Board of Directors

August 2, 2007

Minutes

 

The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. by WCA President Sherry Walker, DC. Members absent Drs. Adams and Steele.

 

Motion: Moved by Bronston, seconded by McMahon to approve the minutes of the June 6, 2007 and the July 3, 2007 minutes. Motion carried.

 

Co-payment project

 

The board discussed the co-payment project. With some co-payments now exceeding $50 per visit, it is extremely difficult for many individuals and families to complete their chiropractor’s treatment plan. The “Co-Payment Abuse Project” will collect examples of any co-payment that is $40 or more. While it is not currently against the law to charge a high co-payment, we would like to educate the legislature about this problem and suggest changes in the law to make sure patients are getting full value for their insurance premiums.

 

Adjustments by non-DCs

 

The board discussed the Chiropractic Adjustments by Non-Chiropractors project.

 

Recently the WCA conducted a survey to determine the prevalence of non-chiropractors performing adjustments. The results of that survey indicate that high velocity low amplitude manipulations (the chiropractic adjustment) are being performed by:

 

·         Physical Therapists

·         Massage Therapists

·         Rehabilitation Specialists

·         Acupuncturists

·         Medical Doctors

·         Others

 

We are very concerned because, unless an individual receives highly specialized education and training, significant harm can be done to a person’s spine and/or extremities by an improperly performed chiropractic adjustment. The WCA would like to improve consumer safety in this area by reporting abuses to the Department of Regulation & Licensing for possible disciplinary action, and to the legislature for informational purposes that may lead to new laws.

 

Supreme Court - Hansen Case

 

The board discussed the significant implications of the Hansen case for chiropractors who take financial positions in personal injury cases. The WCA will highlight this case in a series of special district meetings that will also focus on a practical solution to alleviate any concerns about this problem.

 

CCGPP

 

The board reviewed a progress report issued by CCGPP and, based on this report, there is an expectation that the next draft could be released in the fall.

 

Motion: Moved by Bronston, seconded by McMahon to move into executive session. Motion carried

 

Multi-Level Marketing

 

The board discussed the position of the Chiropractic Examining Board that re-affirms that multi-level marketing is against the law.

 

Ibuprofen Spray

 

The board reviewed the memo issued our members which strongly cautions against using Ibuprofen spray without getting written clearance from the Chiropractic Examining Board.

 

WCRI Conference

 

The board discussed the importance of the association remaining on top of all future developments in worker’s compensation.

 

Motion: Moved by Bronston to send the executive director and the incoming President to the WCRI conference.

 

The meeting was adjourned approximately 2:30 p.m.