April 2004

CE as risk management

by Timothy Feuling

State regulations normally require all D.C.s to obtain a certain number of "CE" (continuing education) credits. Yet, the importance of professional development goes far beyond the requirements for maintaining an active license. It is also an important element of risk management.

When confronted by a plaintiff in court, a D.C. may be asked about the number and type of courses he or she has attended in the past year or two. Doctors who cannot show sufficient interest in keeping up to date on the latest techniques, research, and legal findings can be at a distinct disadvantage in court. It is vital that doctors present themselves as highly professional and involved in an ongoing learning and professional improvement program.

It is equally important that the CE credit you earn be congruent with the type of practice you have. If, in court, you state that your purpose is to detect and correct subluxations, yet it turns out that you took courses that could be interpreted as being more medical in nature (treating sports injuries, adjusting extremities, etc.), a jury might be inclined to feel you should have been responsible for medical diagnoses or treatments.

Professional development, however, does not stop at earning CE credits.

According to the "Clinical Practice Guideline Number 1: Vertebral Subluxation in Chiropractic Practice," by the Council on Chiropractic Practice: "Continuing professional development, as in all responsible health professions, is a necessary component of maintaining a high standard for both the practitioner and the profession. Continuing development should be directed to areas germane to each individual practice, including but not limited to credentialing, continuing education programs and participation in professional organizations, ethics forums, and legal issues."

The CCP Guideline goes on to explain that, "Perhaps the most compelling reason for advocating this type of on‑going education is to afford practitioners the opportunity to keep abreast of current issues, techniques, and methods which serve to enhance patient care. The fact that most programs are conducted by individuals skilled in the topics presented, also provides a high ratio of quality information delivered in a relatively short period. Thus, professional development serves not only the practitioner, but ultimately benefits the patient through enhanced practice skills acquired in different areas by the chiropractor."

It notes, too, that opportunities for professional development may include reading research or scholarly journals, subscribing to audio and videocassette courses, or attending scientific symposia.

Again, the emphasis needs to be on those journals, courses, or seminars compatible with your practice purpose. Subluxation‑based chiropractors should choose those publications and events involving the study of vertebral subluxation, rather than those that focus on full body diagnosis, non‑chiropractic tests or procedures, or treatment modalities.

A few of the many opportunities for professional development available for subluxation‑based chiropractors are The World Chiropractic Alliance International Summit, Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, The Parker Seminar and On‑Purpose audio tapes.

By taking advantage of these and other opportunities, you will not only be better able to serve your patients, but will ‑‑ if necessary ‑‑ present an image of a well‑informed and active professional to a jury or Licensing Board.

(Timothy J. Feuling is president of Chiropractic Benefit Services (CBS) and a member of the Board of Directors of the World Chiropractic Alliance. He assists doctors in maximizing their practices through the proper choice of insurance and related services. Doctors may contact him with questions, comments, and requests for insurance quotes at 2950 N. Dobson Rd. Ste. 1, Chandler, AZ 85224, by phone at 800/883‑0412 or by e‑mail: feuling@cbsmalpractice.com).