This year's conference will follow a revised format intended to better inform participants about the status of chiropractic legislative issues, and to allow for more effective lobbying of key congressional leaders involved with health care policy. The two-day conference will cover issues that are before the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate including:
- A special report on the "Mitchell Bill"
- Medicare expansion bills, House and Senate
- Medicare's new fee schedule
- Federal research funding for chiropractic research
- Bills to commission DCs as officers in the armed forces
- The future of student loan programs
- ERISA preemption
- National health proposals
On Tuesday the 24th, DCs will meet in the House of Representatives for a briefing by Congressmen and their staff on the current chiropractic legislation pending on Capitol Hill. You'll hear from these representatives: Pete Stark, chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health; Bob McEwen, sponsor of H.R. 2264, ERISA legislation; Jim Moody, sponsor of H.R. 3241, a Medicare bill; Rep. Lane Evans, sponsor of H.R. 608 to commission DCs into the military; and Mary Rose Oakar, sponsor of the Employees' Health Care Freedom-of-Choice Act (H.R. 384).
In the afternoon, legislative leadership awards will be presented to: Senator Tom Daschle, who introduced S.2616 that seeks reimbursement for chiropractic x-rays and physical exams under Medicare; Senator Strom Thurmond, who introduced S.68 to commission DCs in the military; and Rep. Lane Evans, who is sponsoring the House version of S.68.
On Wednesday morning the 25th, administration officials will speak: Gail Wilenski, an administrator for the HCFA; Mr. Hans Kuttner, White House senior policy advisor; Ms. Deborah Steelman, chair for Health Care of America; and Mr. Harvey Sloane, co-chair of Health Care for America.
In a meeting to follow, there will be a Senate briefing from legislative sponsors and staff. Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell will be in attendance along with other invited Senators.
"Anyone truly interested in the status of chiropractic legislation and the direction of federal health care policy should attend this event," said Dr. Kurt Hegetschweiler, chairman of the ACA's Commission on Legislation.
Registration is $25 if registered before September 6, and $75 after that date. For more information you may call either the ICA at (703) 528-5000 or the ACA at (703) 276-8800. To register at the Loews L'Enfant Plaza hotel, call (202) 484-1000.
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