Lebanese Chiropractors Victorious

A victory for chiropractic in any country is a victory for chiropractic worldwide, particularly with DCs in so many countries still fighting for official recognition and autonomy. Such is the case in Lebanon, where the Parliament recently passed legislation regulating the chiropractic profession.

According to an article in the World Federation of Chiropractic's Quarterly World Report, "The passing of chiropractic legislation comes over 20 years after chiropractors rejected the terms of a law drafted by the Lebanese Ministry of Health and Welfare, which insisted on referral from a medical practitioner as well as prohibiting use of the title Doctor."

Here are a few of the highlights of the new chiropractic act in Lebanon, again courtesy of the WFC:

• DC candidates must complete all required / approved education and pass a examination administered by the Ministry of Education.
• The act references evaluation, analysis and examination of biomechanical deficits of the joints (defined in the act as subluxations); as well as exercise and therapeutic advice related to the spine.
• The nondrug, nonsurgical nature of chiropractic is emphasized; DCs are expressly prohibited from prescribing drugs or performing surgery per the act.
• With the establishment of the act, no chiropractor can practice without a license obtained in accordance with the above educational / testing requirements.

"Despite all these hurdles, a small group of chiropractors and their ardent supporters and enthusiasts never gave up," said Dr. Haifa Abouassi, president of the Lebanese Chiropractic Association. "They continued lobbying and fighting until the law was finally passed without any specific stipulations or limitations. I am extremely proud and overjoyed to be surrounded by hard working and dedicated colleagues who labored tirelessly to bring the skill, care, effectiveness, and benefit of this unique profession to the people of our country."

Source

• "Lebanese Chiropractors Celebrate Passing of New Legislation." World Federation of Chiropractic Quarterly World Report, July 2020.