By now you must have heard of what’s going on in New Mexico. Our brethren in the Southwest have decided they are “Advanced” chiropractic physicians. And just what’s so advanced about them – why they can inject stuff and have a limited pharmacopeia.

Some in the profession are shocked by this and mistakenly think that:

1. Its something new and
2. That the majority of the profession does not support such a move into allopathy.

Unfortunately both beliefs are false.

The whole tiering thing has a long history in the profession but the most recent drive for this started in the late 90’s and early part of 2000 with the launch of the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. One particular issue worth reading to bring you up to speed on where the profession is headed is the:

Volume 1(4); Fall 2002 issue.

The whole issue is worth reading if you want to understand where this fringe group wants to take the profession but one article in particular sort of lays it all out.

Strength in diversity: Professional and legislative opportunities in primary care by the recognition, defining and promotion of the licensure of chiropractic medical education, competencies and skills
Reiner G. Kremer
J Chiropr Med. 2002 Fall; 1(4): 139–148. Published online 2002. doi: 10.1016/S0899-3467(07)60028-7.      

So, this is not a new thing.

Secondly, the belief that the rank and file of our profession wants to remain drug free is not consistent with the facts. In the study completed at Ohio Northern nearly half the respondents stated they wanted to be able to prescribe drugs.

So the folks in New Mexico are just pioneers in what will probably be copied in one way, shape or form throughout the country. Of course each state is different so there will have to be multiple approaches but no doubt they’ll work it out.

There is certainly no one standing in their way – have you heard an outcry from the profession about this? I haven't.    

In fact the ACA endorses it and the NBCE is developing exams for such a purpose:

• ACA House of Delegates Approves Policies, Elects New Leaders at Annual Meeting
• National Board of Chiropractic Examiners’ plan to create certification for an expanded practice chiropractic physician

Yes, now student’s money is being used to pay for bringing drugs into our drugless profession. That loud rumbling you just heard was all those chiropractors who went to jail for this profession rolling over in their graves.

Some have spoken out – The Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation issued a statement on it.

Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation Statement on Tiering

Dr. Christopher Kent just wrote an as usual insightful article about it.

Drugs, Chiropractic and Boiled Frogs

The ICA has set up a Working Group to look into it:

Chiropractic Advanced Practice law Raises Questions of National Significance

And Dr. Don Harrison has also just released an article about it.

Tiering of the Chiropractic Profession - Geuss Who's Behind This?

Now - what are YOU going to do or say about it?

Here's some additional links on the topic:

• Link to New Mexico Statute
• Proposal would allow practitioners to dispense meds, give injections
• American Academy of Chiropractic Physicians
• National University of Health Sciences Press Release
• Masters Degree in Advanced Chiropractic Practice Course Descriptions

As always I look forward to your feedback, comments and suggestions.

Matthew McCoy DC, MPH
matthewmccoy@comcast.net
Editor - Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health - Chiropractic
http://www.chiropracticpediatricresearch.net