Falls Church, VA:  September 22, 2025 – President Donald J. Trump was joined by Secretary of Health Kennedy and four leading HHS medical experts – the NIH Director, the CMS Administrator, the FDA Commissioner, and the Acting Assistant Secretary of Health.  The thrust of the extended press conference was that the epidemic increase in autism rates is not due to better diagnostics, nor an expanded definition, but rather is artificially induced. 

Secretary of Health, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced that an all agency approach has been implemented, to gather the data from all sources of known and suspected causal factors in autism, as well as solutions.  The first evidence-based confirmed cause was announced (Acetaminophen) as well as the evidence-based solution (leucovorin) to be officially approved for autism.

President Trump started the press event by sharing that he has been concerned about the causes of autism since first meeting Secretary Kennedy some 20 years ago.  The President reiterated at least three times during the event his own opinions, calling for parents to spread their shots out, to split the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccines back up into single disease shots – citing his understanding this would reduce risks.  He also suggested that the Hepatis B vaccine should be delayed to 12 years of age because there is typically no reason to give an infant a vaccine for a sexually transmitted disease.  He also reiterated that pregnant women should avoid acetaminophen during pregnancy and that infants should also not be given acetaminophen.  President Trump stated that ending the autism epidemic during his administration is as important to him as ending the 7 wars he has helped end.  He recounted knowing several mothers of children who developed autism after their vaccines.  The President was not speaking out against vaccines, he was speaking about giving one vaccine at a time.  For families who heed the suggestion, there will be a delay and cooperation required by CDC to order these shots from the manufacturers who stopped making single antigen vaccines 25 years ago when this was initially suggested.   

Secretary Kennedy promised the American public that the agency was going to do a deep dive into existing data from all available sources and will make public what is known about all the potential causes of autism spectrum disorders. 

The last Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network study conducted through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided that among 8-year-olds in the United States, 1 in 31 are on the Autism Spectrum. Boys are three times more likely to be diagnosed on the spectrum than girls.   A cooperative effort with the Directors of NIH, FDA, and the CMS Administrator has been  evaluating existing data, peer reviewed information, and consultation with experts and parents.  The promise has been radical transparency and an accelerated sharing of information with the public.

Dorothy Fink, MD, Acting Assistant Secretary for Health and a women’s health scholar, noted the evidence is substantial to caution women not to take acetaminophen during pregnancy unless unavoidable, and if absolutely necessary to take as low a dose as possible for as short a duration as feasible.

FDA Commissioner, Dr. Marty Makary announced the agency has initiated the process for a label  change.  Given that evidence in recent years has suggested a correlation between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and subsequent diagnosis of conditions like autism and ADHD. Multiple large-scale cohort studies, including the Nurses’ Health Study II and the Boston Birth Cohort, find this association. Some studies have described that the risk may be most pronounced when acetaminophen is taken chronically throughout pregnancy.  FDA also reminded the public that aspirin and ibuprofen have well-documented adverse impacts on the fetus when taken by women during pregnancy.

NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya, M.D., Ph.D. announced the National Institutes of Health has launched the Autism Data Science Initiative (ADSI), a landmark research effort that will harness large-scale data resources to explore contributors to the causes and rising prevalence of autism spectrum disorder. More than $50 million in awards will support 13 pioneering projects that draw on genomic, epigenomic, metabolomic, proteomic, clinical, behavioral and autism services data. These projects will integrate, aggregate and analyze existing data resources, generate targeted new data and validate findings through independent replication hubs.  He stated, “By bringing together genetics, biology, and environmental exposures, we are opening the door to breakthroughs that will deepen our understanding of autism and improve lives.” 

A key feature of ADSI is the use of exposomics—the comprehensive study of environmental, medical, and lifestyle factors in combination with genetics and biology. Projects will investigate a wide range of influences, including environmental contaminants such as pesticides and air pollutants, maternal nutrition and diet, perinatal complications, psychosocial stress, and immune responses during pregnancy and early development.

Addressing Vertebral Subluxations in Autism Population:  Many families turn to doctors of chiropractic to help pick up the pieces when their child develops autism. ICA firmly believes that our chiropractors – those focused on identifying and eliminating vertebral subluxations are integral partners of the solution to this epidemic of suffering.

