Chiropractic Organizations Challenge NBCE on Exam Policy Changes and Lack of Transparency

Friday, May 17, 2024 - 14:36

Changes Undermine Autonomy of Chiropractic Schools & Consolidate Control

A coalition of chiropractic organizations has come together to express significant concerns regarding recent changes announced by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE). The changes, which include centralizing Part IV exam testing in Greeley, Colorado, have been criticized for consolidating control, increasing the financial burden on students, and ignoring vital stakeholder feedback.

The group's response stems from the NBCE's claim that the recent alterations to its exam and policy framework "directly address the key pieces of feedback we heard across all our stakeholder groups." Contrary to these claims, the coalition asserts that the NBCE has selectively ignored input from thousands of stakeholders opposed to the monopolistic structure benefiting financially from unnecessary examinations.

CLICK HERE to read their letter to the NBCE

On October 24, 2023, several member organizations sought essential data from the NBCE to evaluate the impact of its exams on chiropractic education and practice. The response from the NBCE was significantly delayed and ultimately unhelpful, providing no meaningful data and failing to address requests for information on licensing exam success rates, performance trends, and other critical metrics. This lack of transparency has raised concerns about the NBCE's accountability and its sweeping claims regarding competency, public safety, and excellence in testing.

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The decision to centralize testing not only imposes additional financial costs on students but also undermines the credibility and authority of accredited chiropractic schools. The coalition argues that this move effectively positions the NBCE as the final arbiter of chiropractic education quality, dismissing the competency certifications already granted by educational institutions upon graduation.

The coalition calls for the NBCE to reconsider its approach and to engage in genuine dialogue with all stakeholders. It emphasizes the need for a competitive and transparent marketplace in chiropractic education, licensing, and practice, urging an end to monopolistic practices and the use of students' debt to fund unnecessary exams and other NBCE endeavors that reinforce their control over chiropractic licensing.

Participating Organizations: