Grand Rapids Attorneys doing Workers Compenstation Law | Hickey Combs PLC

AN ADJUSTMENT TO THE LAW ON ALLOWABLE CHIROPRACTOR SERVICES?

AN ADJUSTMENT TO THE LAW ON ALLOWABLE CHIROPRACTOR SERVICES?

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

On March 29, 2017, Senator Mike Nofs introduced Senate Bill 0282 (SB-0282) in the Michigan State Senate. It eliminates the requirement that chiropractic services provided in workers’ compensation claims be consistent with the statutory definition of chiropractic care, contained in MCL 333.16401.

The relevant definitions in MCL 333.16401 are the following:

(e) "Practice of chiropractic" means that discipline within the healing arts that deals with the human nervous system and the musculoskeletal system and their interrelationship with other body systems. Practice of chiropractic includes the following:

(i) The diagnosis of human conditions and disorders of the human musculoskeletal and nervous systems as they relate to subluxations, misalignments, and joint dysfunctions. These diagnoses shall be for the purpose of detecting and correcting those conditions and disorders or offering advice to seek treatment from other health professionals in order to restore and maintain health.

(ii) The evaluation of conditions or symptoms related to subluxations, misalignments, and joint dysfunction . . ..

However, the amendment to the statute appears to be an effort by the chiropractic lobby to allow chiropractors to provide and bill for services, vitamins, supplements, devices, etc., that do not fall within the statutory definition of chiropractic services.

The consequences of implementation of this change in the law may adversely affect employers and insurers. It may potentially require payment under workers’ compensation for therapies, treatment, etc., which do not have proven effectiveness in treating injuries and other health conditions.

If you would like to stay apprised of the legislative status of this bill, the following is a link to the Michigan Legislature’s Website and this specific bill: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(iqxe01v2fjucr01ypjpp4m2p))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=2017-SB-0282.

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