March 2007

Connecticut lawmakers consider mandatory consent bill

Lawmakers in Connecticut are considering two bills that would mandate informed-consent forms for chiropractic treatments. The Connecticut Chiropractic Association (CCA) is opposing the bill as being unnecessary and unfairly punitive.

According to am Associated Press story, the legislature’s Public Health Committee is considering the informed-consent bill. Another bill is being debated by the insurance committee. But the CCA argues that a state law requiring a patient to give informed consent before a procedure is excessive, given the statistically remote risk of injury and death. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) says that risk of death of major neurological complications from cervical manipulation is one in 4 million.

CCA President Matthew N. Pagano, DC, said in the story that the low malpractice rates paid by Connecticut chiropractors are indicative of the safety of chiropractic. Chiropractors in Connecticut pay approximately $2,000 a year for malpractice insurance, compared to about $120,000 a year for obstetricians and anesthesiologists, he said.

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