600 take part in Chiropractic Coalition's Joint Legislative Day

An estimated 600 chiropractic doctors, students, and supporters gathered in Washington, D.C. for the first annual "Chiropractic Coalition Joint Legislative Day," held April 29. Members from all three Coalition organizations ‑‑ the World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA), International Chiropractors Association (ICA) and Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations (FSCO) ‑‑ converged on the Capitol to meet with senators, representatives and government officials and discuss issues of important to chiropractic.

The theme of the event was "Searching for cost‑effective solutions to the soaring cost of health care in America: How chiropractic can help stop the health care costs from spiraling out of control."

There was no charge for attending the Legislative Day activities and all doctors, students, staff and family members were invited to attend, regardless of association affiliation.

"What we accomplished on this day cannot be understated," said WCA President Terry A. Rondberg, DC. "We educated key lawmakers about the true role of chiropractic in the American health care system, and we helped ensure the passage of laws to protect and expand that role in the future.

"However," he continued, "perhaps just as important was the fact that we proved chiropractic organizations could work harmoniously together for the good of the profession and the public it serves. Our three organizations work to complement each other, not dominate each other. We act with a united cause without sacrificing individual autonomy or demanding mergers. We respect each other and help each other succeed and grow. In this way, the entire profession will succeed and grow."

ICA Legislative Committee Chairman Dr. Michael S. McLean agreed.

"Now, more than ever, cooperative effort amongst all chiropractic organizations is necessary to protect and promote the chiropractic profession, and to expand the profession's role in public programs and public health policy," stated McLean.

"The three Coalition partners...have now demonstrated how small differences can be put aside so that the entire profession can flourish and prosper," he said. "Legislative Day 2004 was a resounding success, not just because of the numbers but because of the resolve, insight and energy it demonstrates on the part of so many in the chiropractic profession."

Most of the activities were held in the Gold Room in the Rayburn House Office Building, where Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy opened with the keynote address and was followed during the day by Reps. Donald Manzullo, Bob Filner and Edward Schrock, all of whom have proven to be staunch chiropractic supporters.

Rep. Schrock's appearance was particularly important in light of the new TRICARE bill ‑‑ HR 3476 ‑‑ he introduced this year. He thanked the doctors for "fulfilling their rights and responsibilities as citizens by meeting directly with those who pass the nation's laws." His bill, which is winning solid support in the House, would extend chiropractic benefits to military dependents and retirees through the federal TRICARE program.

During the day, chiropractors, either alone or in state contingents, met personally with their legislators to discuss the TRICARE bill and other legislation affecting the profession. They took time to inform lawmakers of the purpose of chiropractic and its proven effectiveness and cost‑saving potential.

Prior to Legislative Day, DCs were given instructions on how to arrange appointments with their legislators and coached on how to influence lawmakers' decisions. Upon arrival, doctors were provided with information packets containing background material on the current issues and "talking points" to help them during their meetings.

A special luncheon program focused on the current state of chiropractic education.

Dr. John Barth, director of Accreditation and State Liaison of the U.S. Department of Education (USDE), discussed the role of the USDE in regulating the accreditation process and the procedures by which such accrediting bodies obtain federal recognition.

To finish up the day, which preceded the WCA International Summit, doctors attended an energy‑filled reception, where they had a chance to listen to several chiropractic leaders and share their thoughts on chiropractic unity as demonstrated by the Chiropractic Coalition.

"This was the largest chiropractic contingent to converge on the U.S. Capitol in the history of chiropractic," Rondberg stated. "Congress will be far more inclined to listen to us now that they see we can mobilize a concerted effort. We have power and we know how to use it properly."

All three of the Coalition's founding member organizations voted to hold the Joint Legislative Day each year. In 2005, Legislative Day will be held April 14.

The Chiropractic Coalition was founded in November 2002 to bring together diverse subluxation‑based chiropractic organizations working in the best interest of the public and the profession. The American Chiropractic Association was invited to attend the formation meeting but declined.