A bi-monthly report submitted by the national associations to keep you up-to-date on the latest activities affecting national laws and legislation American Chiropractic Association (ACA) Chiropractic Profession Converges on Capitol Hundreds of doctors of chiropractic from around the country converged upon Washington, DC, March 6-9. to lobby Congress for Medicare reform, the passage of patient protection legislation and insurance equality, during the ACA's annual National Chiropractic Legislative Conference (NCLC). NCLC was directly followed by a meeting of the ACA House of Delegates (HOD). In addition to their lobbying efforts, the doctors in attendance also celebrated the chiropractic profession's second major political victory in two years—President Bush's January signing of a law that mandates the establishment of a permanent chiropractic benefit within the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) health care system. This landmark victory took place just over one year after President Clinton signed into law historic legislation mandating that chiropractic care be made available to all active duty personnel in the United States armed forces. The ACA-PAC also had a successful year, raising more than S400.000 last year, which put it in a better position to support pro-chiropractic candidates and incumbents in Congress. Several U.S. representatives and senators who attended this year's conference stated that ACA's persistent lobbying, and its strong grassroots and PAC support have clearly earned the association a reputation for getting results on Capitol Hill. Rep. Steve Buyer (R-IN), who was instrumental in convincing the House Veterans Affairs committee that chiropractic should be available to veterans, noted that education was the right approach in convincing Congress that the Department of Defense and VA legislation were necessary. International Chiropractors Association (ICA) ICA was proud to host one of the greatest international chiropractic events ever April 5-7'1' in Rome. Italy, where over 400 doctors of chiropractic from 29 nations gathered at ICA's Second International Symposium on the Philosophy, Science and Art of Chiropractic. This massive gathering was a powerful and exciting event, as DCs from around the globe gathered to study, learn, network and fellowship in the historic and beautiful environment of "The Eternal City." The emphasis of the program was on clinical excellence, philosophical clarity and chiropractic's unique role in health care, elements which resonated through the packed ballroom, decorated with the flags of the nations of those present. For a great visual report from Rome go to:Jiflpj/ /www.thechi ropracticchoice.com/ Rome_S_ymposiuni.htm. ICA also had the honor of supporting the efforts of the Italian Chiropractic Association in pursuing official recognition from their national government. In a historic press conference held in the Italian Parliament on April 4, 2002, the President of the Senate Committee on Health Affairs, Antonio Tomassini. demonstrated his support for the immediate movement within the Italian government for the recognition of the practice of chiropractic. Joined by the President of the Italian Chiropractors Association, Dr. Eddy Pellissier. and Life Chiropractic College West President, Dr. Gerard W. Clum. the Senator related his personal experiences under chiropractic care and acknowledged, in personal terms, the efficacy and cost- effectiveness of chiropractic care. For more information, contact ICA at 1100 North Glebe Road. Suite 1000, Arlington, Virginia 20202. Phone: 703-528-5000, e-mail: chiro(«.chiropracticoig- World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA) WCA Summit Brings Chiropractic to Capitol The halls of Congress resounded with the chiropractic message, as the World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA) held its International Summit in Washington. D.C., Apr. 11-13. Doctors from around the world lobbied legislators, met with U.S. and international government officials, heard presentations by top chiropractic leaders, and mingled with other sublux-ation-bascd practitioners. The Summit kicked off with "Chiropractic at the Capitol" events, including one-on-one meetings with legislators; a chiropractic Round Table with senators, representatives and their staffs: and a special spinal screening event for members of Congress. All events were held in the Rayburn House Office Building—the first time such events were conducted in the capitol building. In the evening, legislators, government health officials and other dignitaries mingled with chiropractors during a gala reception. The following two days were filled with a solid agenda of presentations by many of the profession's most respected and popular speakers, including Drs. Patrick Gentempo, Christopher Kent. Donald Epstein, Veronica Gutierrez. Mathew McCoy. Eric Plasker, C.J. Mertz. David Jackson, and others. In addition, the event highlighted special guest speakers, such as Parker College President Fabrizio Mancini. D.C.. and Barbara Loe Fisher, founder and president of the National Vaccine Information Center. Saturday afternoon featured a formal presentation of the 2001 WCA Awards, given to Dr. Monte Greenawalt ("Humanitarian of the Year"), Dr. Jack Masche ("Chiropractor of the Year"). Dr. Erin Elstcr ("Researcher of the Year"), and Rep. Donald Manzullo ("Outstanding Sen ice Award").
