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Lawmakers Reject Mandatory Chiropractic Screenings for Kids
Nobody wants kids to get scoliosis, but an Illinois House committee has decided requiring them to see the chiropractor is not the answer.

State Rep. Bill Black (R-Danville) brought St. Joseph chiropractor Troy Branson to the Capitol to testify for a bill that would require screenings. But lawmakers decided there are enough mandates on school districts already, and that kids who see a pediatrician or other doctor should be covered.

Branson says scoliosis, which can lead to fusion of the spine, is too serious to ignore, and that school physicals -- for example, for ninth grade -- might be too late for maturing kids.

Activist Rob Sherman, testifying against the bill, called it "a welfare program for chiropractors." Black was taken aback, telling Sherman, "I hope I never cross paths with you again in a committee hearing where you use that kind of language" without talking to a legislator beforehand. Afterward, Sherman said the bill's failure shows most lawmakers agree with him.

H.B. 640 failed in the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee, with 14 no votes, one yes, and four present.

(Illinois Radio Network)
02 19 09 by Newsroom
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