In addition to having "insider insights" about the activities of national chiropractic organizations, I also have been involved in the eight-year reform effort1-4 relative to the board of directors of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE).
Last year, in an effort to assist in reform, I encouraged state delegates to keep their voting paddles down, should the District V caucus nominate the incumbent district director.5 When the majority of state delegates did indeed keep their paddles down, the caucus reconvened and nominated another candidate, who was then approved by the assembly.
Utilizing that process - which some refer to as state delegates "firing the floor cannon" - the removal of the District V director then resulted in the defeat of two "old guard" at-large directors and the establishment of a completely new executive committee.
But there is now one last piece of unfinished business. With the 2007 NBCE Annual Meeting rapidly approaching, I want to offer some insights about how to complete the mission that began so dramatically last year. Since this one remaining issue is so important, I will be very candid.
Dr. Frank Hideg, the last remaining "old guard" district director, likely will run for re-election again. While I have considerable respect for Dr. Hideg for his service to the NBCE and have a genuine affection for him on a personal level, it is long past time for a change.
Dr. Hideg has served on the NBCE board of directors for approximately 30 consecutive years. Think about that. That is longer than most NBCE state delegates have been in practice! During that time, how many good licensing board members from District II were denied an opportunity to serve due to Dr. Hideg's "iron grip" on the position? And how many new ideas and solutions were never brought to the table because a single person sat in the seat for three long decades?
While the NBCE Bylaws Committee periodically studies term limits, in reality - and just as occurred last year - a district director's term ends when the assembly of state delegates says it ends! And in Dr. Hideg's case, I believe the state delegates need to say it's time for a change because he has already served 18 years longer than the 12-year term limit that is being proposed by the NBCE board of directors.
Should the assembly reject Dr. Hideg's nomination, a fresh new person can be nominated to join the new NBCE leadership team. And just as importantly, a new District II director likely will assure that pro-delegate individuals are elected to replace the last two remaining "old guard" incumbent at-large directors.
So, here's the bottom line. Based on my experience as an eight-year licensing board member, a four-year NBCE delegate, and eight years working to reform the NBCE board of directors, here is my clear and simple advice. Should the District II caucus again nominate the incumbent, just keep your paddle down when his name is submitted to the assembly for election. By doing so, you will complete the reform of the NBCE and you will put a bold, shining exclamation point on the history-making events of last year.
Should any NBCE delegate or licensing board member have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone (512-445-3366), fax (775-254-4115) or e-mail (
). I also plan to be in St. Louis (on my own nickel) at the annual meeting to again be a resource for those who want additional information. If asked, I will be happy to answer any questions you might have. I look forward to seeing you in St. Louis at what I hope will be another historic event.
References
- "NBCE: More Questions." Dynamic Chiropractic, April 17, 2000. www.chiroweb.com/archives/18/09/15.html.
- "NBCE Bylaws: Directors vs. Delegates." Dynamic Chiropractic, May 1, 2000. www.chiroweb.com/archives/18/10/19.html.
- "Dynamic Chiropractic's Doctors of the Year." Dynamic Chiropractic, Dec. 14, 2000. www.chiroweb.com/archives/18/26/08.html.
- "More Changes at NBCE." Dynamic Chiropractic, June 18, 2005. www.chiroweb.com/archives/23/13/12.html.
- Edwards J. "Do the Right Thing: Keep Your Paddle Down!" Dynamic Chiropractic, April 24, 2006. www.chiroweb.com/archives/24/09/07.html.
- Edwards J. "NBCE Delegates: The Beating of Hearts, the Beating of Drums." Dynamic Chiropractic, June 20, 2006. www.chiroweb.com/archives/24/13/08.html.
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