The FCLB emblem symbolically integrates the three fundamental aspects of chiropractic health care. The first of these, represented by an open book, is academic preparation and the infinite process of learning.
The FCLB logo maintains continuity with the emblem by highlighting elements such as the Raphael (chiropractic philosophy and practice) with the scales of justice (official recognition of competency). The circle represents the ongoing process of learning and evolution within the chiropractic profession; the square serves to underscore the foundation upon which the FCLB organization is built.
MYRTLE BEACH, South Carolina -- The Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB) held their annual meeting April 9-12, 1992 in this Southern resort city. Among the many important issues addressed here was the practice guidelines established by the Mercy Center Conference.
On Thursday, at the beginning of the meeting, each of the state licensing boards were given a copy of the Guidelines for Chiropractic Quality Assurance and Standards of Practice (Mercy Center Conference Guidelines) for their review during the three day meeting. The program began with David Chapman-Smith, L.L.B., the guidelines' commission counsel, presenting "Quality Assurance Standards -- A Challenge to State Licensing Boards" as his keynote address.
Afterwards, a panel discussion on the conference guidelines was lead by Meredith Bakke, D.C., FCLB professional standards' committee chairperson. The panel included several members of the Mercy Conference. A presentation by Herve Guillain, M.D., senior health policy analyst for the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR), rounded out the practice guidelines presentations.
A resolution was drafted by the Professional Standards Committee for presentation to the FCLB membership at the annual business meeting on Saturday. With the exception of one dissenting vote, the FCLB membership voted to endorse the Mercy Center Conference Guidelines with the following resolution:
RESOLUTION #3 of the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
April 11, 1992
Submitted for consideration by
FCLB Professional Standards Committee
WHEREAS, The establishment and continuing review of chiropractic practice guidelines is important with respect to quality of care and the public interest; and
WHEREAS, National guidelines are important to the regulation of chiropractic practice and the better coordination of the work of the chiropractic licensing boards; and
WHEREAS, In order to provide national practice guidelines the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations created a Commission for the establishment of guidelines for chiropractic quality assurance and standards of practice in December of 1989; and
WHEREAS, The work of the Commission was subsequently sponsored by most major chiropractic associations in North America including the American Chiropractic Association, the Canadian Chiropractic Association, International Chiropractors Association, Association of Chiropractic Colleges, and the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards; and
WHEREAS, The Consensus Panel established by the Commission included chiropractors who represent the chiropractic profession as a whole in a fair and equitable manner; and
WHEREAS, It is appreciated that the Commission was the first national effort by the chiropractic profession to establish comprehensive practice guidelines and that these guidelines are imperfect, incomplete, and will require revision; and
WHEREAS, Due to the nature of the consensus process itself it is recognized that diversity of opinion exists, but that most chiropractors will agree with the majority of the guidelines. Now therefore, be it
RESOLVED,
That the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards hereby endorses the work of the Commission in the legitimate consensus process representing as closely as practicable the views of the entire chiropractic profession,
and the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards endorses the guidelines appearing in the proceedings of the Commission and encourages the chiropractic profession to continue with the ongoing process of establishing valid and useful guidelines for the practice of chiropractic.
The FCLB also passed resolutions to:
- "Establish a task force to investigate the feasibility of a mandatory, national chiropractic preadmission aptitude test, with the task force submitting its report at the 1993 meeting of the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards."
- "Give an outstanding service award to Dr. George W. Arvidson, posthumously." Dr. Arvidson had greatly served the FCLB for many years.
- "Encourage states to make available whatever public information they may have to assist in tracking individuals who default on their chiropractic HEAL loan responsibilities."
In addition to several other noted speakers, the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) presented information on performance testing for chiropractic licensing. The NBCE is currently developing a potential Part IV "Practical Exam," using an objective structured clinical exam, involving trained patients in a clinical setting with various testing modules. (A more complete presentation of this information will be forthcoming in a future issue of Dynamic Chiropractic.)
The FCLB continues to provide chiropractic with the leadership and structure that makes an impact. Many exciting events are transpiring, including the opportunity of individual membership in the FCLB, all of which will allow the FCLB and the NBCE to play a greater role in the development of the chiropractic profession.
FCLB Directory
The FCLB has announced the publication of the Official FCLB Directory, 1992-93, a 68 page book featuring the current licensure requirements of all 51 U.S. regulatory boards for chiropractic, plus contact information for Canadian provinces and some foreign jurisdictions.
The Official FCLB Directory is designed for doctors seeking reciprocity or endorsement, prospective and graduating students, and insurance companies.
For more information on this publication, contact:
FCLB
901 54th Avenue, Suite 101
Greeley, Colorado 80634
Telephone: (303)356-3500
FCLB Administrative Offices
900 Kinsey Ave.
P.O. Box 1150
Kremmling, CO 80459
Tele: (303) 724-9626
Fax: (303) 724-9624
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