NCLC 2014 to Offer Unrivaled ICD-10 Training; Tribute to Sen. Tom Harkin Planned Chiropractic physicians and students from around the country will come to Washington. D.C. this month to provide the 113th Congress with the chiropractic profession's perspective on the important health care issues facing the nation. This crucial advocacy work and one-on-one time with legislators will take place Feb. 26—March 2. as part of the 2014 National Chiropractic Legislative Conference (NCLC 2014). hosted by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). The theme of this year's conference. "Moving Chiropractic Forward." will focus on how doctors of chiropractic (DCs) can take advantage of the momentum generated by the changing health care landscape to set the future of the chiropractic profession in a positive direction. Participants will have access to legislative briefings, advocacy opportunities, leadership development sessions and continuing educational programming. NCLC 2014 is the profession's chance to weigh in on. among other issues, the ongoing implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). further expansion of chiropractic services in the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). federal student loan relief for chiropractic students and getting DCs commissioned in the U.S. Public Health Sen ice (USPHS) Commissioned Corps—all while participating in unparalleled continuing education and networking opportunities. "We must be strategic during this time of transition, so I urge every chiropractic ally to come to NCLC 2014 to advance the profession and to ensure access to our care for patients." said AC A President Keith Overland. DC. "The rules of the new health care playing field arc still being written, making face time with legislators vital to our cause." At press time. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) is scheduled to give the keynote speech at NCLC 2014 and Rep. Con Gardner (R-Colo.) has also agreed to address the gathering. Sen. Moran is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Banking. Housing and Urban Affairs Committee: additionally, as a member of the Veterans" Affairs Committee, he shares the chiropractic profession's commitment to improving the health and quality of life of our nation's veterans. Sen. Moran is an original cosponsorof S. 422. the Chiropractic Care to All Veterans Act. legislation that would further integrate the essential sen ices provided by doctors of chiropractic in the VA health deliver}" system. ACA Celebrates Sen. Harkin ACA is proud to be holding a special "Green-Tic Gala" event for Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa). who is retiring from Congress after 30 years in the U.S. Senate. A longtime champion of chiropractic, who is known on Capitol Hill for his penchant for green tics. Sen. Harkin has advocated for the advancement and inclusion of the chiropractic profession in federal programs and health care reform. The gala will feature a performance by the renowned Washington comedy group. The Capitol Steps, and will take place on Thursday, Feb. 27 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Key Issues for Chiropractic on the Hill Full implementation of PPACA is underway. NCLC attendees will be talking with legislators about how the sen ices provided by doctors of chiropractic are cost effective, beneficial and about how DCs can help fill the primary care workforce gap. Mam lawmakers arc still unaware of how well the chiropractic health care model fits the goals of the health care reform law with its heavy focus on providing essential sen ices and promoting healthy lifestyles for the prevention of disease and injury. Doctors and lawmakers will also talk about pending legislation regarding issues such as: Expanding access to the sen ices provided by doctors of chiropractic for members of the military and military veterans: and to U.S. military retirees, dependents and survivors as part of TRICARE. the DoD health care deliver)' system. • Including DCs in the U.S. Public Health Sen ice (USPHS) Commissioned Corps—a team of health professionals that promote public health and provide disease prevention programs and health care services across the country. Providing opportunities for DCs to work in exchange for student loan relief while ensuring that medically undcrserved communities across America have access to a wide array of health care sen ices and an expanded range of providers. "Pro-chiropractic legislation has been introduced in Congress, but the next step in turning these bills into the law of the land is generating support for the legislation among members of Congress." said John Falardcau. ACA"s senior vice president of government relations. "The best way to do that is to come to Washington for NCLC and tell your lawmakers in person why these issues matter to you and your patients." Chiropractic Summit to Meet During NCLC The Chiropractic Summit—an initiative to unite the profession that includes more than 40 organizations, including AC A. the Association of Chiropractic Colleges, the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations and the Intcniational Chiropractors Association—will meet in conjunction with NCLC. The Summit is a key sponsor of the NCLC 2014 events that will take place on Thursday. Feb. 27. Experience Unrivaled ICD-10 Training, Earn CEUs and Network ACA will launch a new and comprehensive training program at NCLC 2014. "Countdown to ICD-10: Tackle the ICD-10 Challenge" will take place on Saturday. March 1. 2014 and feature an intensive, "roll-up-your-slccvcs" full-day workshop that is designed for the chiropractic professions specific needs and provides participants detailed guidance in transitioning to the new code set. The program is part of AC As larger educational initiative. "Countdown to ICD-10." which features a dedicated webpage with turn-key information and links to specially developed resources for DCs and CAs. In addition to earning continuing education units (CEUs) in many states, highlights to look forward to during AC A"s annual Education Symposium include a deep line-up of experts such as Ted Carrick. DC. Ph.D.: Leonard Ershow. DC. DACBSP: Mitch Mally, DC and R. Keith McCormick. DC, CCSP—leaders in the fields of chiropractic neurology, sports, adjustment and nutrition, respectively. As always, opportunities to network with colleagues—and elected officials—will be abundant during NCLC. Aside from the Green Tic gala. ACA will host an unveiling of its newly renovated national headquarters, and the annual congressional reception will once again enable DCs and students to nib shoulders with one another as well as the numerous members of Congress who are expected to attend. Prior congressional reception attendees include Sen. Richard Blumcnthal (D-Conn.). Rep. Howard Coble (R-N.C). Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) and Former House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif). The time to truly affect change in the nation's evolving health delivery system is upon us. Congressional representatives need to hear directly from DCs in their districts and states. By coming to NCLC 2014. telling the profession's story and demonstrating a dedication to patient care by participating in unprecedented educational opportunities, chiropractic allies from all comers of the profession can show Congress that the chiropractic profession is prepared to play a significant and continuing role in improving the health of Americans. For more information on NCLC. and to register, visit www.acatoday.org/NCLC. Melissa Lee is the American Chiropractic Association s public and media relations manager. She has spent her entire career working with media on behalf of professional associations. Melissa promotes chiropractic services to patients in need by coordinating media interviews with chiropractic spokespeople—providing a voice for the profession in consumer media.
