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January 23, 2003
UPDATE FROM THE FCLB PRESIDENT
Wayne C. Wolfson, D.C., FCLB President
Dear Colleague:
Happy New Year! I hope this greeting finds you well.
It is once again my honor to report that the FCLB board of directors and staff
gathered in Denver about a week ago for our annual midyear board meeting and
planning session. The board meets in person just twice a year (we conduct the
bulk of our business electronically), so the opportunity and energy from a
face-to-face connection was truly appreciated.
All district directors, officers and staff, as well as our capable attorney,
Dale Atkinson, were present. Additionally, our newest board member, Mr. Kevin
Earle of New Jersey, who has assumed the Board Executive position, contributed a
special perspective which has already enriched our organization. We are truly
blessed by a terrific group who are thoughtful, passionate and enthusiastic,
being cognizant of our mission to protect the public.
Of particular pleasure for me was that each individual was fully engaged,
providing for team conversation and direction for the future of the
organization.
Some of the most interesting and important discussions included the following:
Finances
Finances have been a very high priority for this board. Along with a line item
budget analysis, a thorough discussion of our expenditures and future financial
projections occurred, and I am pleased with our prudent planning and management
of our financial resources. We continue work toward our goal of having an 18
month reserve operational fund in place but clearly this will take years and
ongoing oversight. Our annual audit is planned for February.
Databases
The Board spent considerable time reviewing FCLB computerized databases and
recent upgrades. Both our website and intra-organizational services were
discussed, and a continued highlight is our exceptional CIN-BAD system with its
various databases (including ALLDOCS). Over 30 boards now use the FCLB as their
reporting agent to the HIPDB, which has required ongoing modifications to our
software.
PACE - CE Provider Approval
Significant discussion was devoted to the PACE Continuing Education model.
Recently, I have personally contacted each of our US and Canadian chiropractic
college presidents. Under the capable guidance of FCLB vice president Dr. Rick
Cole (TN), co-chair Dr. Laurel Cowie (NS) and an exceptional team of visionary
team members, the program to approve providers of CE continues to evolve. The
board believes PACE has great potential to positively impact and streamline CE
activities for all stakeholders.
We continue to actively seek comments regarding the current template. No doubt,
with the magnitude of this project, areas which need refinement will be
identified and addressed. It is our goal that this program provide a "win, win,
win, win" for CE's many stakeholders. Naturally, as you have any questions,
please feel free to contact the FCLB offices or committee members directly.
Sexual Misconduct and Regulatory Boards
The board approved a proposal to engage noted authors Drs. Stephen Foreman and
Michael Stahl of California to write a monograph for regulatory boards to help
them deal with cases of sexual misconduct. The publication is targeted for
distribution in the fall of 2003, and will include the latest research on types
of violations and an array of interventions available to boards.
Bylaws Amendments and Committees
The Board also reviewed our bylaws which, as you know, underwent a number of
changes last year based upon suggestions and input from our members. No
significant changes are anticipated this year, but ongoing refinements are
always welcome. Any comments or recommendations can be submitted (deadline
March 3, 2003) to the FCLB office, or to Dr. Ron Tripp (OK), who has
graciously assumed the chair of the Resolutions and Bylaws Committee. Members
will join me in extending appreciation to our immediate past chair, Dr. Hal
Bowen (DE), who is retiring from this committee as his tenure on the Delaware
board comes to a close.
Appointments to the FCLB standing committees were approved in conformity with
our bylaws. Special committee activities and appointments were also discussed,
and will be finalized shortly as additional requests to volunteer are still
being received. A complete list will be posted to our website following board
approval. Once again, I am committed to involving as many individuals as
possible in this process based upon interest, geography, gender and service, and
I thank each of you for your involvement and dedication.
Significant time was also spent reviewing comments and feedback from our midyear
regional meetings held in Albuquerque, Chicago and Asheville. Despite travel
restrictions imposed on several boards, these meetings had excellent attendance
and discussion. The guidance of our members helped the board adopt a formal
policy to better define the role and process for the Nominating Committee,
most notably to add an interview process. Please note that the offices of
President, Vice President and Treasurer (single two year terms for each office)
will be up for election at our annual meeting. The deadline to ask for
consideration by the Nominating Committee is March 3, 2003. Please contact
our offices for more information.
2003 Annual Educational Conference - April 30 - May 4, 2003
Speaking of the upcoming annual meeting and educational conference, we are
actively finalizing the program to be held in Orlando. This will be an historic
gathering as we meet side by side with the World Federation of Chiropractic and
their members from around the globe.
From a personal standpoint, I am particularly excited about this event, as it
takes place in my home town. The educational content is emerging as one of our
most engaging and stimulating programs to date, and the local recreational
opportunities are unsurpassed.
Please plan to book your travel now as spring break puts air and hotel space at
a premium.
With a theme of "A World View of Ethics in Chiropractic Regulation," the 77th
Annual Congress will feature a number of significant presenters, including Janse
Lecturer Dr. Scott Haldeman and premier ethicist Dr. Joseph d'Oronzio.
Nomination forms are also posted on our website for the George Arvidson Award
and the Outstanding Board Award - two terrific opportunities to shine the light
of recognition on either an individual or a board who exemplify excellence in
public protection. Register on-line and get the latest program information at
our website, www.fclb.org,
or call our helpful staff team with any questions.
Future Leaders in Regulation
We're especially excited about initiating the President's Scholarship Fund for
Future Leaders in Regulation. It is my personal pleasure to provide the first
$1,000 scholarship for a current student in chiropractic college to attend the
FCLB's annual conference, and catch the fire of public protection which is at
the heart of regulation.
Additional contributions are welcome to help us build a small endowment to
ensure the ongoing investment in the education of tomorrow's board members.
Council on Chiropractic Education
Your board of directors also spent considerable time reviewing other activities
relevant to regulation and the profession. As you are aware, the Federation has
made some suggestions relative to CCE Standards. As our midyear meeting
concluded Saturday, Drs. Rick Cole (TN-vice president), Ed Weathersby
(AZ-treasurer) and I traveled to Phoenix to attend the CCE Annual Meeting. We
were fortunate to meet with several members of both the Commission on
Accreditation and CCE Board of Directors as the board meeting took place on into
the early morning hours, and again on Sunday.
It is most apparent that the voice of regulation and particularly the Federation
of Chiropractic Licensing Boards, is highly respected and continues to play an
important role in education and accreditation. Additional details regarding that
meeting will be forthcoming. Of significant importance to the Federation was the
endorsement by CCE of the PACE Criteria.
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It has truly been my honor to serve as President of the Federation for the past
18 months. One of the most rewarding aspects has been the opportunity to meet
and become friends with so many dedicated volunteers in the regulatory community
and the profession.
Thank you for allowing me to serve, and as always, in any way that any of us on
your board of directors or staff can be of service, please holler. I look
forward to seeing each of you in Orlando.
Wayne C. Wolfson, D.C.
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Federation
of Chiropractic Licensing Boards
FAX 970.356.3599