ICA Executive Director, Beth Clay, who formerly served as staff-lead on the Congressional investigation that identified the epidemic increase in autism stated, “Autism is a complex multifactorial condition with a spectrum of intensity.  The children on the front end of the epidemic, injured in the late 1980s are now middle-aged adults. It is imperative that the NIH include individuals of all ages and all levels of severity in their studies.  Autism is a chronic health condition that is unique to each individual and requires a comprehensive team effort of health care professionals working together. Regular evaluation for subluxations and chiropractic adjustments should become an integral component of a personalized, whole person, evidence-informed care protocol to be studied in real time for clinical benefit and daily quality of life improvement.”   

Dr. Joe Betz, ICA President stated, “The best available research on the topic has demonstrated an association between environmental factors, including acetaminophen use during pregnancy, and the development of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. It’s time for the American health care system to incorporate natural health care options including chiropractic care as the first approach and avoid the use of dangerous drugs.”

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ICA CEO, Dr Edwin Cordero stated: “I want to be clear—what’s happening in Montana is exactly why Dr. B.J. Palmer founded the ICA and charged us with guarding the Sacred Trust. This fight was a warning shot—and we all know it won’t be the last. But let me assure you, the ICA will always rise to the occasion and stand firm for principled chiropractic, just as we’ve done throughout this entire legislative battle in Montana.”

Background: Chiropractic legislator Greg Oblander first introduced HB 500 and then HB 929 when the Montana Legislative session opened in January for its 90-day session. The process of introducing and seeing it signed into the law by the Governor has many steps; and as we learned in Montana a bill that has been voted down in committee can be resurrected and a bill that is tabled in committee can be ‘blasted’ to the floor.

The ICA was ‘boots on the ground’ in Montana with Board Member, Dr. Hugo Michael Gibson and Assembly Representative Dr. Donald Gibson both attending and testifying at the State Board meeting the House hearing, and the Senate. Additional ICA doctors in Montana also testified.  They were backed up with the ICA home office, most specifically our CEO and Executive Director.  ICA’s CEO, Dr. Edwin Cordero provided testimony via zoom and the ICA submitted extensive written testimony to both the House and Senate. We did significant outreach first in the House and then in the Senate.  While the legislature does not meet again until 2027, ICA will continue our engagement in Montana. 

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There was a slight amendment to the bill that was intended to sway members, but the continued engagement over the last 24 hours brought us victory.

This issue to expand scope in prescribing is popping in other states and we as community must work together protect the profession. Thank you one and all who participating in this activity. Montana is safe for now…

ICA’s Essential Elements Required of Any Medicare Legislation

1. Maintain the current mandate for coverage of the adjustment to correct a subluxation.
2. Preserve Subluxation reference in definition.
3. Remove the restrictive language used to limit reimbursements to the adjustment “only.”
4. Ensure that x-ray imaging and exams are covered services.
5. Maintain economic neutrality by removing barriers to reimbursements for existing covered services only.
6. Establish equitability in reimbursement rates to other physician level providers.
7. Eliminate discrimination that denies patients of chiropractic physicians the ability to privately contract and chiropractors to Opt-out of the Medicare system if they so choose.

ICA legislative experts all agree that  any Medicare legislation should be clear and give CMS specific instruction with deadlines for implementation. History has proven that Congress must provide specific instructions on coverage and deadlines for implementation, or the legislative goals will not be met. When a Medicare  bill is signed into law do you really want to wait 3 to 5 years for CMS to study the matter and publish a proposed rule and then another year or two for that proposed rule to be finalized?  Do you really trust Medicare to get it right on what should and should not be reimbursed?  That is exactly what is likely to happen if 1610/799 become law.

In the 117^th Congress the ICA Endorsed HR 8701 the Chiropractic Act of 2022. With the 118^th Congressional session, we are working to see an improved version of that bill introduced. We believe our approach is one that gets everything accomplished that the Chiropractic community is seeking and does so with surety and a timeline.  We know the bill, if signed into law will immediately benefit the Medicare Beneficiaries who have paid into the program for decades. Our bill will not increase costs, and principled chiropractors across the country who desire to take care of seniors and people with disabilities who rely on Medicare for their healthcare will agree with this approach.   Below is a chart that compares the two bills.  A year into the legislative cycle, we want to update the community.  We are not ‘going negative’ on the legislation we are not endorsing, rather we are informing the chiropractic community and legislators about our position and to offer facts on both legislative approaches so that we can all work toward the common goal of fixing the issues in Medicare fairly and with certainty. 

Compare and Contrast the Two Chiropractic-Medicare Bills

What are the Differences between HR 1610 and the revised Chiropractic Act?

ICA –Standing Firm on our Principles of  Protecting and Promoting Chiropractic.

