In the classic tale of the frog and the scorpion the frog succumbs to the deceptive scorpion's assurances that he would never sting him as he crossed the river riding on his back since if he did they would both drown.

The chiropractic profession has much to learn from this old tale and the latest lesson is from National College and the CCE. As you are probably already aware National College has been spearheading the tiering and prescriptive rights movement within chiropractic for some time. What you may not recall is that some time back (about a decade) National had proposed changing the name of the degree it awarded to: Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine. Well, luckily that got shot down by the powers that be in the profession.

But just as the scorpion does not change its fundamental nature, National apparently never let go of its desire. In the CCE's recent accreditation update the CCE lists National's chiropractic program as: Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine Program

This brings up all sorts of questions. For example, one has to wonder if the CCE is even authorized to accredit Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine programs?

The point may be moot since at least one state has already weighed in on the matter. The State of Massachusetts has just gone on the record stating that a licensed chiropractor would be prohibited from marketing their services, qualifications or degrees by describing him or herself as a practitioner or doctor of “chiropractic medicine”.  The Board even went one step further and stated that the statute does not allow licensing of a person holding a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine degree.
 
Other questions that now come up include whether or not National has already conferred Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine degrees (the CCE announcement that their DCM program is accredited would suggest they may have). If so it does not look like graduates holding this degree will be able to get licensed in Massachusetts. 

Another question is how many other states did National write to and ask if such a degree would be recognized? And how many of those states said yea or nay?

What about your state?

Besides the CCE document National's website also lists their chiropractic program as:

“Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine"  

stating that:

"...your future in chiropractic medicine offers you the opportunity to serve as an integral member of the health care community."

"At National's clinics, you'll learn first-hand how to practice chiropractic as primary care medicine under clinical supervision"

"In addition to learning clinical applications of chiropractic medicine and proper documentation procedures…”

"Don't be silly Mr. Frog. If I sting you while you are carrying me across the river on your back you will die. And since I can't swim, I'll die too. Don't worry I won't sting you." And with that the frog said "That makes sense Mr. Scorpion. Hop on and I'll take you across the river."

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
www.chiropracticpediatricresearch.net