Washington State has recently taken a bold step towards simplifying the licensure process for chiropractors. By adopting a new policy that allows chiropractors from various jurisdictions to apply for licensure via endorsement, Washington joins a growing list of states, such as Arizona and Florida, that are embracing licensure reform. This policy, effective from July 11, 2024, acknowledges the qualifications of chiropractors licensed in several U.S. states and territories and Canadian provinces as "substantially equivalent" to those in Washington State.

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This shift towards licensure by endorsement represents more than just administrative convenience; it signals a significant challenge to the longstanding control exerted by what many call the "Chiropractic Cartel" which controls chiropractic education and licensure by naming these private corporations in statutory language, rules and regulations. 

A Growing Trend: Arizona, Florida, and Beyond

Washington State's new policy is part of a broader trend across the United States. Arizona and Florida have also implemented similar policies, making it easier for chiropractors to move and practice across state lines without the burdensome process of meeting redundant or inconsistent licensing requirements. This growing movement among states to recognize each other’s chiropractic licenses is a positive development for chiropractors and their patients.

Is the Cartel's Grip on the Profession Waning?

As more states adopt licensure by endorsement, the Chiropractic Cartel will find it increasingly difficult to maintain its monopolistic grip on the profession. Historically, the CCE, NBCE, and FCLB have tightly controlled chiropractic education, examination, and licensure standards, often using exclusionary language that restricts the recognition of qualifications that do not align with their specific criteria. This monopoly effectively limits the ability of state boards to implement licensure by endorsement, forcing them to adhere to varying and often conflicting standards set forth by the Cartel.

The recent decision by the NBCE to centralize Part IV testing serves as a good example of how the chiropractic educational cartel is desperately trying to retain their grip on professional licensing. The NBCE's land grab comes at a time when medical doctors (MDs) and osteopathic doctors (DOs) have moved away from their own versions of Part IV exams, signaling a shift in how these professions assess competency and leaving that up to the schools. As has been previously reported the NBCE has not been able to provide outcomes data to support its publicly made claims.

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In contrast, the NBCE’s move appears to be a calculated power grab aimed at undermining the growing trend of licensure by endorsement. By centralizing Part IV testing, the NBCE is attempting to tighten its grip on the chiropractic profession, maintaining its control over licensure standards and ensuring a steady flow of student loan money into its coffers. This desperate maneuver not only hinders the progress of fairer and more inclusive licensing practices but also exposes the NBCE’s primary interest in preserving its monopoly rather than advancing the chiropractic profession.

However, with states like Washington breaking free from these constraints, there is a clear trend towards recognizing diverse qualifications and reducing unnecessary barriers to practice. This movement is significant because it undermines the Cartel’s ability to dictate the terms of licensure and maintain its control over the profession.

The Need for More Voices

The inconsistency in language and standards across states, largely due to the monopolistic practices of the CCE and NBCE with the FCLB right there with them, hinders the implementation of more widespread licensure by endorsement. This fact should encourage chiropractors to speak out against the Cartel and advocate for fairer, more inclusive licensing practices.

As chiropractors, it is crucial to recognize the power of our collective voice. By supporting states in adopting licensure by endorsement and challenging the outdated and exclusionary practices of the Cartel, we can foster a more open and equitable profession. The winds of change are blowing, and it’s time for all of us to stand up and be heard.

Conclusion

Washington State’s decision to implement licensure by endorsement is a commendable step towards reducing barriers for chiropractors and ensuring patients have greater access to care. As more states follow this path, the Chiropractic Cartel’s control over the profession diminishes, paving the way for a future where licensing is fairer, more consistent, and more accessible for all. It's time for chiropractors everywhere to advocate for these changes and take a stand against monopolistic practices that do not serve the profession or its patients.