April 11-14, 2024 | Dallas, Texas

The 2023 ICA Council on Chiropractic Philosophy’s Board of Directors:

President: Dr. Lyle Koca, DC, DPhCs
Secretary/Treasurer: Dr. Jason Louie, DC, DPhCs
At-large Board Member: Dr. Brad Poock, DC, DPhCs
At-large Board Member: Dr. Robert Sinnott, DC, DPhCs
At-large Board Member: Dr. Sean Walker, DC, DPhCs

These esteemed individuals were chosen for their dedication to advancing philosophical thought and their impressive accomplishments in chiropractic. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will undoubtedly enhance the Council’s mission to foster intellectual engagement and chiropractic philosophical understanding in our community.

For more information about the Philosophy Council and its new board members, please visit www.icaphilosophy.org.

About the ICA Council on Chiropractic Philosophy
The International Chiropractors Association’s (ICA’s) council system provides additional professional networking and state-of-the-art practice and patient-focused continuing education for clinical advancement in chiropractic. The council system also provides valuable opportunities and resources to develop and strengthen community leadership roles for its members. The ICA Council on Chiropractic Philosophy is a thriving community of chiropractors, chiropractic students, and organizations dedicated to advancing the philosophy integral to the chiropractic profession.

Key priorities include:

• Advancing patient care through chiropractic philosophy, science, and art.
• Advocating for the unique philosophy and science behind the chiropractic adjustment.
• Supporting chiropractors to administer chiropractic care safely and enhance the profession’s unique status.
• Promoting chiropractic philosophy for public health and the profession’s continued growth.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact ICA Executive Director, Beth Clay, at philosophy@chiropractic.org.

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I have just learned of the passing of our dear friend and mentor, Dr. Chuck Ribley (River). The world has just shifted on its axis. Like my father and many others, Chuck has moved on to the great beyond. My soul and heart want to believe they are laughing their a**** off right now, at themselves and others, but I have a feeling that those that have gone before Chuck have been waiting patiently for him to surrender. My hope is that from the beyond, they are conniving and planning on how they can continue to shift this world greater than they did here on earth.

Dr. Charles Ribley was a product of the DE (Dynamic Essentials) movement under Dr. Sid. I was blessed to witness him, my father, Ian Grassam, Bob Sottile, Wayne King, John Hofmann, Linda Rassel, Dick Santo, Howard Cantel, Joe Stucky, Michael Kale, and so many more. They studied Green Books together, vacationed together, shared successes together and, with others, built Life Chiropractic College together. These brave souls were warriors and Chuck Ribley was their ringleader. He made it his life’s purpose to Give, Love, Serve and Do. He took personal responsibility to ensure Life University stayed on top of the professions’ institutions and kept Dr. Sid’s and other’s dreams alive. He certainly did it his way, but the reality is that he did it and he did it spectacularly.

Many years ago, the summer of 1973, my family traveled with the Ribley family to the Carolina Beaches for an amazing vacation. There were six Ribley kids and six Sigafoose kids. The two sets of parents were in their glory. Paul Bragg had just spoken at DE and everyone became vegetarians! My father and Chuck constantly competed on who could tap in to Innate the best, and the most quickly, to find a gas station, hotel, restaurant, or a parking space. That summer was a time none of us will ever forget. The Ribleys, with Chuck at the helm, have filled our family’s vault of memories with joy, love, and laughter.

I know his wife, Ruth, and children are feeling this deep loss. They are heartbroken beyond measure, but what I have learned in the loss of my parents is their DNA is in us. The Ribley family will soldier on. They will perpetuate the force that Chuck so powerfully shared. He will never be fully gone because his legacy will live on in his children, grandchildren, and so many other lives he has altered with his unwavering trust in the Power that made the body and animates the universe.

Those of us left behind will make sure his memory doesn’t fade, his purpose stays alive, his legacy is remembered, and that he lives on in each of our purposes and legacies.

I pray God blesses the Ribley family with supernatural joy and peace in a time that seems will remain dark forever.  The sun and its brightness will rise again and soon you will be filled with smiles and laughter as you remember that God gave you a man who knew the truth and lived a life to set the masses free. Now, he is enjoying the ultimate freedom.

Our hearts, love and prayers are with the Ribley family.

Peace to all who feel the loss of the man, Dr. Chuck Ribley.

May 12, 2023 (Falls Church, VA) It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of ICA Lifetime member and renowned chiropractor Dr. Patricia Foster McLean on May 8, 2023. The wife of former ICA President Dr. Michael McLean, Pat dedicated her life to her family including her five children, two of whom are chiropractors; the ICA; chiropractic; and health promotion.

