Parker and the Politics of Chiropr actic Parker’s President Travels to Washington D.C. for Legislative Summit Parker College of Chiropractic President Dr. Fabrizio Mancini traveled to Washington D.C. to attend the 2010 National Chiropractic Legislative Conference (NCLC) and Chiropractic Legislative Summit. Prior to passing healthcare reform, chiropractic leaders came together to meet with congressional leaders to emphasize the importance of chiropractic’s role in national healthcare and Medicare reform. Close to 600 doctors of chiropractic, students, and supporters met at the nation’s capital to attend the NCLC. The group heard speeches from government leaders, received advocacy training, and urged elected officials to support prochiropractic measures that seek to provide patients, veterans, and active-duty military personnel with direct access to the essential services provided by doctors of chiropractic.
The Student American Chiropractic Association (SACA) also attended to represent the future chiropractors of the nation. Dr. Mancini, who is involved in numerous ways throughout the profession, spoke to the students about the future of chiropractic. He expressed his appreciation to the students who put a great deal of work into helping move the profession forward and motivated them to continue communicating the chiropractic message. “SACA members challenge other students to take the initiative and do something for the betterment of chiropractic,” said Dr. Mancini. “All of you are an example of what the future of chiropractic holds and I am tremendously excited and proud of that.”
The Chiropractic Summit VII was held in conjunction with NCLC. The summit represented leadership from more than 40 organizations within the profession—including ACA, ICA, COCSA, and ACC. The summit meets regularly to collaborate, seek solutions, and support collective action to address challenges facing the profession. “We all have the same goal, which is to advance chiropractic,” said Dr. Mancini.
President Obama Signs Healthcare Reform Bill Historic Pro-Chiropractic Provisions Become Law On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed national healthcare reform legislation into law. His signature came after a nearly 13 month battle, culminating in a contentious struggle to garner votes from undecided members of the Democratic majority in Congress. Important details include a non-discrimination provision long championed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).
Incorporation of this provider non-discrimination provision, also known as the “Harkin Amendment,” was achieved primarily due to the efforts of Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), with help from other key players such as Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Connecticut). Although he did not support the final bill overall, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) also lent his support for the advancement of the non-discrimination provision. 2011 ParkerLife Magazine | www.parkercc.edu
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