Questions and Answers

Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition (CBCN)
 

1. How is the CBCN structured and how will the Board serve Nutrition Diplomates and those seeking a Diplomate in Nutrition?

a. The CBCN is a physician level specialty board that is established specifically to certify chiropractic physicians in the area of Clinical Nutrition.

The medical profession has established MD/DO-only boards for more than 145 MD/DO specialties and sub-specialties listed with the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)

The CBCN serves a similar purpose for members of the chiropractic profession who desire Diplomate status in the specialty of Clinical Nutrition.

b. The CBCN  worked with the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, the principal testing agency for the chiropractic profession, to create and administer the CBCN certification examination. This is consistent with the medical profession’s specialty boards which use agencies within their own profession to administer their specialty examinations.

c. CBCN Bylaws have been written and approved to uphold high standards in certification and can only be changed by vote of the Diplomates.

d. The CBCN has been structured with term limits for members of the Executive Committee. With the exception of the founding board’s additional 2 years, members can serve a maximum of 2 three-year terms. This will prevent any person(s) from having a lifetime seat on the Executive Committee and allow for an ongoing influx of new energy and ideas.

e. Diplomates of the CBCN will vote to elect the CBCN Executive Committee members who will serve them.

f. There is specific CBCN bylaw wording allowing an Executive Committee member to be removed for failing to meet the fiduciary responsibility of the office, to assure accountability of Executive Committee members.

g. The CBCN focuses exclusively on certification and re-certification of Chiropractic Physicians specializing in the area of Clinical Nutrition. CBCN will not require attestation to policies and procedures outside the purview of a credentialing board.

h. The CBCN is structured to be responsive to the concerns of its Diplomates and Executive Committee members will encourage Diplomates to offer their input and recommendations relative to Certification and Re-certification policies and procedures.

2. What is the difference between the ACA certification board (CBCN) and the ACA specialty council (CON)?

Both the board (CBCN) and council (CON) function under the auspices of the ACA and are referenced separately in the ACA Bylaws

The council (CON) is made up of ACA members who may have an interest in nutrition and they encourage and promote a more advanced knowledge and use of nutrition in the practice of chiropractic for the maintenance of health and the prevention of disease as a part of the ACA, a trade organization.

The board (CBCN) is made up of elected chiropractic Diplomates and a public member whose function and purpose is to conduct certification activities in a manner that upholds standards for competent practice as a specialist in clinical nutrition and are under full autonomy in the areas of testing standards and procedures.

Bylaws of the American Chiropractic Association ARTICLE V COUNCILS

Section J. The Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition (CBCN) shall function as a chiropractic specific certification board in the field of nutrition. The CBCN shall adopt governing rules and any amendments thereto will be approved by the House of Delegates.

Therefore, while the CBCN operates directly under the auspices of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA,) it functions with full autonomy in the areas of testing standards and procedures.

3. Does a chiropractor have to belong to the ACA or the Council on Nutrition in order to be a Diplomate of the CBCN?

The simple answer is NO.

However, the CBCN recommends all Chiropractors belong to and support the ACA because of the great work it does to further the goals, objectives and protection of the Chiropractic profession. It is truly a case where many with one voice are stronger than a few with a weak or no voice.

The CBCN also recommends that all Diplomates belong to and support the ACA and the Council on Nutrition. The CON is the only National organization that provides DCs, who have an interest in nutrition the opportunity to share views, stay abreast of current research and attend a sponsored symposium full of current and clinically useful nutrition information on an annual basis. The Council also provides Nutritional Perspectives, the only peer reviewed, all nutrition Journal for the chiropractic profession.

Being a member of the Council of Nutrition does require ACA membership.

4. Do qualifying hours include hours studied, in undergraduate and Chiropractic College as well as post graduate study?

No, hours accumulated in an UNDERGRADUATE program or those acquired as part of requirements to matriculate into or graduate from a program leading to professional licensure are not included. Hours must come from POSTGRADUATE programs such as a Master's or Diplomate taken simultaneously or after graduation from Chiropractic College and/or other hours taken AFTER graduation from Chiropractic College.

5. What will the cost be to sit the examination?

At the present time the cost of the examination is $475.00. That fee is determined by the Executive Committee.

6. What is the annual recertification fee?

$200. is the current annual recertification fee which is due on or before December 31st each year.

7. How do I enroll in the online Diplomate program?

Go to our web page "Courses" for more information about current programs

 

 Click here to read the joint statement between ACBN & CBCN

For additional information, please contact us
CBCN.us@gmail.com