I am opposed to both portions of the proposed changes.

The recent changes to the number of CE hours required (along with other changes) were made in an effort to reduce the barriers to licensure, and requiring in-person CEs would significantly increase the barriers for many, particularly in our profession. It is well known that we are not in hospitals but often in very small practices without the ability to take time off to attend conferences, etc. Not to mention, we make FAR less money than the medical doctors Joe Foley was comparing us to, we make a fraction of what they make and adding additional financial liability to us, just so we can remain in practice is creating a barrier which may push some out of practicing altogether. 

Online hours also allows us to learn from individuals on the other side of the country, it is moving us forward as a profession (and a state), and may help keep people practicing longer which is something we should support and encourage.

As far as the argument of "we are a hands-on profession," so is nearly every other medical profession, meeting in a conference room and watching and listening to someone isn't significantly difference than watching it online. If someone prefers in-person hours, they are welcome to do that, but everyone should have the choice, we should be reducing barriers to encourage people to continue practicing and even come to VA to practice.

Several mentions were made in the UVCA email about practitioners practicing "in isolation." Many are connected with various colleagues even around the world, because of the internet and the ability to take courses, create groups, and meet online. Many of us are far from isolated, but instead are extremely connected with colleagues around the world, something that being forced to meet in-person, would take away. Comparing 2025 to the 1980's is ... just not reasonable (many practicing now weren't even alive in the 80's!). There are many ways to connect with people that do not involve forcing people into a room, going through motions just to keep their license. This isn't how we move a profession forward. It is also important to remember that many of us have specialized in various ways and in-person would not be possible unless we traveled the entire country. It's also important to remember that because of COVID, many conferences offering CEs have moved to being only online.

In reference to the word "clinical," in the email from UVCA, Joe states, "There are many important topics for the doctor of chiropractic to keep updated on that are not clinical in nature, such as HIPAA, No Surprises Act, Ethics and Boundaries, Human Trafficking etc."

First and foremost, appears as though there may be a misunderstanding as to what the word "clinical" means in "1. Type 1 hours in chiropractic shall be clinical hours that are approved by a college or university accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education or any other organization approved by the board."

I had always assumed that Type 1 hours were ones that were approved by a college or university accredited by the CCE or any other organization approved by the board (just like it states). I reached out to the board for clarification and received this information ...

"“Clinical” might be best understood as those processes and procedures relative to the care of patients. 

The Board’s law addresses the scope of practice, failing to meet the standard of care, substance abuse, fraud, aiding and abetting unlicensed practice, ethics, dangerous practice, deceit, harm, surprise billing, and more.  The Board’s regulations address treating self & family, patients records, confidentiality, practitioner-patient communication, practitioner responsibility, advertising ethics, sexual contact, and refusal to provide information to the Board.

It would be reasonable to find continuing education activities on a number of these topics provided by sponsoring organizations."

So, you are welcome to go to one of these many places, many offer courses for CE credit in the exact subjects that Joe mentioned and, from what the board response states, they will count toward your Type 1 hours. This isn't something that needs to be changed, just perhaps a better understanding is needed. 

I do think, unfortunately, our field DOES need the word "Clinical" in the requirement. It is important we are taking CE hours that are designed to help us as we care for patients and we haven't yet proven, as a field, that we would be taking appropriate hours as medical professionals. I think if that word was taken out, we would have some taking courses on green books and the like, and counting it as their CE hours which I don't think is appropriate for a medical professional. I think it's fine if someone does it on their own, but not for CE hours.

I strongly oppose both changes, let's move forward and not backward.