CCE Holds Public Meeting - Anti- Subluxation Activist Elected as Chairman

The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) held an Annual Business Meeting that was open to the public on Friday, January 13, 2012, as part of a 4-day meeting in Scottsdale, AZ. The remainder of the CCE’s meeting was closed to the public and members of the profession. Despite the billing of the meeting as “open”, Dr. David Wickes, outgoing Chair of the CCE, denied a request that the meeting be open for participation by those attending as representatives of the profession. Therefore, the CCE did not allow any comments or questions from various individuals and organizations that comprise its stakeholders. Attendees were surprised at this response considering the United States Department of Education’s recent admonition to the CCE in regards to demonstrating widespread acceptance of their policies and processes.Representatives of the chiropractic profession allowed to observe the meeting included:

• Dr. Christie Kwon – Executive Director of the Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation
• Dr. Peter Kevorkian – Vice President of the International Federation of Chiropractors and Organizations (IFCO)
• Dr. Steve Tullius – Co-Founder of the Movement for Chiropractic Quality and Integrity (MCQI)

Other attendees representing chiropractic colleges, the International Chiropractors Association (ICA), Georgia Chiropractic Council (GCC) and the Association of Chiropractic Colleges (ACC) were also present.

The CCE Councilors addressed the December 2011 US Department of Education National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) hearing including the 42 noted areas of deficiency, which they were told exceeded the norm for re-accreditation violations. Chairman Wickes referred to the quantity of citations as “an embarrassing number.” The CCE expects an official letter from NACIQI approximately 90 days from the hearing date and they expect to be granted a maximum of 12 months from the date of this document to address the identified deficiencies. The Council predicts a deadline of March 2013 to complete a compliance report to NACIQI’s committee liaison.

The CCE Council discussed step by step proposals and committee decisions relative to substantive changes amongst the 42 deficiencies highlighted by NACIQI. Notably, a proposed revision to CCE By-Laws was introduced which states that the CCE reserves the right to claim jurisdiction in Arizona District Court in the case of any legal action against the organization. Task force initiatives for 2012 will include addressing international Doctor of Chiropractic Programs as well as evaluation of the outcomes of CCE’s self-study on effectiveness. Implementation of the 2012 Standards is underway, although evidence of its application is yet to be determined.

Elections were held during the public session for all chair positions. In perhaps the most controversial action taken during the meeting, Craig Little DC, DABCO, a member of the affirmed anti-subluxation West Hartford Group, ran unopposed for the position of Council Chairman. Dr. Little previously served as Council Development Committee Chair. He is replaced by Sharon Ufberg DC. Other new chairpersons include Joseph Pfeifer as Finance Committee Chair, Robert “Bucky” Percuoco as Site Team Academy Committee Chair, Larry Gerstein as Bylaws, Standards & Policies Committee Chair and Kathleen Galligan as Councilor-at-Large. Three of the six chairpersons previously served terms on other committees. At least one has served as a Councilor for 9 years, and may be seated for as many as 12 years by the end of current term eligibility.

Dr. Guy Riekeman, Life University President and CCE Councilor, questioned his fellow Councilors on what the CCE plans to do to address the so-called “43rd violation” – 602.13, dealing with the wide acceptance of its standards, policies, procedures, and decisions, and referring to the mass distrust and discontent of the Chiropractic “Cartel.” An answer to his question was initially diverted with an explanation of the appeals process. However, Dr. Wickes then noted that CCE would address the white elephant of demonstrating greater acceptance from stakeholders. The CCE was mandated by the NAICQI to address the violation of 602.13 as a condition for renewal of recognition. It is asserted by several organized groups within the chiropractic profession that the CCE purposely ignores the conservative faction of the profession and that it is systematically using its monopoly on accreditation to reshape the chiropractic profession into the practice of medicine.

Riekeman also made a motion for the creation of a search committee chaired by Barbara Byrne DC to identify candidates for the position of CCE President/Executive Director. The position of CCE President is vacant as a result of the resignation of Dr. Lee Van Dusen following the USDOE Hearing. Following some discussion regarding membership on the search committee it was agreed it would be comprised of “affected stakeholders”.

Prior to the CCE meeting, the Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation (FVS), the International Federation of Chiropractors and Organizations (IFCO) and the Movement for Chiropractic Quality & Integrity (MCQI), collectively known as the “Coalition” reached out to the CCE offering to assist them in addressing the recent deficiencies noted by the United States Department of Education. Dr. David Wickes responded that he would pass the offer on to the Council. Reports also indicate that the International Chiropractors Association also reached out and were told that the CCE’s agenda was full.

The Coalition had contacted CCE in hopes of working together toward demonstrating compliance with 602.13 and developing a best solution for the future of the profession. So far, the CCE does not seem interested and its latest action of electing an anti-subluxation protagonist as the Chair of the Council does little to instill confidence in this disenfranchised faction of the profession.