FCLB 78th Annual Congress May 5-9, 2004 Proposed roles for the FCLB relative to Ethics within the chiropractic profession: A summary report FCLB Ethics Task Force

Kirk J. Shilts, D.C., Chair Patricia Connors-Allen, D.C. Marc Gamerman, D.C. Mary A. Holyoke, D.C. Gene Jenkins, D.C. Mary-Ellen Rada, D.C.

Objectives outline primary ethics-based concerns view through regulatory environment develop an achievable action plan target appropriate external groups develop internal programs

Primary ethics-based Concerns  Sexual impropriety, transgressions & violations: SEX Professional boundary issues: (dual relationships) POWER  Health care fraud MONEY  Addictive disorders: (chemical) DRUGS

Regulatory Environment *Society (the public) sets the bar for acceptable ethical behaviors *Ethical-based transgressions are often precursors for new rules & regulations *FCLB interfaces with all groups within the profession, doctors & public *FCLB (boards) enforce acceptable behaviors & good moral character

Action Plan :  Define acceptable standards  Improve educational knowledge  Conduct testable assessments  Instill better public safety  Utilize ‘positive’ corrective interventions  Promote professional leadership

 Define acceptable standards: CCE CCE Standards for doctor of chiropractic programs (6 new 2004 components relative to the doctor- patient relationship)

 Improve educational knowledge: ACC Promote uniform ethics instruction within our chiropractic colleges Colleges Assist colleges with ethics curricula development Colleges Develop mentorship programs with experienced FCLB ‘field doctors’

 Improve educational knowledge: Boards Conduct mandatory orientation programs for all new licensees (27% of Boards currently have this requirement)

 Conduct testable assessments NBCE Potential ethics component to part-4 exam (establish baseline) NBCE Standardize current Ethics exam for violators Boards Administer a combined Ethics & Jurisprudence state licensing examination

 Instill better public safety Boards Utilize more professional assessment/treatment services with sexual-related violators & those with addictive disorders

 Positive corrective interventions Boards Require fraud violators to obtain a compliance auditor and submit a compliance plan Boards Require professional boundary violators complete self-assessment CE programs (online courses with WSCC,UBCC )

 Promote professional leadership Boards Develop and conduct ethics- based CE interactive seminars through local state associations FCLB Updating our own Model Code of Ethics to reflect the highest quality and level of commitment

for more information: Donna Liewer, Executive Director FCLB Dr. Kirk J. Shilts, Massachusetts Board of Registration of Chiropractors