Council on Diagnosis and Internal Disorders - American Chiropractic Association

Article I Name
This organization shall be known as the Council on Diagnosis and Internal Disorders of the American Chiropractic Association, Inc., and shall be abbreviated as CFP-ACA.
Article II Object
The object of this Council shall be:
Sec. 1	To assist in the advancement of Chiropractic as a science and healing art.
Sec. 2	To protect in every proper and reasonable way the professional welfare and interest of the members of this Council.
Sec. 3	To promote the highest standards of moral and ethical conduct.
Sec. 4	To promote research in diagnosis and internal disorders.
Sec. 5	To encourage professional and ethical consultation with members of other professions.
Sec. 6	To cooperate with the ACA Executive Board, officers and all other related committees, councils and departments.
Sec. 7	To cooperate with state chiropractic boards and state chiropractic associations boards of directors, officers and all other related committees, councils, and departments.
Sec. 8	To disseminate educational material, case histories, manipulative technique, therapeutic methods, disability evaluation procedures, etc., as they relate to diagnosis and internal disorders and to make this material available to the members of this Council.
Sec. 9	To develop and improve in the members of this Council the qualities necessary for medico-legal expert testimony in the field of diagnosis and internal disorders.
Sec. 10	10 To make known to the ACA members the ethical consultation available to them from the members of this Council.
Sec. 11	To be and remain a charitable organization availed of only for charitable purposes as provided in Section 501 (c) (6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended, as an organization formed or availed for the gathering, correlating and disseminating of knowledge and information concerning diagnosis and internal disorders for the benefit of its members, the profession and the general public. No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to, its members, trustees, officers or other private persons except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for the services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in these bylaws. No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate in or campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Bylaws, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501 (c) (6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended, (with the correspondent provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended, (or the correspondent provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law.)
Sec. 12	12 To establish and maintain the certification board known as the American Board of Chiropractic Internists (ABCI).
Article III Statement of Purpose
	To maintain and promote the Chiropractic profession as a primary health care delivery system and support the advancement of the profession. To preserve and foster traditional Chiropractic values while incorporating contemporary concepts to improve the quality of health service by the profession to the public. PATIENT CARE To promote health and wellness. To focus on the prevention and early identification of functional, nutritional, and pathological disorders, to advance the utilization of natural therapies and patient education, with the goal of improving health and the avoidance of disease. EDUCATIONAL To promote a platform of education for the profession that instills the concept of improving and maintaining the quality of life. To provide educational meetings of doctors in the field of Family Practice methods and to influence Doctors of Chiropractic (Chiropractic physicians) on professional responsibility and the importance on clinical matters so that they may be positioned to make informed decisions that define their profession. To create, conduct, and supervise diplomate programs of a minimum of 300 hours sponsored through Chiropractic Colleges having status with an accrediting agency approved by the United States Department of Education. This course prepares the Doctor of Chiropractic to focus on patient assessment, identify early signs of disease, the prevention of disease, the application of diagnostic modalities in the clinical setting, and the use of appropriate lifestyle and nutritional therapies that will benefit the patient. To advance the goals of the ACA relating to primary health care, that, Chiropractic diagnostic and therapeutic goals should be achieved as safely, quickly, and economically as possible to promote patient health and independence. The diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines adapted by the profession should be evidence-based and recognize the multifaceted aspects of health, disease etiology, and related patient care.
Article IV Membership
Sec. 1	Member. Any licensed Doctor of Chiropractic (Chiropractic physician) , who is a member of the ACA, in good standing, may be accepted for membership in this Council upon approval by the credentials committee of this Council, including but not limited to:
A.	A member in good standing of this Council who has successfully completed the requirements of Article X, Sec.1, 2, 3, will be known as a Board Eligible Chiropractic Internist. A member in good standing who has successfully completed the previously offered 240 hour course will be known as a Qualified Chiropractic Internist. Council members seeking certification from the American Board of Chiropractic Internists (ABCI) shall comply with current requirements of the ABCI. Each candidate doctor shall meet all credentials, education, and experience requirements of the Certification Board. A board certified Chiropractic Internist will be designated a Diplomate of the American Board of Chiropractic Internists.
