January 2006

Congress passes pro-chiropractic legislation

The House of Representatives and the Senate have passed legislation containing language favorable to doctors of chiropractic and their patients.

The Defense Department reauthorization bill calls on the Department of Defense (DoD) to develop a plan to make the chiropractic benefit available to all active duty military members, as is currently prescribed by law. Additionally, the bill requests that the Pentagon study the cost and feasibility of expanding the chiropractic benefit to military dependents, retirees and reservists.

Among the items passed in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) funding bill is language directing $2 million to chiropractic colleges and universities for continued research of the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for spinal and low-back conditions.

Attached to that same bill is language pertaining to the struggle chiropractors have experienced in their efforts to join the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps officers. The report specifically notes that the Surgeon General has the authority to appoint DCs as commissioned officers; however, to date, none have been appointed.

Source: American Chiropractic Association, www.acatoday.com

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