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Matthew McCoy DC, MPH
Journal of Philosophy, Principles & Practice of Chiropractic – Dialogues ~ August 18, 2025
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Abstract
This investigative and historical report examines the Chiropractic Summit, a confidential coalition alleged to coordinate monopoly-like control over chiropractic accreditation, testing, regulation and commerce. Synthesizing legal documents, financial records, internal emails, and prior reporting, the analysis finds secrecy is a core governance feature, with invitation-only membership, withheld rosters, and “St. Louis Principles” that discourage disclosure. Power concentrates in a triad of the Council on Chiropractic Education (accreditation), National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (testing), and Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (regulatory nexus).
CCE’s Policy 56 ties accreditation to NBCE outcomes, reinforcing a single-exam monopoly and incentivizing teach-to-the-test practices. Financial flows appear circular: student funds move through colleges to NBCE, to FCLB, and into Summit participation, diffusing accountability. The report concludes that transparency mandates, financial audits, meaningful antitrust scrutiny, and recognition of competing accreditors are needed to restore choice, accountability, and legitimacy.
Key Words: Chiropractic Summit, Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE), Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB), Policy 56, Accreditation and Licensure, Monopoly/Cartel Dynamics, Transparency and Accountability, Antitrust Scrutiny, Student-Loan Funding Flows.
