On Monday, the board confirmed it would reinstate an interim policy banning the practice after a request from the health ministers’ meeting. The policy would be in effect until further consultation with health ministers allowed for a final decision to be developed, the board said.
Health Minister Mark Butler demanded an explanation from Australia’s chiropractic board about the ban’s reversal last week. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas
Key quote: “While there has been no evidence of serious harm to infants from chiropractic care in Australia, the board’s role is first and foremost to protect the public.” — Chiropractic Board of Australia chair Wayne Minter.
What else to know: The board banned the practice in 2019 while it gathered evidence about its safety and effectiveness. It later commissioned health research organisation Cochrane Australia to review spinal manipulation in children under 12 and published updated guidelines in November 2023. These allowed chiropractors to treat children according to evidence and or best practice approaches.
What happens next: The board said it will consider its obligations under the national law and further decisions by health ministers in developing a “final position”.
Source Agencies
