Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation Releases Proposal for Dramatic Changes in CCE

Reformation of the Chiropractic Educational System Based on Curricular Freedom 

According to the Foundation, their proposal is not made without significant and serious review of the history of accreditation, the political landscape within chiropractic and a thorough analysis of the various possible scenarios in regards to reform. The FVS proposal also embraces a restructuring of the current delivery and pedagogical models utilized in the chiropractic educational system. 

The proposal follows a thorough review of the literature on the accreditation wars and related legal matters within chiropractic and includes an analysis of several possible scenarios and how they might play out.  

The FVS calls for reform beginning with substantial structural and personnel changes to be made within the CCE in order to create two autonomous accreditation Councils. In an effort to break the historical feud between the conservative and liberal factions of the profession the FVS outlines a model that will enable curricular freedom for those who desire primary care status and those who wish to provide a conservative, traditional chiropractic education.

The proposal calls for the restructuring of the CCE to offer accreditation of two programs leading to chiropractic degrees that could be offered by institutions. One program, focused on vertebral subluxation, would lead to the already existing Doctor of Chiropractic and the other would lead to an as yet unnamed degree. 

The FVS stressed that this proposal involves parallel tracks and does not include the concept of tiering or a hierarchy in any way as it is detrimental to both factions. More so, it suggests that the subluxation centered chiropractor is inferior.  Under no circumstances would this proposal move forward under such concepts.

In related developments the International Chiropractors Association has released the document: An Initial Report of the International Chiropractors Association's Ad Hoc Committee on the Standards, Policies, By-Laws and Practices of the Council on Chiropractic Education. According to an ICA statement the ICA's concerns with CCE, and those of a wide and growing segment of the chiropractic profession, are articulated and possible means for resolution are presented. 

According to a statement from the FVS the ICA’s proposal does not go nearly far enough to address the decades old accreditation wars within chiropractic:

“We need profound reforms and that they must be far-reaching reforms that fully embrace the historic and significant nature of the concern and controversy surrounding our profession’s educational system.” Stated Dr. Christopher Kent, President of the Foundation in a letter to ICA President Dr. Gary Walsemann.