B.	. A full member is encouraged to focus a significant portion of their practice to diagnosis and internal disorders, as stipulated in The Standards of Ethical Conduct For Members of the CFP-ACA.
C.	An appropriate certificate of membership or plaque shall be issued the applicant who complies with the sections of this article.
Sec 2 A.	A. Associate members. Any licensed Doctor of Chiropractic (chiropractic physician) who is a member of the ACA in good standing, with a special interest in the area of diagnosis and internal disorders may apply for associate membership by payment of $90.00 annually, and participate in Council activities and publications. Associate members shall have no voting privilege or hold office.
B.	B. Supporting members. Other First Degree professionals, (M.D., D.O., N.D.), or professional, college sponsors with a special interest in the areas of diagnosis and internal disorders may apply for membership by payments of $90.00 annually. Supporting members are given special consideration regarding convention space and advertising. supporting members shall have no voting privileges or hold office.
Sec 3	It is the policy of this Council to recognize outstanding and loyal performance for the profession and this Council by awarding to a member or former member an honorary membership.
Sec. 4	Applications. All applications for membership in the CFP-ACA shall be in writing on a form prescribed by the Executive Committee and the dues for the fiscal year in which application is made.
Sec. 5	Dues. The annual dues of this Council shall be determined by a majority vote of the Executive Board of this Council, and shall not exceed $90.00 annually. Dues are payable on July 1 and shall be considered delinquent if not received by November the closing date for inclusion in CFP membership directory. New membership applications or applications for reinstatement of delinquent memberships received after March 1 will be applied to membership for the next fiscal year. If any of these dates fall on a Sunday or legal holiday, the next regular working date will supersede.
Sec. 6	A member in "good standing" is hereby defined as having met the financial, moral, ethical and educational obligations to this Council, as stipulated in the Standards of Ethical Conduct for members of the CFP-ACA
Sec. 7	Conduct of Members. Conduct of members of this Council must be in agreement with the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Members of the Council on Diagnosis and Internal Disorders and the Code of Ethics of the American Chiropractic Association.
Article V Officers
Sec. 1	Officers. The officers of this Council shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. These officers and the immediate two past presidents shall constitute the Executive Committee of this Council. Each officer shall report the activities of his office to the other officers on a quarterly basis, and quarterly reports shall be made to the ACA board liaison by the Council President.
Sec. 2	Nominations for the officers of the council shall be made by the Nomination Committee that shall consist of the three proximate past presidents of the Council with the immediate past president as chair of the committee. The Nomination Committee shall file a report of its nominations with the Secretary of the Council not less than sixty (60) days before the annual meeting. Thirty (30) days before the annual general membership meeting, ballots shall be mailed/delivered to all the Council members listing the selections of the Nomination Committee and providing for write-in candidates. All ballots must be returned to the Council Secretary postmarked/dated seven (7) days before the annual general membership meeting. All ballots received late or with erasures or changes on the ballot form will be voided. The ballots are to be opened and counted in the presence of a representative of the ACA Board of Governors or Tellers Committee or non-interested oversight committee. (MANDATED ITEM) 1999 revised 9/200.
Sec. 3	Term of Office. The officers shall be elected for a term of one year or until their successor shall be elected and installed. A maximum of no more than two (2) terms in any office can be served by any individual.
Sec. 4	President. The President shall be the chief executive officer of this Council and shall preside over all meetings of the members and of the Executive Committee. The President shall have the general and active management of the business of the Council and shall execute all orders and resolutions of the Executive Committee. The President shall be an ex-officio member of all standing committees and shall have the general and duties of supervision and management usually vested in the office of the President of a Council and shall name and appoint all committees
Sec. 5	Vice President. The Vice President shall in case of death, absence, resignation, or disqualification of the President, preside and fill the duties of said office until an election is held, and shall perform such other duties as the President shall designate.
Sec. 6	Secretary. The Secretary shall be responsible for mailing the ballots to the membership. The Secretary also shall keep in the books of the Council the record of all motions made at all meetings; give all notices required by statute, bylaws, or resolution; conduct the correspondence, keep the records and keep the Executive Committee informed of all current business, and issue authorized membership certificates as provided in Article IV, Sec 1C.
