Yesterday, two investigators from the state professional licensing board barged into my office without a search warrant or subpoena demanding to "interview" me and examine my office, literature, and procedures. They said they were from the state board of examiners, but would not reveal what board or by who's authority they had been sent. I was not at the office at the time of their unscheduled visit so my office staff called me at home to request (at the investigators insistence) that I come in. I asked the investigators what they wanted and what they were investigating. They said needed to ask me several questions.
"Like what?" I asked.
"We have complaints against you for adjusting children, and that you are preventing children from receiving normal medical care. Are you stopping parents from taking their children to medical pediatricians?
"Is there a law mandating that children see a pediatric medical doctor?" I asked in turn.
"No."
"Then what are you asking me?"
"Do you prevent parents from giving their children drugs?"
Aha! Somebody is losing patients and money. "That's up to the parent."
"Do you tell parents not to vaccinate their children?"
"I tell them the law protects their right to choose what they feel is in the best interest of their child's health -- it's a freedom of choice. Who reported me to your authority?" I inquired.
"We've had numerous complaints since the '20/20' show."
"From patients?"
"No."
"From lay people?"
"No."
"Who?"
"Medical doctors."
I proceeded to tell them to quit hassling me and hung up. I called the Georgia Board of Chiropractic Examiners and talked with a board member who told me he could not discuss all of the details because it was a "pending case." But he informed me that I was not under investigation from the chiropractic board directly -- I was being investigated by the medical board. It all seemed very hush hush and undercover. No one was willing to give out much information.
My attorney, who has connections in the state attorney's office, uncovered the most information. Basically, it was a scare tactic. Their actions were totally illegal. They had no right to even enter my office. The local medics evidently thought I'd stop adjusting kids if they scared me enough. Maybe they thought the parents would bring the kids back to them for drugs and vaccines if I wasn't available. It didn't work. I took out several large ads in the city newspaper, two billboards, radio ads of patients talking, and a colorful direct mailer to every household in our area -- all expounding the benefits of chiropractic care from birth.
I haven't heard from the board since. What will their next attack be? Maybe it will be you.
Jennifer Brandon Peet, DC
Gainesville, Georgia