After conducting her undergraduate studies at Old Dominion University, Pat attended Life University in Marietta, Georgia and graduated with her Doctor of Chiropractic (Cum Laude) in 1984. A lifelong learner, Pat studied directly with Dr. Richard von Rumpt, founder of Directional Non-Force Technique (DNFT), and obtained certification by him in 1980. She also completed a 120-hour Physical Therapy Certification in 2007 at Parker College of Chiropractic which included “Cutting Edge Therapies” instructed by Dr. Ken Thomas. In 2009, she became a Certified Laser Specialist, studying advanced phototherapy with Douglas Johnson, LAT, ATC, EES, CLS. In 2010, she certified in the Activator Methods Technique, obtained certification in the 100 Year Lifestyle, and had advanced training in Flower of Life Meditation.

Dr. Patricia McLean was a true pioneer in the field of chiropractic. Along with her husband, Dr. Michael McLean, she developed the LightForce® Chiropractic Technique and Corrective Care to address chronic and recurring issues. Since 1984, she and Dr. Michael McLean have been in active full-time practice at Ocean LightForce® Chiropractic, P.C. In Virginia Beach, VA. In the spring of 2013, Pat founded and ran Ocean LightForce® Chiropractic – Maui.

Pat was not one to hide her light under a bushel. She took what she learned and shared it widely through teaching, advocacy, and corporate activities. These included: Cofounder and past Secretary of the Virginia Society of Chiropractic, where she was recognized as Chiropractor of the Year in 1997 and received the Distinguished Service Award in 1994; Co-Founder and Vice President of the Association of Research of Directional Non-Force Technique; member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association; founding member and former Vice President of the League of Chiropractic Women; and instructor and lecturer on low level LASER Therapy, teaching LASER therapy techniques to doctors and other health care professionals in the United States.

Dr. McLean also taught continuing education courses (CEU) for the International Chiropractors Association as well as at California Chiropractic Association, Parker Chiropractic College, Colorado Chiropractic Association., Life University-College of Chiropractic, Bridgewater College, and the 100 Year Lifestyle Program. She was an award-winning speaker on chiropractic philosophy with numerous organizations including New Beginnings, and Dynamic Essentials, where she was an 8-time Life Dynamic Essentials Team Speakers Awardee.

Dr. McLean served as a Representative for the state of Virginia to the ICA Assembly. In recognition of her extensive service to the ICA and chiropractic profession overall, Dr. McLean was inducted as a Fellow of the ICA in 1994. Through her years of service, she proved to be an indispensable asset to our organization and to chiropractic.

Pat was a highly successful entrepreneur. Dr. Patricia McLean, in addition to having two successful chiropractic offices with her husband, was a highly successful businesswoman the health promotion field. She reached Diamond Executive level status with The BioMat Company, served as Vice President of Corporate Programs, Multi Radiance Medical from 2009 to 2012 and was a Diamond level Partner with Young Living.

Pat with her husband Michael have set an example for philanthropy in chiropractic education. Drs. Patricia and Michael McLean are members of Life University, College of Chiropractic, President’s Circle; Life Chiropractic College-West, President’s Circle. Pat also previously served on the Sherman College of Chiropractic, Board of Regents.

“I have considered this beautiful lady a dear friend, sister and mother,” said Dr. Selina Sigafoose-Jackson, current ICA President, while sharing memories of Dr. McLean. “She has had such a massive impact in my life. In 2014 at Cleveland Chiropractic College, when the ICA had our annual meeting on campus and my father last spoke, Pat is the one that said to me first, ‘You will be the President of ICA.’ I never thought it possible. She saw things in others and never hesitated to speak it. She was a beacon of power, light, strength, courage, integrity all animated inside such a beautiful shell of a human being. More than 35 years ago, I remember her walking around the halls of DE, pregnant, with a beautiful flowing dress on, and smiling ear to ear, sharing so much love and compassion.”

“She lived large and loud and was a massive asset to chiropractic, let alone humanity,” continued Dr. Sigafoose-Jackson. “Her footprint on this earth will never be forgotten and I, for one, will be filled with joy and a smile whenever I hear her name and think of her. Thank you, Pat, for a life well lived. Thank you for being a champion for women and chiropractic. Thank you for always speaking your mind and your truth. Thank you, Michael McLean, for saving this woman’s life so we all could be touched by her. My heart is broken as many of ours are, but Pat would prefer it if we laughed out loud and danced. So, in memory of my dear friend, sister, and mother, I will laugh and dance; not today, because today my heart hurts, but I will soon.”

