Legislative and Legal Update on Scope of Practice Related Issues

Bill Morgan
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Bill Morgan

Letter from the President

As many of you know, a legal decision that removed certain key diagnostic elements within the chiropractic scope of practice was recently made in Texas. This decision is under appeal and no action will take place until the appeal process has been completed. We have every reason to believe this short-sighted decision will be overturned upon rehearing. In addition, the routine review process for the Texas chiropractic scope of practice is underway, but has significant implications for the chiropractic profession if the scope of practice is curtailed by the Texas legislature, which will soon be going into session.

Parker University, in conjunction with the TCA and Texas Chiropractic College, will be spearheading a concerted effort to ensure that the rights of chiropractors and chiropractic patients are protected and not infringed. I will be testifying at a hearing on the sunset provision of the scope of practice in Austin on November 10. A report will be issued from the results of the hearing on November 15. Then, on December 8 and 9, there will be a hearing on the consolidation of several health care associations in Texas. This maneuver may have negative implications for chiropractic and will be carefully monitored by us along with the TCA and TCC.

On February 9-11, 2017, the Texas Chiropractic Legislative Conference (TCLC) will be held in Austin. February 9 is Legislative Day. We are planning now to deliver the largest, best informed, and most effective group of Parker University students, alumni, faculty, and staff possible to present our case for the continued and improved scope of practice of chiropractic for the benefit of all the citizens of Texas.

Be assured that we at Parker will do everything in our power to represent the interests of the university, our students, our patients and our alumni to preserve the rights of all chiropractors in Texas to practice chiropractic as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Make no mistake, we have a serious battle ahead of us which will require the resolve of every member of the chiropractic community to guarantee victory. You may be called upon soon for political and material support. I encourage all of you who are interested to step forward and help us preserve and protect chiropractic for now and the future. The impact of the Texas decisions will certainly resonate across the country. Our patients are relying upon us and we shall not let them down. Failure is not an option. I hope that I can count on you to join the fight when the battle lines are formed.

I will keep you updated on the progress we make in the near term, and when the Texas legislature goes into session in January, 2017.

May our credo be “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful), as we enter this contest.

William E. Morgan, D.C.
President, Parker University

From the TCA

Texas Chiropractic Association

Texas is on the verge of being the ONLY state where doctors of chiropractic aren’t allowed to diagnose. Are you willing to let that happen?

Get the latest information on the TMA vs. TBCE lawsuit over scope of practice provisions regarding diagnosis and nerve interests by requesting that we email or text you a recording of our townhall meeting hosted by TCA.

Register here to receive and email or text with the recording of our live townhall: http://tcaredalert.pagedemo.co

Just interested in helping the cause? Make a donation to the Chiropractic Development Initiative (CDI): http://www.chirotexas.org/cdi