January 12, 2018—President Trump has signed into law the Job for Our Heroes Act, which includes a provision allowing chiropractors working within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to perform physical exams on veterans needing a medical certificate to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
“The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is committed to improving the health of our veterans by removing barriers and expanding access to chiropractors in the VA as well as other federal programs,” said David Herd, DC, ACA President.
Prior to the legislation, only 25 medical doctors within the entire VA health care system were qualified to perform the Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exams.
Providers in the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners—including more than 3,500 chiropractors—were excluded from providing the exams to truck drivers who receive their care through the VA health care system.
Consequently, the drivers were burdened with limited access and increased wait times, and were forced to look outside the VA and pay for eligible health professionals to perform the required physical.
By increasing the number of health professionals, including chiropractors, who may conduct the physical exams, the new law will the ease the process, as well as save time and money, for veterans seeking commercial driver’s licenses.
For doctors of chiropractic interested in working with veterans, learn more by visiting ACA’s website at www.acatoday.org/Vets.
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