The Battle for Chiropractic Rights in British Columbia with Dr. Richard Cockwill

2025-04-29

Episode Summary: In this impactful episode, Bharon Hoag, Executive Director of OneChiropractic and the Chiropractic Defense Council, delves into the pressing issue facing chiropractors in British Columbia with Dr. Richard Cockwill. The discussion highlights the challenging legal and regulatory battle over the right for chiropractors to conduct routine and repeat X-rays, a practice integral to certain chiropractic techniques and patient safety. About Dr. Richard Cockwill: Richard Cockwill DC

Episode Summary: In this impactful episode, Bharon Hoag, Executive Director of OneChiropractic and the Chiropractic Defense Council, delves into the pressing issue facing chiropractors in British Columbia with Dr. Richard Cockwill. The discussion highlights the challenging legal and regulatory battle over the right for chiropractors to conduct routine and repeat X-rays, a practice integral to certain chiropractic techniques and patient safety.

About Dr. Richard Cockwill:

Richard Cockwill DC

1985 graduate of CMCC

Upper Cervical chiropractor for 40 years

Prior member and board member of the National Upper Cervical Chiropractors Association (NUCCA)

Prior board member and president of the Academy of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Organizations (AUCCO)

One of the founding members of the ICA Council on upper cervical care

Private practice on Vancouver Island British Columbia

Key Points:

Current Issue: The episode centers on a controversial policy enforced by the College of Chiropractic of British Columbia, which restricts chiropractors' ability to perform routine and repeat X-rays. This policy, according to Bharon and Dr. Cockwill, undermines the clinical judgment and informed consent rights of practitioners and patients.
Background Context: Dr. Cockwill details the historical context of the policy, including opposition from numerous chiropractic stakeholders and the use of questionable studies to justify the policy's creation.
Dr. Cockwell's Experience: Dr. Cockwill shares his personal experience of being the first chiropractor targeted under the new policy, facing potential fines, license suspension, and disciplinary actions despite the absence of patient complaints.
Regulatory Challenges: The episode sheds light on how regulatory bodies have ignored substantial evidence against the policy and blocked efforts to challenge it through changes in bylaws and preventing elections.
Wider Implications: Bharon emphasizes the importance of this fight not just for British Columbia but for the global chiropractic community, as similar policies could spread to other regions, affecting the profession's ability to provide optimal patient care.
Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to recognize the ongoing struggle and its significance. Bharon and Dr. Cockwill call for unity and support within the chiropractic community to ensure that practitioners' rights are upheld and patients receive the best care possible.

Quotes:

"This is the hill that I can die on because what they're doing is just ridiculous." – Dr. Richard Cockwill
"We will win this. You will be able to come back into practice and do what is best for you and your patients." – Bharon Hoag

Conclusion: This episode is a crucial call to action for chiropractors and supporters of the profession worldwide. It highlights the importance of defending chiropractic rights against misguided regulatory changes and ensuring safe, patient-centered care remains available to all.

Tune in Next Time: Stay informed and be part of the ongoing narrative of chiropractic advocacy by tuning into our next episode.

Get In Touch: