I recently read a statement by a chiropractor which stated “Neither the government nor my chiropractic associations nor my local colleagues set my standards. I do!” While I might agree in principle with this guy, the reality is that the legal standard of care is established by the government (state boards) whether we like it or not. The choice we have is what role we as individuals can do to help determine what those standards are.
Over the years, there have been many attempts to establish guidelines and standards which have done more to limit chiropractic care than to encourage. Many of the documents boasted of an unbiased review of the literature when, in fact, the review consisted of a very narrow selection of “research” which promoted the often used bogus line of “6-8 visits” or “80 percent self resolve in 6-8 weeks.”
The ICA has worked hard over the last four years researching this issue and has developed the most comprehensive ‘Best Practices Guidelines’ in the history of the profession. When combined with the ICA’s x-ray guides, PCCRP, the chiropractor of today is equipped with the tools he/she needs to provide the care his/her patient’s need. These guides are not intended to be a cookbook for care, but rather a comprehensive tool to enable the chiropractor to provide better care for the patient. And after all, isn’t that what it’s all about.
When I was first elected ICA President, my primary goal was to re-establish ICA’s role as an international association defending your right to practice. The completion of these guides I count as my proudest moment as President. It was accomplished through the unselfish and sacrificial work of a few dedicated chiropractors under the leadership of Don Harrison. This team did more than just write letters, or complain. They did something. They took time out of their schedules, and money out of their pockets and did a greater service for this profession than many of us will ever realize. They have a standard of devotion to this profession that we all should be proud of and be willing to copy.
If this small group of dedicated individuals can accomplish so much for our profession, imagine what an entire association of likeminded chiropractors could do. This group has indeed set a standard, a standard of commitment to chiropractic. How about you? Are you willing to commit to THIS standard? If so, support the association that is actively defending our profession. Join the ICA today so that we can continue to set the standard for the future, go to www.chiropractic.org .
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