Texas chiropractic board to review proposed NBCE–FCLB merger after public concerns

The Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners on Feb. 6 said it will closely monitor a proposed organizational combination between the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) and the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB) and hold a special-purpose meeting before any delegate vote.

Scott Kelly, who identified himself as representing the Chiropractic Society of Texas, urged the board during public comment to seek an opinion from the Texas attorney general and to either vote no or abstain on any merger-related vote. "My concerns is with this consolidation of power — taking two boards now into one — fewer people control the direction of our profession," Kelly said.

Board President Mark Bronson told attendees the board is "watching it very, very closely" and that the NBCE and FCLB working group has not yet released bylaws. Bronson said if the plan proceeds the organizations would present it to their boards in the first quarter and to member regulatory boards and delegates at an annual meeting expected in April or May. He added the TBCE will convene a special meeting for board discussion and public comment when bylaws are available.

Executive Director Dr. Bush confirmed staff will gather information and said the board is prepared to meet on short notice to give members and stakeholders a chance to review bylaws before any vote by a delegate representing Texas.

The board appointed Bronson as the TBCE voting delegate to represent Texas at related organizational meetings, with Dr. Scott Wofford as alternate. That appointment was made by motion and approved by the board earlier in the meeting.

No formal legal opinion was requested on the record at the meeting; board members and public commenters suggested the attorney general review might be appropriate given questions raised about whether participation or funding could create a conflict under Texas Occupational Code provisions cited by commenters.