Dr. Pat will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and colleagues. Her passion and commitment to her patients were evident in every aspect of her practice. Her legacy will live on through the countless patients and doctors she helped over the years, the organizations she supported, and her contributions to the field of chiropractic.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to Dr. Pat’s family during this difficult time. She will be remembered as a compassionate and skilled practitioner who dedicated her life to helping others.

Information on a memorial service or funeral will be updated as it is received.

FALLS CHURCH, VA, USA, April 4, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ — Dr. Curtis Fedorchuk, Author of Groundbreaking Study on Pediatric Spondylolisthesis Presenting at the Annual Convention of the International Chiropractors Association April 22nd

The International Chiropractors Association (ICA) is pleased to announce Dr. Curtis Fedorchuk will be presenting at the 2023 Annual Convention being held in Las Vegas April 20-22. Dr. Fedorchuk is the lead author of the 2021 paper, “Prevalence of Cervical Spondylolisthesis in the Sagittal Plane Using Radiographic Imaging in a Pediatric Population: A Cross Sectional Analysis of Vertebral Subluxation”[1], featured as the Journal of Radiology Case Report’s cover story.

This is the first paper reporting on the epidemiology of subluxation in children. With 342 subjects, the study is currently the largest x-ray study ever published on pediatrics and subluxation.

The researchers’ finding that regular spinal radiographic exams may help identify serious spinal conditions in their pre-symptomatic state is significant. It highlights the need for doctors of chiropractic to check children regularly prior to symptom onset, to prevent more serious conditions from developing. Dr. Fedorchuk’s research team provides valuable insights into the early detection and management of pediatric spondylolisthesis, a condition which affects many young people.

This study has far-reaching implications for the chiropractic profession and provides a solid foundation for further research into the field.

“This is the first time the prevalence of subluxation has been documented and published, and it shows children can sustain injury and have no symptoms,” said Dr. Fedorchuk. “Isn’t that what we drive home to students in school? Don’t treat symptoms, find subluxations. When the bones shift forward, truly out of alignment, that is something that needs to be addressed. The neurological implications with abnormal biomechanics are well documented and thus it is imperative they receive proper care.”

This is an important step in studying and treating subluxation in children.

“This is only the beginning,” said Dr. Fedorchuk. “We have bigger data sets in the thousands, already analyzed that are going to be published soon.”

The ICA Convention is a unique opportunity for chiropractors to come together, learn from experts in the field, and discuss the latest research and developments in chiropractic care.

“ICA is pleased to provide a forum for the top scientists in chiropractic to present to the profession,” said Beth Clay, ICA Executive Director. “Dr. Fedorchuk’s research underscores the importance of regular chiropractic care including for children. He will be speaking on Saturday and sharing the latest research.”

For more information on the ICA’s 2023 Annual Convention and to register, please visit https://icaevents.org/convention2023.

1. Fedorchuk, C., et al., Prevalence of Cervical Spondylolisthesis in the Sagittal Plane Using Radiographic Imaging in a Pediatric Population: A Cross Sectional Analysis of Vertebral Subluxation. J Radiol Case Rep, 2021. 15(6): p. 1-18.

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2023 ICA Annual Convention: Chiropractic Research Findings and Their Clinical Implications to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada April 20-22, 2023

17 March 2023 (Falls Church, VA) The International Chiropractors Association is pleased to announce its 2023 Annual meeting will be held in Las Vegas at the Park MGM hotel.

All members of the Association are encouraged to attend. Members of the chiropractic profession are also invited to attend our continuing education program, “Chiropractic Research Findings and Their Clinical Implications”.

The ICA Board of Directors, led by President, Dr. Selina Sigafoose Jackson as well as the Representative Assembly will meet prior to continuing education program, membership meeting and awards banquet.

The Speakers includes top researchers in the profession:

• Dr. Curtis Fedorchuk

• Dr. Deed Harrison

• Dr. Scott Rosa

• Dr. Stephanie Sullivan

Additional leaders in the chiropractic profession speaking include:

• Dr. Amanda Apfelblat

• Dr. Karlos Boghosian

• Dr. Brandi Childress

• Dr. Dwayne Hoskins

• Dr. Eric Plasker

Registration for the Convention, is open as well as the room block for the Park MGM Hotel.

To learn more and to register, please visit https://icaevents.org/convention2023/

See you in Las Vegas in April!