GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1993

H	1 

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 1309*

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Sponsors: Representatives Stamey; Fussell, Hall, Kuczmarski, B. Miller, Nesbitt, Richardson, and Spears.

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Referred to:  Rules, Calendar and Operations of the House.

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May 10, 1993

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION TO STUDY THE APPLICATION OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR THE COST-EFFECTIVE DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE.
Whereas, in the western world, 80% of the population will experience disabling back pain during their lives, and at any given time approximately 7% of the adult population in the United States is experiencing a bout of back pain that has been continuing for more than two weeks; and
Whereas, in 1992 the best estimate of direct and indirect costs of back pain in the United States is $60,000,000,000, and in the United States in 1990 workers compensation costs for back and spinal care were about $30,000,000,000; and
Whereas, independent research authorities such as the RAND Corporation reported in 1991 that spinal manipulation was now proven an appropriate treatment for most back pain patients; and
Whereas, chiropractic care is now the third largest primary health care profession in the western world after medicine and dentistry with approximately 80% of chiropractic care being for muscular-related pain, 10% being for migraine headaches, and 10% being for a wide variety of disorders caused fully or in part by spine lesions; and
Whereas, studies show that chiropractic management is highly cost-effective, reflecting almost a two to one advantage in work days lost and reduction in cost per injury;
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
Section 1.  The Legislative Research Commission may study:
(1)	The efficient and effective delivery of appropriate chiropractic care;
(2)	The extensive demand for chiropractic care as well as patient freedom of choice concerning appropriate care; and
(3)	The cost-effectiveness of chiropractic care.
Sec. 2.  The Legislative Research Commission may make an interim report of the results of this study, including legislative recommendations, to the 1993 General Assembly, Regular Session 1994, and shall make a final report to the 1995 General Assembly.
Sec. 3.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.