September 2003

Coalition issues position paper on CCE physical therapy requirement

The Chiropractic Coalition -- made up of the International Chiropractors Association (ICA), Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations (FSCO) and the World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA) -- issued a position paper that opposes revision of the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) Standards mandating colleges to add physiotherapy courses.

The paper read: "The Coalition affirms that colleges have the right to autonomy in determining their institutional missions and the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) Educational Standards must respect institutional autonomy and educational diversity. We assert that accreditation is intended to establish minimal standards for good practice in the field, evaluate institutions and programs according to those standards, and publish lists of colleges meeting those standards. The accrediting process should not be used to shape or reshape a profession. A standard mandating the teaching of physical therapy would violate these accreditation precepts and constitute a serious infringement on rights of colleges to formulate and pursue their institutional mission."