Legislative Updates
Legislative Update: Governor Signs Budget Bill Creating All-Chiropractic Workers Comp Board Practice Committee!
The New York Chiropractic Council is pleased to announce that Governor Cuomo has signed into law a state budget that provides for the establishment of an all-chiropractic Chiropractic Practice Committee at the NYS Workers' Compensation Board (WCB). Previoulsy, the Practice Committee had consisted of one medical doctor and two Doctors of Chiropractic. The creation of an all-chiropractic Practice Committee is a significant accomplishment and was the result of the Council's direct request to WCB that the Practice Committee consist only of Doctors of Chiropractic. The Chiropractic Practice Committee investigates and makes findings with respect to all charges as to professional misconduct of any licensed Doctor of Chiropractic in New York, and can also serve as an important, informal policy making body within the Workers' Compensation system.
Workers' Compensation practice is extremely important to many Doctors of Chiropractic and therefore it was extremely important to the Council that the Chiropractic Practice Committee be comprised only of Chiropractors, who are clearly in the best position to make such important decisions regarding their colleagues," noted Dr. Robert M. Browne, President of the New York Chiropractic Council. "We have been lobbying the state for the creation of an all-chiropractic Practice Committee, and finally our efforts have succeeded. I couldn't be happier and I would like to thank Governor Cuomo, the State Legislature and the Workers' Compensation Board for this important and sensible change."
Council lobbyist Perry Ochacher of State & Broadway had been carefully monitoring the state budget process on behalf of the chiropractic profession and lobbying for a final budget bill that created an all-chiropractic Practice Committee at the Workers' Compensation Board." It made practical sense, and the profession clearly deserved such treatment and respect," said Ochacher.
Information regarding this year's Lobby Day will be posted shortly.