In January 2002, the chiropractic regulating board in New York State censured a Bellport, NY, chiropractor, suspending his license for 24 months -- a punishment that has, in essence, cost him his practice and his career. The legal document filed on the case specifically noted that the decision was "based upon a more serious view of the totality of the professional misconduct committed by respondent, including but not limited to his attempts to treat symptomless persons, which is misconduct which goes to the heart of the profession..."

Realizing the widespread and detrimental ramifications of such a ruling, the World Chiropractic Alliance has issued a strongly worded position paper stating that chiropractic care to detect and correct vertebral subluxations offers benefits for all people, including those who do not demonstrate symptoms of a disease or health condition.

The paper emphasizes that the presence of symptoms and/or a medical diagnosis should not be a factor in determining the need for chiropractic care, and that the presence of symptoms should never be required by any chiropractic board, insurance company or court of law to justify chiropractic care to any patient.

"The idea that a doctor of chiropractic can only care for someone who is exhibiting symptoms goes against the very principles of our profession. It is an absurd restriction that hurts doctors and their patients and cannot be tolerated," stated Terry A. Rondberg, D.C., WCA president. "Chiropractic boards are abusing their powers when they use their personal bias to redefine the profession."

He called upon the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB) to exert its influence on board members to prevent such abuse. The FCLB states that its purposes "deal with maintaining high, uniform standards in areas related to chiropractic licensure, regulation, discipline, and education," and "to protect the public and to serve our member boards by promoting excellence in chiropractic regulation."

Although it has no authority to dictate policy to state boards, the FCLB serves as, in its words, "a clearinghouse and forum for the discussion of important political issues." It holds an annual conference and district meetings to exchange information and adopt "resolutions protecting the profession's examining regulatory standards and ultimately the consumer public." In New York state, the Office of Professions of Board of Regents and the New York State Education Department is the regulatory agency that oversees chiropractic, and is a member of the FCLB.

"As part of its duty to protect the public and maintain excellence in chiropractic regulation, the FCLB should bring this issue to the forefront and make it clear that it opposes any arbitrary board decisions that totally contradict the ACC paradigm agreed upon by all chiropractic colleges and major organizations," Dr. Rondberg noted.

The WCA position paper sets forth solid arguments supporting the right of asymptomatic patients to seek out and receive chiropractic care as part of their wellness routine. It cites the ACC paradigm, the CCP Guidelines and several research studies to show that many health problems, including subluxations, require care before they cause symptoms. "To expect patients to wait until the damage done by subluxations is so severe they are in pain or expressing other symptoms is barbaric," said Rondberg.

In addition to developing its position paper, the WCA distributed a press release to the media, "We felt it was important to make people understand they don't have to wait until they exhibit symptoms before going to a chiropractor," Rondberg noted.

The release and position paper was also distributed to chiropractic organizations and publications. "I hope other groups will join the WCA in working on this extremely important issue and make it clear that they also support the right of asymptomatic patients to obtain chiropractic care," Rondberg concluded.