Board of Directors

January 8, 2004

Minutes

The following are informative minutes of the January 8, 2004 meeting of the WCA Board of Directors. Please note that these minutes may not cover all of the subjects discussed or motions passed by the board. The portion of the minutes dealing with confidential attorney-client communications, personnel issues, legislative strategies, communications with legislators, communications with government employees, political contribution strategies and specific complaints or information about individual practitioners is considered confidential by the board. WCA members may obtain detailed minutes by contacting the WCA office.

The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. by WCA President Sherry Walker at the WCA building in Madison. Member absent: Dr. Steele.

WCA President Sherry Walker, DC announced that Wendy Henrichs, DC had resigned from the WCA board to accept a nomination to the chiropractic examining board.

Motion: Moved by McMahon, seconded by Lyne to approve the minutes of the November 6, 2003 meeting. Motion carried.

Motion: Moved by Lyne, seconded by McMahon to approve the financial report. Motion carried.

Motion: Moved by Bronston, seconded by Lyne to move into executive session for the purpose of considering government affairs. Motion carried.

Motion: Moved by Bronston, seconded by Varish to come out of executive session. Motion carried.

Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups

The Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups is a grassroots membership organization directed by older people that pursues quality of life issues through legislative advocacy, education and leadership development. The board considered the methods by which we could cooperate on activities of mutual interest.

Motion: Moved by Varish, seconded by Scherer to solicit members for a committee to coordinate with the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups. Motion carried.

Multiplan Complaint

The board reviewed the complaint filed with the Insurance Commissioner against Multiplan based on Multiplan/WPPNs failure to properly notify patients of their rights under the grievance procedure and to receive an independent review of their claim.

WCRI Study

The board reviewed data from the WCRI study that extrapolates trends in worker’s compensation across the country.

Cervical Study

The board reviewed the Kraft et al manipulation of the cervical spine and provided guidance to the executive director on how to respond to studies of this type.

Waukesha Academy of Health Professions

The Waukesha school district is planning to open the Waukesha Academy of Health Professions. The academy will provide a rigorous curriculum focusing on academic skills in health occupations, science and math courses required for health/medical careers.

Motion: Moved by Bronston, seconded by Varish to be involved in the formation of the Waukesha Academy of Health Professions. Motion carried.

Alternative Therapies Study

The board was given information on a study that compared the relative time spent with patients comparing the chiropractic and acupuncturist professions. Visit length may be an important parameter as the federal government considers changes to the work component of CPT codes.

ACA Outcomes Study

The board was informed that the ACA had yet to respond to our request for more information about their proposed Outcomes Study.

National Public Relations Initiative

The board discussed the initiative by a number of national organizations to unite in support of a nationwide public relations campaign for promoting chiropractic.

Arbitration Agreements

The board discussed a trend by some in the health profession to ask their patients to agree to mandatory arbitration and waive their right to sue the doctor if a dispute arises.