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VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATION OF INDEPENDENT CHIROPRACTIC EDUCATORS January 16, 2004 VOICE has undertaken a comprehensive examination of the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Board's so-called "PACE" proposal under which the FCLB would assume a dominant role in chiropractic re-licensure and continuing education programs. This study of the "PACE" concept began over a year ago and, in addition to a detailed section by section review of the proposal, the Study Group has conducted surveys of state boards, colleges and state associations to determine the level of understanding of this far-reaching proposal. COCSA has gone on record as being opposed to this attempt of taking over administration of certification and usurping the rights of each state to function under their state regulations. The findings by the group show many points of real concern. Here are some of the key points: The initiative will, at a minimum, add approximately $2 million to the cost of chiropractic postgraduate education annually, all of which will be passed on to the doctor in the field. The current PACE proposal states that each continuing education provider will be charged an initial $1,500 registration fee to apply and be considered for PACE recognition. Additional charges per seminar will also be demanded. The economic price will be especially painful to the chiropractic colleges, each one of which will be obliged to pay out approximately $150,000 annually, on average. This proposal appears to represent a completely unwarranted tax on doctors in practice, not to mention another layer of bureaucratic and financial demands on educators and educational institutions. No evidence can be identified that indicates in any way that the quality of clinical practice or other professional elements will be enhanced through this cumbersome and expensive system. The entrepreneurial aspects of the initiative in the interests of the FCLB should not be obscured or minimized by any body considering this proposal. In this evaluation process, it is vital to consider whether the economic costs to the profession, levied in the form of obligatory added costs for continuing education, to the sole benefit of the FCLB, are in the profession's best interests. The Study Group is particularly concerned over the potential restrictions and limitations to the free exchange of ideas inherent in the proposed approval process. The issue of examinations following seminars is especially problematic for the doctor in the field both because of the cost and because of the lack of any evidence to indicate that such a burden adds anything of substance to the educational experience. The Study Group is also looking carefully at the representations of the FCLB regarding "PACE" and has found a number of major issues of concern. There are elements in the marketing of the "PACE" proposal that have raised genuine alarm and strike at the initiative's overall credibility. At the top of the list of concerns is an assertion by the "PACE" proponents that the criteria for approval of continuing education programs were "developed by the Council on Chiropractic Education" (CCE). We have quite conclusive evidence to indicate this is simply false. The Study Group has been in direct contact with CCE Board members who have indicated a similar findings and concerns. The Study Group could find no basis for the argument that the "PACE" system would in any way enhance chiropractic's political status or positive profile. In recent months a host of broad based organizations have taken a firm stand in opposition to the PACE proposal. Those organizations include the Congress of Chiropractic State Organizations (COCSA), the International Chiropractors Association (ICA), the Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations (FSCO), the World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA), numerous state organizations and dozens of independent educators. Numerous chiropractic colleges have also expressed opposition and all have expressed "concern" over the PACE proposal. VOICE is asking all interested parties, including doctors in the field, state organizations specialty councils, local associations, educational institutions and continuing education providers to make their voices heard in this debate. It is vital that YOU TAKE A NUMBER OF ACTION STEPS TODAY! VOICE urges you to: Develop a formal statement on your position on PACE and share it with your colleagues, including any colleges and membership organizations with which you interact. Also provide VOICE with a copy. Inform the proponents of PACE, primary the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB) of your position and inform them that you have made the DECISION NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN PACE AND THAT YOU ARE URGING ALL OF YOUR COLLEAGUES TO TAKE THE SAME STANCE. Be prepared to join with us in filing formal protests, and even litigation in any situation in which you are informed that you "must" be PACE approved for re-licensure credit by any state board. No state board has legal authority to compel you to do so.   FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Wayne Zemelka 3904 Lillie Ave. Suite #6 Davenport, IA 52806 (563) 386-8585 drwayne@netins.net   Home | About Dr. Zemelka | Thompson Technique | Video Motion X-Ray Seminar Information | Product Information | Editorials Resources | Personal Interests | Zemelka Family Chiropractic Clinic Dr. Wayne Henry Zemelka 3904 Lillie Ave. Suite #6 ~ Davenport, IA 52806 Tel: (563) 386-8585 drwayne@netins.net   © 2002-2007 drzemelka.com • All Rights Reserved