Dr. Martin was sworn in as a member of the board at the January 17 meeting of the CBCE at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The board meets as a board of examiners at least twice a year.
Dr. Martin told "DC" he was "honored and pleased by the appointment," and would "give it my best." He further stated that he will seek to advance chiropractic by whatever avenues available, and will work to see that the profession is ready to meet the new demands in health care.
Dr. Martin graduated with honors from the British College of Naturopathy and Osteopathy in London, prior to receiving his DC degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. He has held teaching and administrative appointments at the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Chapman College in Lancaster, and the British College.
Dr. Martin has maintained a private practice of chiropractic in Lancaster, California since 1982.
The CBCE is composed of five chiropractors and two laypersons, as mandated by the board's by-laws. The chiropractic licensee members must have at least five years of licensure in the state, have pursued a resident course in an approved chiropractic school or college, and must be a graduate thereof and hold a diploma therefrom.
No more than two persons can serve simultaneously as members whose first diplomas were issured by the same college of chiropractic, nor can any two members be residents of the same county of the state. The governor appoints all members, each for the term of four years. No person can serve more than two consecutive terms on the board.
The CBCE was created by a people's Initiative Act in 1922. The key programs administered by the CBCE are the examination, enforcement, and annual renewal.
The examination is administered twice a year: once in Los Angeles; and once in Sunnyvale, California. It consists of a written examination, and a practical examination in four areas: clinical competency, physiotherapy, x-ray, and adjustive technique. Successful completion of the examination is a prerequisite for licensure.
Once a license is issued it must be renewed every year. The renewal cycle begins in November and continues through March of the following year. There are over 9,200 renewals each year. Active renewals require verification of 12 hours of continuing education.
The enforcement program consists of complaints, investigations, disciplinary actions, and probation surveillance. Annually the CBCE processes approximately 500 complaints, 99 formal investigations, and files approximately 25 accusations through the district attorney or attorney general's office.
The board also has the broad authority to amend or repeal rules of professional conduct appropriate to the establishment and maintenance of high standards of professional service and the protection of the public; may refuse to grant, or may suspend or revoke a license to practice chiropractic in the state; may summon witnesses, take testimony, administer oaths and take affidavits; and may determine minimum requirements for teachers in chiropractic schools and colleges.
A majority of the board constitutes a quorum. The affirmative vote of four members carries any motion, resolution or adoption of any rule.
"DC" wishes Dr. Peter Martin a productive and successful term as a member of this important governing body. We feel confident that chiropractic will be well served by this distinguished member of the chiropractic profession.
Steve Kelly
Assistant Editor