Sec.7	Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have custody of all Council funds and shall keep in books belonging to the Council full and accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The Treasurer shall deposit all monies in such depositories as the may be designated by the Executive Committee. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Council as may be ordered by the Executive Committee and shall render to the Committee, whenever requested by them an accurate account of the financial condition of the Council. The Treasurer's books shall be part of the minutes of the Council. All disbursements shall be by check and all checks shall require the under adequate bond, the cost of which shall be paid by the Council. signature of the Treasurer and/or President. The Treasurer shall be prepared to advise on the budget and any expenditures required by the Executive Committee.
Sec. 8	Compensation. Each member of the Executive Committee attending approved and scheduled Council functions shall be entitled to expense allowances as follows: coach airfare, portal to portal transportation expenses, reasonable room and meal expenses, telephone expenses in the performance of Council duties, and a per diem as set by the Executive Committee.
Article VI Meetings
Sec. 1	Annual Meeting. An annual meeting of the members shall be held during the ACA annual meeting.
Sec. 2	Notice of the Annual Membership meeting. The Secretary of the Council shall mail written notice to the membership a least thirty (30) days prior to the date of said meeting.
Sec. 3	Special Meeting of Members. A special meeting of the members may be called at any time by the President or a majority of the Executive Committee or shall be called by the Executive Committee upon written request of 30% of the members entitled to vote, who shall specify in such written requests the purposes for which they desire the special meeting to be held.
Sec. 4	Notice of Special Meeting. At least thirty (30) days prior to the date fixed for the special meeting, written notice of the time, place, and purpose of such meeting shall be mailed, as herein after provided, to each member entitled to vote at such meeting. No business not mentioned in this notice shall be transacted at such meeting.
Sec. 5	Meeting of the Executive Committee. Regular meetings of the Executive Committee may be held at such time and place as the Executive Committee may from time to time determine, or at such time and place may be designated by the President.
Sec. 6	Special Meetings of the Executive Committee. Special meetings of the Executive Committee may be called by the President, or a majority of the members of the Executive Committee giving due notice of the time, place, and purpose to each Committee member.
Sec. 7	Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of this Council, shall be from October 1 to September 30 of the following year.
Sec. 8	Five (5) members, two of whom are officers, in good standing, shall constitute a quorum at any regular or special meeting of this Council.
Sec. 9	9 Quorum of the Executive Committee. A majority of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum.
Sec. 10	Except as the article or an amendment otherwise provide, each member in good Standing in this Council shall, at every meeting of the members, be entitled to one vote in person upon each subject properly submitted to vote. Voting may be by voice, sign, or written ballot at the discretion of the presiding officer.
Sec. 11	No provision is made for proxy voting
Sec. 12	Voting for Executive Officers of the CFP shall be by mail ballot.
Article VII The Executive Committee
Sec. 1	Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall have full power between meetings of the Council, except to legislate or change the bylaws of this Council, and shall be charged with the management of the Council. The Committee shall have the power to hire and fire employees and to make and enter into prudent contracts. The Committee shall cause all articles which are released for publication in the name of the Council to be edited by qualified persons who will constitute the Editorial Committee.
Sec. 2	Vacancies A vacancy occurs if an elected officer is unable or unwilling to complete his term. If a council officer is unable to complete his term for any reason, the office shall remain vacant until the next election. If the majority of the remaining members of the Executive Committee of the Council desire that an interim appointment be made, it may make an interim appointment upon majority vote. (Mandated 2000)
Article VIII Committees
All Committees shall be appointed by the President of the Council, except as otherwise provided by these bylaws, with the approval of the Executive Committee.
Article IX Duties of the Council to the ACA
Sec. 1	The ACA House of Delegates is the legislative body of the ACA and determines specific ACA policies, aims, and purposes. ACA Council on Diagnosis and Internal Disorders functions as a subordinate arm of the ACA, operating only within its specific delegated field. The Council must act pursuant to and in conformity with ACA policy.
