The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) has granted accreditation to the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (ACNB) diplomate program for five years. The accreditation, which runs through Aug. 31, 2008, marks the first time a chiropractic credentialing agency has received full accreditation from the NCCA. The NCCA is the accrediting body of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA). The NCCA uses a peer-review process to establish accreditation standards and recognize organizations that comply with those standards. To qualify for accreditation, programs must meet a set of 21 standards in areas such as purpose; governance; resources; responsibilities to stakeholders; assessment instruments; recertification; and maintaining accreditation.
Certification programs may apply and be accredited by the NCCA if they demonstrate compliance with each accreditation standard. Receiving NCCA accreditation ensures the public and all concerned professions that a certification board represents the highest quality and standards in a given discipline.
The ACNB is responsible for program governance and decision-making in the specialty of chiropractic neurology. To become certified as a diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (DACNB), a candidate must be a licensed doctor of chiropractic; complete an accredited program of graduate study in neurology; and pass the ACNB's board certification examination. Diplomates also must also go through an annual recertification process to ensure the public they are qualified to practice chiropractic neurology.
Because of such demanding standards, a doctor of chiropractic who obtains diplomate status with the ACNB is considered part of a select group. According to the ACNB's Web site, of the more than 73,000 practicing doctors of chiropractic worldwide, less than 260 are listed as active, certified chiropractic neurologists.
In a press release sent to Dynamic Chiropractic, the ACNB thanked the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and the ACA Council on Neurology for their assistance during the NCCA accreditation process, particularly Dr. Frederick Carrick, president of the council on neurology. Dr. Carrick was recently appointed to serve on a NOCA awards committee.
