ACA retracts statement about safety of ICA Council on Pediatrics Certification Program

November 28, 2012 — The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has retracted its Nov. 1 statement about the potential safety issues related to the pediatrics certification program administered by the International Chiropractors Association’s Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics (ICACCP) after meetings with the leadership of the International Chiropractic Association (ICA).

The ACA has had a long-standing supportive relationship with the ICACCP’s diplomate certification program.

“Since 2007 ACA has recognized this program as a valuable means for doctors of chiropractic to acquire the necessary training to specialize in pediatrics. Pediatric chiropractic holds an important place in our healthcare system, particularly the safe and effective way it is performed by those who are training toward or have achieved diplomate status,” said ACA President Keith Overland, DC. “We apologize that our Nov. 1 statement has been misunderstood by some, particularly on the important issue of public safety. It was not intended as a commentary on the quality of that program’s training or the level of competence of its diplomates who provide wonderful care to children. We also regret any inconvenience our earlier statement might have caused ICA leaders or diplomates in the ICACCP’s diplomate program.”

ACA’s recognition of the certification program was recently rescinded at the ACA’s House of Delegates’ annual meeting. Problems arose for the ACA when it received reports from members of its Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics that those applying to sit for the Diplomate in Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics (DICCP) examination and those who seek renewal of their DICCP certificates would also have to be members of the ICA Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics. These reports were based on DICCP application materials and misunderstandings between candidates and ICCP administrative staff.

After ACA leaders met with representatives of the ICA it was determined that:

Membership in the ICA Pediatrics Council is not required to sit for the DICCP examination or to become recertified as a Diplomate, ICA Pediatrics Council membership will, however, continue to be required to participate in educational programs of the ICA Pediatrics Council that lead to board eligibility.

“We appreciate the ICA’s patience with ACA as we discuss this matter,” said Bill O’Connell, ACA executive vice president. “Getting conformance of our own affiliated organizations with national standards for certification is challenging.” He noted ACA has, since 1984, had a policy requiring its specialty councils and boards to each conform with the National Commission for Certifying Agencies’ (NCCA) standard prohibiting the requirement of membership in a professional society as a prerequisite to preparing for or sitting for board specialty certification. “We will be working with the leadership of ACA-affiliated specialty councils and boards to ensure they each behave in accordance with the intent of ACA policy.” Also, he noted, “ACA certainly looks forward to a continuing dialogue with ICA leadership so as to address any remaining concerns, which might affect ACA’s future reconsideration of its recognition of the ICACCP credentialing program.”

ACA and its Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics, which does not have its own certification board to designate specialists in chiropractic pediatrics, began recognizing the DICCP certificate in 2007. The ACA Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics and the ICA Pediatrics Council have had a successful five-year alliance, including collaboration on joint conferences.

Source: American Chiropractic Association, acatoday.org