Sec. 2	The Council shall not act on a major issue on which ACA policy has not been adopted, until an applicable ACA policy has been adopted. The ACA President with the approval of the ACA Executive Board of Governors, may authorize the Council to act in the interim in the absence of ACA policy and set forth the conditions under which such action may occur. This may occur when the Council President presents a written application to the ACA President stating why it is necessary and desirable to act in the absence of ACA policy, and setting forth in detail the proposed policy.
Sec. 3	The Council shall submit an annual report of Council activities to the ACA prior to the annual ACA meeting.
Sec. 4	The Council shall submit a complete list of Council officers, and members and their status to the ACA annually.
Sec. 5	The Council shall submit a complete set of Council Bylaws biennially, except when amendments are approved by the ACA House of Delegates. Then, the Council shall submit a complete updated set of bylaws with sixty (60) days of the close of the ACA annual meeting.
Sec. 6	The Council shall have an accountant's review or report conducted through the ACA home office on its finances, income and expenses, on an annual basis, prior to the mid-winter meeting ACA Executive Board of Governors meeting.
Sec. 7	The Council shall place a disclaimer on all published materials
Sec. 8	The Council shall be responsible for the aforementioned reports, activities, bylaws, and Finances for each of its subgroups being submitted with the reports for the Council.
Article X National Certification Board
Sec. 1	There shall be a Certification Board known as the American Board of Chiropractic Internists (ABCI) which shall conduct the Board certifying examinations to evaluate all candidates for their proficiency in diagnosis and internal disorders, and who shall be the final authority on grading and certifying the candidate doctor.
Sec. 2	The Certification Board shall recommend minimum educational and training criteria in the specialty, issue certificates, stimulate education in the best interest of the public and the Chiropractic profession. The board shall accept programs that utilize select criteria satisfactory to the ABCI as outlined in the ABCI Standards and Procedures to assure competent instruction in diagnosis and internal disorders. At least seventy five per cent (75%) of such post-graduate curriculum shall be taught by a diplomate or diplomates of the ABCI where such are available. No more than twenty five percent (25%) may be taught by guest lecturers. Programs shall be made by criteria satisfactory to the ABCI to assure competent instruction in diagnosis and internal disorders. Diplomate programs must meet criteria so established by ABCI.
Sec. 3	Candidates desiring certification by the ABCI must satisfy requisites of professional education and experience as stated in the Standards and Procedures of the ABCI in force at the time of application. Members in good standing (Article IV, Sec 1) of this Council who have sucessfully completed the requirements as outlined in the Standards and Procedures of the ABCI will be known as Board Eligible Chiropractic Internists. The ABCI will supply candidates with a copy of the Standards and Procedures/Candidate Guide upon application to sit the Diplomate Examination offered by the ABCI.
Sec. 4	Persons certified by the American Board of Chiropractic Internists after having met successfully all credentialing, educational, examination and experience requirements will be designated as Diplomates of the American Board of Chiropractic Internists (DABCI).
Sec. 5 A.	. Members of the Board. The members of Board are selected from the Diplomate membership of the CFP-ACA and shall be appointed by the Council President, with approval of the Executive Committee. The ABCI Board shall consists of three (3) members, the President, the Vice-President, and the Secretary-Treasurer. Additionally, up to two (2) alternated Board members may be appointed at the request/discretion of the ABCI Board to assist in the examination duties. The appointments of these members shall be made for staggered terms of office for up to five (5) years each. Alternates shall be appointed for two (2) year terms.
B.	Duties of the Board. The duties of the Board are as follows:
	1.	The administrating function of the ABCI relates to the examination, grading, establishing competency standards, and certification of candidates for diplomate status with the American Board of Chiropractic Internists. Current Diplomate Instructors may not serve on the ABCI. A minimum of two (2) ABCI Board members will be present at each Diplomate Examination to proctor and examine candidates. Such examinations are to be conducted at a time and place as determined by the Board.
	2.	The Secretary-Treasurer shall collect examination fees that have been specified by the Board and to deposit said fees in a bank account designated by the Board, and accessible to the Secretary-Treasurer. The ABCI will not co-mingle funds with the CFP-ACA, but will retain funds separately.
