annual International Workers and Amateurs in Sports Confederation World Sports Games in Lignano, Italy (2015); 2012 World Figure Skating Championships in Nice, France; and the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, among others.
"This was a tremendous opportunity that not only provided the ability to work with some of the best athletes in the country, but also share and gain valued knowledge with many of the nation's finest trainers, coaches, and medical professionals," said Dr. DeLuca, director of DeLuca Family Chiropractic in Old Bridge, N.J.
Chiropractic Society Of R.I. On The Front Lines
Covered chiropractic care and opioid addiction are front and center on the Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island's agenda. The society has initiated a grassroots information campaign to promote the value of chiropractic care as an alternative to prescription pain relievers. The campaign includes distribution of educational information to patients and consumers, as well as a speaker's bureau through which DCs will speak to local businesses and organizations.
On the insurance front, in late 2016 the society announced it had launched a petition drive requesting that the Rhode Island health commissioner enforce the "any willing provider" provision of the act and cover chiropractic care "without restrictions on visits and phantom co-pays."