Virginia State Assembly Passes HR Bill 1688
Feb. 2017, Gov. Terry MacAuliffe signs more healthcare legislation into law here in Virginia
I am very excited to report to all concerned that the DOT bill HR 1688 passed on Februray 24, 2017 goes into effect July 1, 2017. Friday, Feb. 24th the bill was signed by Governor MaAuliffe. This law corrects the wrong that has excluded Virginia DC’s from participating in the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Chiropractors had log been considered primary healthcare providers in all 50 states for over 50 to 90 years now but in Virginia in 2014 the Virginia Medical Board which oversees chiropractors and medical doctors in Virginia ruled that that chiropractors were not legally qualified to provide Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals. This ruling was made on a very narrow interpretation of law but to us common folks it was ridiculous. This was ruling was done due to pressure from the Virginia Medical Association but not “officially” of course. The MD’s questioned the qualifications of chiropractors to perform such a basic exam based on “medical knowledge” which was absurd. This especially seem rediculous since chiropractors receive the same core course work in college as medical doctors to evaluate physiology, neurology and basic psychology with regard to a physical exam. Chiropractors can order blood work, heart workups and any radiology procedure as well just like the general practitioner, “medical people”. So why were chiropractors suddenly excluded after years of providing this valuable service to Virginians (and most other US citizens in the rest of the country)? Politics, turf war with the MD’s who get the income from from providing these services. Chiropractors were taking some of their money.
But in the end as it has always been medical egos and fear of losing money to “those chiropractors” keeps this silly feud alive. I guess some of the old prejudices are still alive and kicking. I hope we all can move past these petty differences and see the benefits of all the healing arts disciplines and help people who need better health get to the best place for their sake’s and not our own sense of righteousness as healers.
Glad it’ fixed for now and Virginians can have a choice again.
See the exact law as it was enacted in the state assembly here.
Dr. Demetrios Kydonieus, Chiropractic Nutritionist