	3.	Each officer shall report the activities of his/her office to the other officers on a quarterly basis.
	4. .	Oversight of the Diplomate Program. Instructors and testing/examination procedures must meet criteria satisfactory to the ABCI as outlined in the Standards and Procedures of the ABCI. The purpose is to assure quality instruction, minimum educational and training guidelines in the specialty of diagnosis and internal disorders.
C.	Compensation and Expenses of the Board Members
	1.	The Secretary-Treasurer is authorized to pay expenses in connection with the duties and functions of the Board.
	2.	Each Board member sanctioned to participate in the administration of the examination, or an officially authorized board function, shall be entitled to compensation and expense allowance as follows: coach airfare, portal to portal air expenses, reasonable room and meal expenses, telephone expenses in the performance of Board duties, and a per diem set by the Board for the performance of Board examination or other authorized duty or duties.
	3.	The Secretary-Treasurer shall receive the amount of $100.00 per first time candidate for clerical, secretarial, and grading duties in addition to the usual and customary expenses, and $50.00 per candidate for repeated examinations, regardless of the number of such examinations per candidate. The Secretary Treasurer shall be placed under adequate bond, which amount shall be determined by the Board. The cost of the bond shall be the Board's expense.
D.	Officers of the Board
	1.	President. The President of the ABCI Board shall be the chief executive officer of and shall preside over all meetings of the Board. The President shall have the general and active management of the business of the Board, and shall execute all orders and resolutions of the Board. The President shall be an ex-officio member of all standing committees and shall have the general powers and duties of supervision and management of the Board as they relate to the specific duties and functions of the Board. The President shall be the official representative of the Board to the American Board of Chiropractic Specialties to the ACA. Additionally, the President may designate a representative from the Board in the event that he/she is not able to be personally represented. The President is also the official representative of the Board to the CFP-ACA.
	2.	Vice President. The Vice President shall, in the case of death, absence, resignation, or disqualification of the President, preside and fill the duties of said President until an appointment is made, and shall perform such other duties as the President shall designate.
	3.	Secretary-Treasurer. The Secretary-Treasurer shall have custody of all Board funds and shall keep in books belonging to the Board full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements. The Secretary-Treasurer shall deposit all monies in a bank account designated by the Board, and shall disburse the funds of the Board as may be ordered by the Board. The account of the financial condition of the Board shall be part of the minutes of the Board. All disbursements shall be made by check and all checks shall require the signature of the Secretary-Treasurer or the President. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be responsible for mailing notice of examination to eligible Candidates for the Board examination, provide candidates upon application a copy of the Standards and Procedures/Candidates Guide; conduct all correspondence with Candidates, issue grading results to Candidates, and issue appropriate plaques to Diplomates upon successful completion of all requirements to achieve Diplomate status with the ABCI. The Secretary-Treasurer also shall keep in the books of the Board the record of all motions and meeting minutes.
Sec. 6.	The Board shall elect a President, a Vice President, a Secretary-Treasurer form its membership. The Board shall meet once each year for the purpose of examining Candidates, and at such other times as the Board may designate, for the purpose of transacting its business. The Board may adopt reasonably necessary Standards and Procedures not inconsistent with the intent and provisions of the Bylaws of the CFP-ACA. The Board shall make an annual report of its activities to the Executive Committee of the CFP-ACA, including a list of membership, officers, examination dates, and names of successful Candidates, and an account of all monies received and disbursed by it. This report will be made in writing and will be delivered to the President of CFP at least 60 days prior to the ACA annual meeting. The original books, records, and papers of the Board shall be kept at the office of the Secretary-Treasurer. No member appointed to this Board may hold administrative or policy making positions with any chiropractic college or teach classes leading to the Diplomate status in Diagnosis and Internal Disorders.
Sec. 7.	If a dispute arises questioning a Board action, review procedures shall be followed as specified in the Board Rules for Disposition of Complainants, on exhaustion of these administrative remedies, if a dispute still remains, a review board consists of:
	1.	A Diplomate of the American Board of Chiropractic Internists designated by the American Board of Chiropractic Internists who is neither a member of the ABCI nor a member of the Executive Committee of the CFP.
