May 2007

ICA to continue ‘a separate voice’

The International Chiropractors Association (ICA) issued a statement on merging with the American Chiropractic Association that said it will work cooperatively on common issues with the ACA, but continue to express itself in a separate voice.

The statement, approved unanimously by the ICA’s board of directors and representative assembly during its meeting April 27–28, 2007, in Washington, D.C., said, in part:

“…Although we view the ‘demand’ from one organization [Congress of Chiropractic State Associations, COCSA]upon another to be a curious course of action, we can appreciate the desire to further the profession of chiropractic. ICA shares these desires, but does not agree on the course of action being proposed. ICA continues to pledge cooperative effort in those areas where a common voice can speak on issues. However, on those issues where a separate voice is needed, ICA will continue to express that voice.”

ICA’s statement also said its participation in the Chiropractic Coalition “demonstrates our willingness to continue these efforts.” The Chiropractic Coalition is comprised of ICA, the World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA), and the Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations (FSCO).

Additionally, the statement said, “There are basic chiropractic philosophical tenets that ICA holds supreme, and are not subject to compromise. It is the separate and clear voice of the ICA that has created a system of checks and balances in our profession. Over the past several decades it has been painfully obvious that this separate voice has prevented the profession from drifting in a direction that ICA views as clearly in violation of our philosophical tenants, as well as detrimental to our profession and the unique contribution we offer the public.”

John Maltby, DC, ICA president, said in the statement, “ICA has communicated with the president of the American Chiropractic Association reiterating ICA’s willingness to cooperate on issues of common concern, for the greater good of the profession, especially in the realm of legislation and public policy. We look forward to that dialogue and will keep the ICA membership informed of the results.”

The complete statement issued by ICA is available on its Web site, www.chiropractic.org.

Source: International Chiropractors Association, www.chiropractic.org

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