Montana Board Adding CCE & NBCE Only Language Creating Monopolies
In recent times, an alarming trend is emerging within Montana's chiropractic landscape that might reshape its very core. The Montana Board of Chiropractic, essentially driven by the Montana Chiropractic Association (MCA), an affiliate of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), is attempting to make regulatory changes that would monopolize chiropractic education in the state.
A Deep Dive into the Proposed Changes
The chiropractic board, strongly affiliated with the MCA, is moving to introduce language to its rules that gives exclusive power to the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE). Such a change would give these two entities a monopoly over who gets a chiropractic license in Montana, furthering the reach and influence of what some are calling the "Chiropractic Cartel."
CLICK HERE to review the changes
Key figures within the Montana Chiropractic Board include:
Marcus Nynas - MCA Past President, 2019 MCA Hall of Fame recipient, and 2015 MCA chiropractor of the year.
Dustin Rising - MCA Board Member.
Rick Forrette - MCA Board Member and 2018 MCA chiropractor of the year.
Richard Murak - MCA chiropractor of the year 2005.
All have significant affiliations with the MCA, raising eyebrows about the potential for impartiality. The proposed rules aim to give exclusive power to the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE), thereby solidifying their hold over the ability to get a license in Montana.
The Ethical Dilemma
These board members, with clear ties to the MCA and subsequently the ACA, are in a questionable position to make unbiased and unconflicted decisions. The intertwined relationships between these entities and the board members, especially when such decisions result in monopolistic tendencies, are ethically and legally concerning.
When we delve deeper, the proposed language changes who can get a license after graduating from a "College of chiropractic approved by the board" to "a chiropractic college accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) or another accrediting body in good standing with the Council on Chiropractic Education International (CCEI)."
Further the language regarding examination is changing from "Examination prescribed by the board" as used in 37-12-304 to "Part I, II, III, and IV, and physiotherapy of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) licensure examination." Not only does this mandate the NBCE exams but it also mandates training in physiotherapy.
Such restricted definitions eliminate competition, limit the diversity in chiropractic education and use rulemaking to change the statutory and legislative intent.
The Questions of Ethics
The matter deepens when considering the affiliations of the board members with the MCA and, by extension, the ACA. The overlapping interests of private corporations in regulatory decisions have raised concerns regarding potential ethical and legal violations. How can organizations so deeply interconnected be expected to make impartial decisions, especially when those decisions result in monopolistic power over a whole profession?
United Voices for Chiropractic Freedom
CLICK HERE for more on that effort
The Importance of Checks and Balances
The very essence of a fair competitive landscape relies on checks and balances. As observed in the case of North Carolina Bd. of Dental Examiners v. FTC, it is essential that regulatory boards, especially those comprising active market players, are held accountable for decisions that restrain trade.
Act Before October 13, 2023
Time is of the essence. October 13, 2023, marks the deadline for comments on these changes. To protect the integrity and future of the chiropractic profession in Montana, it's imperative for those who believe in freedom in chiropractic education and practice to come together and take a stand.
Call to Action
For those in the chiropractic community who yearn for a free and diverse landscape, now is the moment to band together. Legal and regulatory action can put a stop to this looming monopolistic shift. Let's ensure that the future of chiropractic in Montana is one of inclusivity, excellence, and diversity. Stand united against this potential monopoly, raise your voice, and make your comments before the deadline. The future of Montana's chiropractic education is in your hands.
Contact the Montana Board of Chiropractic and let them know that they should not be adding CCE and NBCE Only language and contact the Governor's office and let them know what the chiropractors on the Montana Board are doing in his state.
Email the Board 1: dlibsdchi@mt.gov
Email the Board 2: jbreker@mt.gov
CLICK HERE to Contact the Governor