	2.	An individual who is either an attorney or trained in the law, such as an arbitrator or hearing officer, designated by the Executive Committee of the CFP.
	3.	An individual designated by the complainant. The Chairman of the Review Board shall be the person designated by the Executive Committee of the CFP. The Review Board shall remain neutral and shall act as a judicial tribunal to hear the dispute. The Review Board shall set a date for a hearing and conduct a hearing at which time the ABCI shall make a presentation concerning the dispute. Witnesses, testimony and other evidence shall be presented to the Review Board for its consideration. The Review Board shall make a finding of facts and conclusions, binding on all parties, within sixty (60) days of the hearing. The Review Board will utilize guidelines as stated in the Rules for Disposition of Complaints.
	All costs for the Review Board proceeding shall be borne and paid by the non-prevailing party, including but not limited to attorney's fees and per diem expenses and remuneration of Review Board members and witnesses. In order to initiate the proceeding, the complaining party shall post with the Council a bond in the amount of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00), unless upon a showing of good cause, the Council determines that a lesser amount is appropriate. If the complaining party prevails the bond shall be returned. If the complaining party does not prevail, the bond amount shall be applied to the Council's and Board's attorneys' fees, and any balance shall be returned; any costs and attorneys' fees exceeding the bond amount shall be paid by, and may be recovered against, the complaining party."
Sec. 8	Each year, every Diplomate must: (1) attend 12 hours of continuing education specifically relating to diagnosis and internal disorders, or in diagnosis and internal disorders from either the diplomate program, or from a chiropractic college having status with an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or an agency having reciprocal agreement with the recognized agency. (2) Each Diplomate must maintain their own records of continuing education. Every other year, a 12 hour education requirement shall be obtained at a continuing education family practice symposium sponsored by the CFP-ACA, specifically designated to meet the requirements of Sec. 8 (1).
Sec. 9	The ABCI may randomly request from Diplomates to provide copies of the continuing Education records maintained by them in order to ensure continued proficiency in diagnosis and internal disorders.
Sec. 10	The science of the study of diagnosis and internal disorders is ever expanding in its breadth and depth of knowledge. To stimulate education and training in the best interest of the public and the chiropractic profession, and to maintain a level of excellence in Diplomates of the ABCI, additional requirements may be expected and met of Chiropractic Internists (DABCIs) in order for the ABCI to continue to recognize that status.
Article XI Parliamentary Authority
	Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, Current Edition, shall apply to all of the meetings of this Council and to all questions of procedure and parliamentary law not specified in these Bylaws. Nothing in these Bylaws is intended to conflict with the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the ACA which take precedence.
Article XII Amendments
A.	These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the mail ballots received from the members provided the proposed amendment has been filed with the secretary at least sixty (60) days prior to the meeting.
B.	B. All proposed amendments are to be mailed/delivered to the Council members at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting. All ballots must be returned to the Council Secretary post marked/dated seven (7) days before the annual general membership meeting. All ballots received late or with erasures or changes on the ballot form will be voided. The ballots are to be opened and counted in the presence of a representative of the ACA Board of Governors or Tellers Committee or other non-interested oversight committee.
C.	Amendments to the bylaws shall not be in effect until approved by the ACA House of Delegates.
Standards of Conduct for Members of The Council on Diagnosis and Internal Disorders-ACA
Sec. 1	Membership in the CFP, an exclusive Specialty Society, dedicated to the highest moral standards, ethics, and education requirements, is not a right, but a privilege. Therefore, members must conduct themselves at all times according to these accepted ethical and moral standards, maintain and improve their professional knowledge by attending educational seminars regularly, and maintain and improve their professional image in their community.
Sec. 2	Any or all advertising by a member shall in no way exceed the guidelines proposed by The ACA. No member, corporate or supporting member of the CFP shall make public claim of superiority in the performance of professional services as a Chiropractic Internist. Members with certifications a Diplomate of the ABCI may indicate such status on letterheads, professional cards, office entrance, and telephone listings.
Sec. 3	The files and records of the Chiropractic Internist must be accurately maintained and up to date. Before attempting to treat or prescribe treatment for a new patient, a complete case history shall be taken.
