September 2004

Hurricane fails to foil ACA HOD meeting

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) held its annual House of Delegates (HOD) meeting, Aug. 31-Sept. 4, 2004, in St. Petersburg, Fla., despite the pounding rains and powerful winds of Hurricane Frances. Key business topics included the election of officers, approval of public health statements and initiatives and presentation of the association’s highest awards.

Some delegates in the Florida area were forced to leave the meeting early to board up their homes and ensure the safety of their families. Through it all, the business of the ACA was completed on time.

POLICIES ADOPTED
Topping the list of approved resolutions were those presented by the Public Relations and Marketing Committee. Committee members developed five resolutions that address specific health care issues, including workplace safety, airline seat ergonomics and the effects of smoking on musculoskeletal health.

The committee devised an action plan to use these resolution topics as public health statements, which could help ACA educate the public, develop relationships with other health care and business organizations, and garner media coverage.
Other resolutions of interest include passage of the following policy statements:

• A report that provides doctors of chiropractic with the information they need to determine if a lease or rental agreement with a mobile diagnostic unit is right for them and their patients.

• A detailed document that defines what ACA constitutes as fraud and abuse, that reinforces ACA's anti-fraud position, and describes proper fraud investigation practices. The statement also aims to protect doctors of chiropractic from insurers who often incorrectly label them as the leaders in provider fraud.

• A statement indicating that ACA will work to obtain the broadest and most comprehensive insurance and managed care coverage possible for the full-scope of chiropractic services, products and procedures allowed by law.

In addition, delegates passed a by-law revision that now allows disabled members all privileges and benefits of ACA, including holding an elected office, provided they pay full general membership dues.

OFFICERS REELECTED
Dr. Donald Krippendorf of St. Petersburg, Fla., was reelected president of the ACA, and Dr. George McClelland of Christiansburg, Va., will continue as chairman of the board of governors.

Dr. Lewis Bazakos of Valley Stream, N.Y., maintained his position as the third member of ACA’s executive committee and as governor of District 4. Dr. Richard Brassard of Beaumont, Texas, continues as ACA’s vice president and Dr. Daryl Wills, of Gering, Neb., continues to serve on the board as immediate past president.

TWO HONORED
ACA presented its “Chiropractor of the Year” and “Humanitarian of the Year” respectively to James Edwards, DC, of Austin, Texas, and to Col. Mark Losack, DC, of Oceanside, Calif.

Edwards earned the “Chiropractor of the Year” award in part for his role with the National Chiropractic Legal Action Fund (NCLAF) campaign and his efforts in making the ACA News profession-wide newspaper a reality.

Losack was recognized as “Humanitarian of the Year” not only for his efforts on the front line, but also for jeopardizing his career to bring chiropractic care to fellow soldiers fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Losack also assisted NCLAF fundraising efforts by making personal appearances and by providing powerful commentary in the Simple Justice II video.

Source: American Chiropractic Association, www.amerchiro.org

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