April 2004

Direct-access bill for veterans introduced

A bill that would allow veterans direct access to chiropractic care has been introduced into Congress.

Representative Bob Filner (D-CA) has introduced legislation to provide veterans with direct access to chiropractors through the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), without going through a gatekeeper. The bill — HR 4501 — has been referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

Both the American Chiropractic Association and the International Chiropractors’ Association have come out in support of the bill.

“ICA enthusiastically supports this initiative,” said ICA legislative committee chairperson Dr. Michael S. McLean. “There is no question that veterans should have the minimum amount of bureaucracy standing between them and the care they want.” The ICA has been critical of the recommendations made by the Chiropractic Advisory Committee to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Principi. Principi has accepted the recommendations.

ACA president Dr. Donald Krippendorf said, “Introduction in the U.S. House of Representatives of [HR 4051] is a strong statement of support for chiropractic care and its positive benefits for veterans and other patients.”

Rep. Bob Filner, www.house.gov/filner; American Chiropractic Association, www.amerchiro.org; International Chiropractors Association, www.chiropractic.org

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