Sec. 4	A Chiropractic Internist must practice in accordance with the laws of the state or residency and licensure. Chiropractic Internists should have a recognized laboratory facility at their disposal, and in cases where laboratory examinations are utilized, all reports from such laboratory should be properly recorded and made part of the patient's record.
Sec. 5	A member shall possess the diagnostic instruments necessary for proper examination.
Sec. 6	The ABCI does not require the member to possess diagnostic imaging equipment although it is strongly recommended. However, it is essential that the member without equipment have a recognized diagnostic imaging facility available for patient referrals or refer patients to a colleague or Chiropractic Radiologist. Imaging taken becomes part of the patient's record and must be kept for the minimum period regulated by State and Federal laws.
Sec. 7	A member should possess the modalities necessary to provide adequate care of patients whose conditions fall in the purview of chiropractic family practice.
Sec. 8	A member shall not voluntarily offer his services to testify against a colleague in court for the purpose of personal gain or other personal reasons, except where the circumstances require such testimonies in the public interest, or for the purpose of assisting the courts in the proper execution of law and order.
Sec. 9	The individual freedom of members is recognized and respected so that they have the liberty to practice in a manner that improves their economic welfare and/or is in the best interest of their patients. If new scientific discoveries are made in the fields of diagnosis and/or internal disorders by individual members, it is expected that such discoveries will be presented to the Committee on Research and Education of the CFP for evaluation, so that others may benefit from it.
Sec. 10	Members who are suspended temporarily or permanently for any reason agree by their signature on the membership application to surrender their membership certificate to the Secretary immediately upon request.
Rules for Disposition of Complaints The ACA Shall Be Notified of Any Activation of These Rules for Disposition of Complaints
Sec. 1	The Credentials Committee shall make an appropriate investigation of the following qualifications of each applicant for membership. Following its investigation, the Credentials Committee shall recommend in writing to the Executive Committee that the application shall be accepted or rejected. In the event the Credentials Committee recommends rejection of an application, it shall specifically state each and every reason for recommending rejection of the application. The applicant shall be provided with a copy of the written recommendation of the Credentials Committee. In the event the Credentials Committee recommends rejection, the applicant shall have thirty (30) days to provide the Credentials Committee with any additional information the applicant deems supportive of the application. If the applicant provides the Credentials Committee with additional information within the thirty (30) day time period, the Credentials Committee shall review its recommendation and make a new written report and recommendation to the Executive Committee. A copy of such report and recommendation shall be provided the applicant. In the event the recommendation of the Credentials Committee is to reject the application, the applicant shall be given written notice of he meeting of the Executive Committee, at which time the application shall be considered, and the applicant shall have opportunity to present information to the Executive Committee which the applicant believes supports the application for membership. At the meeting of the Executive Committee the applicant shall have the right to present testimony and confront and cross-examine individuals who testify or present evidence in support of rejection of the application. Within thirty (30) days, the Executive Committee shall make a written finding of facts and conclusion. The applicant shall be provided a copy. The decision of the Executive Committee shall be binding for two (2) years, at which time the applicant may submit a new application for review and recommendation by the Credentials Committee.
Sec. 2	Signing of the application for membership, filling out the required questionnaire and acceptance by this Council with the issuance of a certificate or plaque of membership constitutes an agreement that the member accepts the above standards, rules, and regulations of the Council on Diagnosis and Internal Disorders, is acquainted with its contents, and adheres to its terms.
