March 2007

Connecticut fights anti-chiropractic legislation efforts

Efforts by the Connecticut Chiropractic Association (CCA) have eliminated the anti-chiropractic tinge in one piece of legislation, while CCA continues its fight against another piece of anti-chiropractic legislation and supports the passage of two other bills.

Because of efforts by CCA, SB-249 has been amended. The bill originally called for insurers to report to the state insurance department all instances of paid malpractice claims against chiropractors. CCA opposed the exclusive language in the bill.

However, the insurance and real estate committee voted 13-1 to eliminate the exclusive language and require all medical professions with malpractice insurance to report claims data to the insurance department.

CCA is also actively opposing SB-1252, which requires oral and written informed consent for chiropractic treatment. According to a position paper put out by CCA, “CCA opposes SB-1252 in its current form. We would have no objection to a statutory requirement governing informed consent if all other medical professions were included. We simply object to be singled out unfairly.”

The association is actively urging the passage of SB-394, which would bring equity and fairness to the payment of chiropractic claims by insurers. Currently, Connecticut law allows insurers or managed-care organizations to offer coverage of a service by assessing co-payments and deductibles that equal or exceed the cost of services.
The association is also supporting the restoration of chiropractic services to low-income residents through SB-1359 and SB-1360. A number of healthcare services, including chiropractic, had been eliminated in Connecticut when the state faced a budget crisis. Connecticut now has a budget surplus and the legislature is considering healthcare reforms.

Source: Connecticut Chiropractic Association, www.chiropractor.org

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