NEWS ACROSS THE PROFESSION

Law for Advanced Practice
Chiropractors Prescribing Rights Fails

A LAW WHICH WAS CLAIMED TO HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO ALLOW CHIRO- PRACTORS THE ABILITY TO FILL THE VOID OF PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS IN THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO FAILED IN THE NEW MEXICO SENATE BY several votes, after having passed the state house. The passion that many D.C.’s demonstrated in a debate that has been just under the surface within various chiropractic circles for decades seems to have come to a head. The “limited formulary” which chiropractors were seeking the right to be able to prescribe, after having passed examinations as well as further training, included such things as muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatories, and other internal and topical substances. Opponents of the bill, many of which originated from within the chiropractic profession, claim that chiropractors have no business prescribing medications, as chiropractic, from its inception, has differentiated itself by being a drugless profession. Supporters of the bill point out that even those that prescribe things such as vitamins, fatty acids, or herbs, may one day fall under the regulatory authority as prescription medications, and that the purpose of the bill is to help with the current shortage of Primary Care Physicians. Additionally, supporters claim that the measure would reduce the use of prscription medication overall.

FDA Acts to Reduce Harm
from Opioid Drugs

Continues on page 60

THE WHITE HOUSE UNVEILED A MULTI-AGENCY PLAN AIMED AT REDUCING THE “EPIDEMIC” OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE IN THE U.S.—INCLUDING AN FDA-BACKED EDUCATION PROGRAM THAT ZEROS-IN ON REDUCING THE MISUSE AND MISPRESCRIBING OF OPIOIDS.

Gil Kerlikowske, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, says the plan—a collaborative effort involving agencies of the departments of Justice, Health and Human Services, Veterans Affairs, Defense, and others—provides a national framework for reducing prescription drug abuse and the diversion of prescription drugs for recreational use.

Key elements of the plan—called Epidemic: Responding to
America’s Prescription Drug Abuse Crisis—include:
expansion of state-based prescription drug monitoring programs
recommending convenient and environmentally responsible

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