TCA President Jorge Garcia recently provided a letter outlining some of the changes that are in the works at the Texas Chiropractic Association. Says Dr. Garcia: "TCA is “stepping up its game” in its service to the chiropractic profession.
A NEW STRUCTURE
This process began early in Dr. Garcia's two-year term as president. "
This summer I introduced an extensive, standing committee structure. The purpose of the committee structure is to foster continuous Doctor involvement, oversight and input in multiple areas of the Association as it affects the practicing DC," Dr. Garcia said.
A NEW ADMINISTRATOR
Most know by now that the Texas Chiropractic Association is in search of a new executive director. Dr. Garcia reports that "
the nationwide search for our new TCA Executive Director is now down to just a few final candidates. The interview and investigation process of these candidates will be thorough, as the position warrants, and will progress quickly."
A NEW OFFICE STAFF
In the process there has been significant change in the office staff of the TCA and now "
when you call the TCA office you can expect prompt and courteous service from Jamie Gigliotti, who currently oversees the day to day function of the office. She is assisted on a part-time basis by Skylar Isdale." In the interim between the changes in leadership various TCA "
past presidents have been asked to help oversee the transition to our new office leadership. We thank these hardworking past-presidents for again offering their services to the profession long after their original tenure."
A NEW TCA
All of this is part of what will become, in Dr. Garcia's words, "
a New TCA that will be bigger, better and offer more services than ever before. We are excited about this new direction and positive impact the New TCA will have for our Members."
A NEW DIRECTION
But, other than new staff and leadership just what IS changing about the Texas Chiropractic Association. Says Dr. Garcia, "
Following TCA’s Annual Convention of June of this year the TCA Executive Officers, Board of Directors, and I, made a commitment to you to move forward with the Chiropractic Development Initiative (CDI). The CDI is a 10 year commitment to positively affect changes in statute, regulation, as well as government and public perception and accomplish five specific actions: 1. Allow patients the full benefit of Chiropractic Care based on the Doctor’s level of education, training and experience, without discrimination.
2. Expand patient access to Chiropractic Care whenever the patient chooses, without discrimination.
3. Ensure Chiropractic Doctors’ rights to get paid from all payment systems without discrimination.
4. Provide a clear understanding of all regulations and guidelines so that Chiropractic Doctors can practice without fear.
5. Foster community and governmental respect for Chiropractic Doctors that is consistent with other healthcare providers."
WORKING WITH REGULATORY AGENCIES
Much of this new direction involves working with the regulatory agencies that affect the profession. Dr. Garcia notes that "
in recent months the TCA has worked cooperatively with the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners to establish rules that won’t limit your ability to treat patients based on the current nationally accepted standards in the profession." The TCA has worked diligently to call the attention of the profession to these changes and has worked closely with the regulatory agency to develop suitable rules. Says Dr. Garcia "
If not for the TCA you might not know about the proposed rules changes, let alone had any way to change them on your own."
WORKING WITH LITIGATION--A STRONG DEFENSE
Within the profession most are aware of the strong defensive position that TCA has taken in defending the profession against the litigative actions of the Texas Medical Association. Our efforts are reported nationwide and "
TCA also hired one of the strongest appellate law firms in the nation to argue the appeal of the TMA lawsuit. Imagine if your rights to diagnose your patients were not protected," says Dr. Garcia. A strong defense of the profession is of benefit to
all in the profession. Defense of the profession is everyone's concern and is a part of the direction of the new TCA.
WORKING WITH LEGISLATION
As always working in the legislative process will be a significant part of the new TCA's work and the new TCA is already gearing up and planning for upcoming legislative processes in the coming year(s).
WORKING WITH COMMUNICATION
Communicating with the profession is one of the charges of our association. Dr. Garcia points out that "
over the past several months the TCA has been increasing the amount of relevant news, communication and feedback to its members. It has been reaching out to all Texas Chiropractors on a monthly basis in order to give Texas DC’s the information they need ...." In the coming "new TCA" this will continue to be a significant portion of the association's efforts.
ARE YOU A PART?
Dr. Garcia, in his letter to the membership, points out that the "
TCA is you and me, pulling together as a team. As a team member, you have my commitment." The TCA is not some nebulous group of individuals in a distant realm, it is the chiropractors in your neighborhood, your town, your city, your county. In coming years we hope that almost all chiropractors will choose to become a part of the Texas Chiropractic Association.
VOLUNTEERS WORKING TOGETHER
And lest you think that the Texas Chiropractic Association is a large army of paid employees Dr. Garcia points out that "
I think it’s important to remember that all of TCA’s leadership positions are voluntary. The Executive Officers, Board of Directors and Committee members are full-time practicing Chiropractors serving their fellow DCs, largely at their own expense." When volunteers come together to protect, defend, and advance something that they are passionate about the level of achievement may be astounding.
SUCCESS OF ALL
Dr. Garcia names the objective and the needs of the association: "
As a team, we are committed to the success of this profession for many years to come. Our long-term success hinges on this commitment. The bottom line is this…as a Texas Chiropractor, we need your talent, input, and contributions on our team."
YOU CAN HELP
The easiest way is to become an active part of the professional trade association, especially now while it is working to construct itself to best fit the needs of the profession. Your input should be a vital part of that construction
CLICK HERE to join the TCA membership as a member or affiliate member.
You may also help, Dr. Garcia notes, by choosing to "
donate generously and encourage others to also donate to the Defense Fund: The Chiropractic Defense Fund was established specifically to pay for legal expenses, lobbying efforts, and public relations of protecting and advancing the profession."
These are some of "What's new" at the TCA ...
