physical therapists and the chiropractic practice act denise natale, d.c. vermont board of...
TRANSCRIPT
Physical Therapists and the
Chiropractic Practice ActDenise Natale, D.C.Vermont Board of
Chiropractic
History
• March 2005– PT Advisor Board proposes
“housekeeping” changes to practice act, including adding mobilization
• April 2005– VCA responds with concerns
• July 2005– PT publishes draft language for
proposed act
History
• September 2005– PT responds to VCA April 2005 letter,
claiming qualifications
• November 2005– PT requests meeting with VT Board to
discuss definitions of manipulation, mobilization
• December 2005– PT and VT Board meet for fact-finding
History
• January 2006– PT’s invited back to
VT Board– PT’s respond with
letter
The Problems
• PT’s offer language from their Federation of State Board of Physical Therapy Model Practice Act
The Problems
• OPR/Legislator confusion– Both PT’s and DC’s offer their
version of the truth
• The PT language offers mobilization and manipulation as synonyms
The Problems
• No good universal definition of manipulation, mobilization seemed to exist– Many suggested definitions are
•Politically motivated•Old chiropractic dogma•Not reflective of current, unbiased
science•Not defensible in court
The Problems
• Compared to the extensive background work PT’s have conducted, DC’s are not prepared to defend their practice to legislators
The Problems
• To stay out of the “turf war” trap– This is not
about politics– This is a
public protection issue
The Problems
• We need resources!!!
Concerns Raised by Colleagues
• % of PT’s who currently perform manipulation– % of their patients receiving
manipulation
• PT’s ability to assess contraindications to manipulation
• DC’s ability to present a united front
Solutions
• Education– Define mobilization/ manipulation
– Safety record of DC’s vs. others
– Present to OPR, Board, Legislature prn
Resources
• FCLB• Becoming an expert
– Definitions– PT’s practice
• “medical” differential diagnosis vs.• PT diagnosis
– Risks and benefits of manipulation
When we circle the wagons this time, let’s not
shoot in!