ChiroFutures Urges FCLB to Drop X-Ray Language

The Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards is set to vote on and adopt several resolutions on May 1, 2021. One of those is a Resolution regarding the taking of radiographs by chiropractors. In light of the recent amendments passed by the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC) where x-rays for the analysis of vertebral subluxation have been banned, all chiropractors should be especially concerned by this action from the FCLB.

CLICK Here to review the FCLB document

Point number two in the FCLB proposal is most problematic and should be stricken.

FCLB RESOLUTION 2-21

Point #2:

“2. That prior to obtaining radiographic imaging, a treating Doctor of Chiropractic will inform the patient of the benefits, options, and material risks of x-ray and will receive consent from the patient to be x-rayed;”

The ChiroFutures Malpractice Insurance Program has notified FCLB President Karlos Boghosian DC regarding its concerns on this Resolution. This language imposes a duty upon the chiropractor. This is a dangerous mandate from a risk management perspective. Those, such as the members of the CCBC Board and others that wish to ban the use of x-rays for subluxation analysis will use this language and demand that chiropractors must disclose oncogenic and genotoxic effects, they will claim that there is no evidence that patients x-rayed get better outcomes and that all of this must be disclosed to the patient. It also appears to require a separate informed consent and/or specific language to be added to already existing consent forms and processes.

ChiroFutures supports the use of x-rays for the analysis and management of vertebral subluxation. We encourage an evidence-informed approach to the use of radiography in the assessment of vertebral subluxation. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to determine the safety and appropriateness of chiropractic care. This training includes the use of X rays to detect and characterize vertebral subluxations, congenital and developmental anomalies which may affect the selection of chiropractic techniques, and conditions which may contraindicate certain chiropractic adjusting methods. Furthermore, radiography may reveal conditions requiring referral to another type of health care provider.

The International Federation of Chiropractors and Organizations (IFCO) has also issued its concerns to the FCLB. In a letter to its members the President of the IFCO, Grant Dennis DC stated: 

"We are quite concerned with FCLB’s latest position and its adverse effect on chiropractic clinical practice. We will continue to follow these developments and keep you posted on the progress/outcome of this resolution. The IFCO would like the FCLB to reconsider their position on the use of X rays by chiropractors. If you agree with our request for consideration, please click the “YES” button below and we will include your name in our letter to them. We are hopeful that our membership will show up boldly in our strong letter of disapproval of the FCLB position. We would like to send our letter out by Friday, April 2nd, so please reply ASAP. We look forward to your prompt reply to this urgent matter."

The IFCO asks chiropractors to sign a petition to let the FCLB know that this language is unacceptable.

CLICK HERE to sign the petition