Sec. 3	3 All charges of misconduct, violation of ethics, breaches of professional competence, malpractice, fraud, deception, untruthfulness, and other allegations against members of the Council shall be submitted in writing to the Credentials Committee. Upon receipt of such information, the Credentials Committee or its shall notify the member in writing by registered mail, return receipt requested, of the charges. The Credentials Committee or its duly authorized agent shall immediately conduct a thorough examination of the allegations against the member. The Credentials Committee shall prepare a written report of its findings and recommendations within sixty (60) days. The Credentials Committee report and recommendation shall be submitted to the Executive Committee and member. The Executive Committee shall conduct a hearing on the report and recommendation of the Credentials Committee, if the member requests such a hearing within thirty (30) days of receipt of the report and recommendation of the Credentials Committee. At such hearing, the member shall have the right to confront and cross-examine those offering evidence against the member, the applicant shall have an opportunity to refute all charges and information presented against her/him, and the applicant shall have the opportunity to present evidence and testimony in support. The Executive Committee shall, after hearing all evidence and testimony, make a written finding of fact and conclusions including a decision on the accusations against the member within sixty (60) days. The written findings of facts and conclusions shall be made a permanent part of the records of the Council and a copy of the written findings of fact and conclusions shall be mailed by registered mail return receipt requested to the member. The Executive Committee shall impose such sanctions as it deems appropriate under the circumstances, including expulsion of the member. In the event the applicant does not request a hearing as provided above, the applicant shall be notified in writing that the Executive Committee intends to act on the report and recommendation of the Credentials Committee without hearing. The applicant shall have ten (10) days from receipt of such notice to request a hearing. If no hearing is requested, the member shall be deemed to have waived all rights to a hearing and the Executive Committee shall act on the report and recommendation of the Credentials Committee.
Rules of Conduct for Officers, Committee Members of CFP and ABCI
Sec. 1	The Council on Diagnosis and Internal Disorders and the American Board of Chiropractic Internists will utilize open-meeting/open procedures policies, promulgating same to their respective memberships, further advising members of all actions taken or opinions and interpretations rendered. CFP and ABCI will state the reasons for actions, opinions, or interpretations. CFP and ABCI will invite comments and criticisms of these actions, opinions or interpretations. Executive Committee meetings will not be considered open to the general membership. The ABCI, due to the nature of its function as an examining board, will not utilize open meeting procedures, but will publish to the profession its rules and procedures as modified from time to time.
Sec. 2	CFP and ABCI will publish all organizational guidelines, rules or bylaws, opinions and interpretations to the members.
Sec. 3	CFP and ABCI will limit access of letterhead stationery to the executive officers and appointees.
Sec. 4	CFP and ABCI will publish annually lists of those persons authorized to speak for the organizations.
Sec. 5	CFP and ABCI logos and letterheads are the property of the respective organizations.
Sec. 6	Logos or letterheads of the CFP and ABCI used on stationery will indicate officers of those respective organizations.
Sec. 7	CFP and ABCI logos or letterheads shall not be used to imply CFP or ABCI endorsements.
Sec. 8	Logos or letterheads of CFP or ABCI shall not be placed on products.
Sec. 9	CFP and ABCI logos or letterheads will be discontinued from use by an Executive Officer or appointee upon the request of the respective organizations Executive Committee.
Sec. 10	The Executive Committee shall submit each request for an opinion or interpretation from the CFP or ABCI to the appropriate committee for response.
Sec. 11	Each request made of CFP or ABCI will be considered by as many committee members as possible.
Sec. 12	All CFP or ABCI opinion responses, guidelines, and/or interpretations will be reviewed by the Executive Committee or their appropriate designees prior to issuance.
Sec. 13	Executive officers and/or appointees from CFP or ABCI will avoid endorsing particular products or brands, whether openly or tacitly.
Sec. 14	The authority to give oral opinions will not be granted to anyone.
Sec. 15	The Presidents of CFP and ABCI must prepare and submit semiannually to the Executive Vice President of ACA, a written activity report, with one such report being submitted no later than December 1, prior to the ACA midwinter Board meeting.
Sec. 16	Except as specifically provided herein, all currently available and future-obtained funds, of any kin, of CFP and ABCI shall be deposited in special ACA bank accounts, and shall remain in the control of the Council, Board, or Secretary- Treasurer, or Secretary, or Treasurer, respectively.
Sec. 17	The President, and/or Secretary/ Secretary-Treasurer of CFP and ABCI must submit in writing to the Executive Vice-president of ACA no later than December 1, prior to the ACA midwinter Board Meeting, a proposed budget for the ensuing fiscal year.
Sec. 18	A standing rule can be adopted or rescinded by a majority vote at any business meeting without previous notice. Such rules remain in effect until rescinded or amended. By majority vote, a standing rule may be suspended for a particular session, however, this action is not binding to future sessions.

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