Board of Directors

April 3, 2003

Minutes

 

The following are informative minutes of the April 3, 2003 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, DC at the WCA building in Madison. Dr. Steele absent.

 

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

 

Motion: Moved by McMahon, seconded by Lyne to approve the following:

 

Applicants seeking regular membership:     

 

            Ida C. Allen, DC                       Rhinelander

            Craig Anderson, DC                  Glenwood Coty

            Cheryl L. Blahnik-Moton, DC    Davenport (relocating)

            Matt D. Christensen, DC           Waukesha

            Christopher J.W. Clifford           Mosinee

            Thomas G. Cobler, DC              Manitowoc

            Steven D. Crotteau, DC             Eau Claire

            Susan H. Frain, DC                   Green Bay

            Sarah M. Frings, DC                 Marietta, GA (relocating)

            Jessica L. Goessl, DC                West Allis

            David M. Gustitus, DC              Davenport (transferring)

            Amy A. Kolman, DC                 Waukesha

            Eric J. Muchowski, DC              Manitowoc

            Bradley C. Pearce, DC              Palatine, IL (relocating)

            Kevin J. Pursel, DC                   Green Bay

Carrie L. Richter, DC                Madison

Christina M. Ronchetti, DC        Everett, MA (relocating)

Steven E. Scheuing, DC             South Milwaukee

Adam P. Thom, DC                  Berlin

Paul Thomsa, DC                      Hartland

Stephen N. Warren, DC                        Wausau

Peter Wilke, DC                        Evansville

Kelly J. Wolf, DC                      Wausau

           

Applicants seeking student membership:    

 

            Jody M. Beckers                       Palmer

            Michael R. Wagner                   Palmer

 

Motion carried

 

Motion: Moved by Varish, seconded by Douglas to approve the following:

 

Members wishing interim status:                 

 

            Deb Stutte, DC                        

 

Motion carried

 

Motion: Moved by Lyne, seconded by McMahon to offer honorary membership to Norris Breitbach, DC. Motion carried.

 

Motion: Moved by Douglas, seconded by Lyne to approve the following:  

 

Members wishing to cancel membership:

 

            Brian Markgren, DC                 

            Boyd Peterson, DC                  

            Sarah Smasal, DC                    

 

Motion carried

 

Worker’s compensation

 

The board was briefed on the management and labor proposals for this round of worker’s compensation law changes. Of particular concern was the proposal that would greatly limit choice in the selection of provider (see handouts). The board agreed that all necessary steps must be taken to preserve chiropractic rights in worker’s compensation.

 

Motion: Moved by Bronston, seconded by Henrichs to give the executive director authority to negotiate changes in worker’s compensation law through the WCA and, if necessary, to take the legislative action necessary to preserve chiropractic rights.           

 

CARE Initiative

 

The board reviewed the progress that has been made on the CARE initiative. The WCA lobbyist is in the process of lining up sponsors and co-sponsors. This process will take approximately 30 days.

 

Marshfield Clinic Seminar

 

The board discussed an upcoming Marshfield Clinic seminar in which an objective of the program is “to understand the physiological significance of the vetebro-basilar circulation, and the consequences of disorders affecting the posterior circulation including vertebral artery dissection, arteriosclerosis, and manipulation induced vascular trauma.

 

State Budget

 

The board discussed the governor’s budget proposals confirming that while the budget hurts the drug industry, hospitals and the medical profession; thus far there are no proposals that negatively impact the chiropractic profession.

 

HSS Chiropractic Survey

 

The board reviewed the survey that all chiropractors are required to complete. Each chiropractor could be assessed up to $75.00 for the cost of the survey; however, HSS is limiting the charge to $10.

 

Telephone Solicitation

 

The board reviewed a new marketing approach used by some chiropractors in which accident victims are called at home by a third part who attempts to induce the patient to register for an appointment. While the board was disgusted by this type of marketing it apparently does not violate any Wisconsin laws.

 

CE audit

 

The Chiropractic Examining Board is auditing 125 chiropractic offices to determine if they have met their CE requirements.

 

Examining Board

 

Cold Laser     The board has determined that chiropractors may not use cold laser in their practices.

 

NAET     The board is reviewing whether or not NAET can be used by chiropractors. Until the board issues its decision, chiropractors are advised to avoid using this technique.

 

Medicare

 

The recent OIG memo was discussed (see packet) which forbids chiropractors from giving anything of value to their patients including exams, x-rays, or modalities.

 

Motion: Moved by Varish, seconded by Lyne to nominate Sherry Walker, DC as President of the WCA for the 2003/04 term of office. Motion carried.

 

Table until May meeting: Resignation of Lisa Turek-Shay, DC