Almost all subluxation-based D.C.s feel strongly that, while most patients come to them because they are in pain or ill health, the service they provide goes far beyond relieving symptoms. Instead, it can be a vital part of a person's wellness regimen, as important as good diet, regular exercise and proper stress management.

That's why they were shocked by the recent declaration by the chiropractic regulating board in New York State that providing chiropractic adjustments to asymptomatic persons is "misconduct which goes to the heart of the profession."

The ruling by the Office of Professions of Board of Regents and the New York State Education Department is the regulatory agency that oversees chiropractic, a member of the FCLB, came in January 2002, in a case against a New York doctor who was subsequently suspended for 24 months. While his willingness to care for asymptomatic patients was only one of the charges he faced, it was the one that caused the most outrage throughout the chiropractic profession.

Looking at the topic from a philosophical point of view, the charge is absolutely unfounded and contradicts the historical function of subluxation-corrective care. Looking at it from a risk management viewpoint, the notion that D.C.s are limited to caring for persons who present symptoms is equally groundless and should be easily argued before any board or court of law.

It is hoped that the outcry over this absurd ruling will prevent similar decrees from becoming a widespread occurrence in state boards. However, if you should be criticized or charged with such "misconduct," it is important to take a strong stand, both for your own sake and for the sake of your colleagues.

One powerful tool you can use in your defense is the newly-developed World Chiropractic Alliance Position Paper on Asymptomatic Patients, which lays out specific arguments showing clearly that "the presence of symptoms and/or a medical diagnosis should not be a factor in determining the need for chiropractic care, and that the presence of symptoms should never be required by any chiropractic board, insurance company or court of law to justify chiropractic care to any patient."

The paper also provides references for several other documents — including the ACC paradigm, the CCP Guidelines and medical research studies — that support the use of chiropractic in asymptomatic patients. Before facing any board inquiry or legal suit, be sure to download and print out copies of all supportive material and be prepared to use them to argue your case. If, in fact, the charges stem solely from your delivery of chiropractic care to asymptomatic patients, these documents should help you successfully defend yourself.

The complete text of the position paper is available on the World Chiropractic Alliance website