Chief Executive Officer's Report

John Jannese

This issue of COCA News marks the anniversary of my fifth year as Chief Executive Officer of the College. Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to say that it has been my pleasure to continue to serve the COCA Executive and its members over the last year.

A year ago, I wrote of COCA’s achievements and detailed the professional issues the College dealt with during the year. In a similar vein, I thought readers might also like to know what happened throughout 2006/07.

COCA signs reciprocal membership agreement with The College of Chiropractors (UK)
Following agreement between The College of Chiropractors (UK) and COCA, members of both organisations are automatically entitled to Overseas Affiliate Membership - at no cost.

This important development is in the interests of international post graduate collaboration for all chiropractors and osteopaths worldwide.

COCA comments upon professional issues
As a stakeholder organisation in the professions of chiropractic and osteopathy, the College is often asked for its opinion or input pertaining to professional issues impacting upon the professions.

During the year COCA made submissions to:

• Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet
  Council of Australian Governments (COAG) - National registration and accreditation of health professionals
• Department of Health and Ageing Standards for the accreditation of practices providing diagnostic imaging services under the Radiology MoU.
• NSW WorkCover Authority Management of soft tissue injuries
• Victorian Chiropractic Registration Board Guidelines for continuing professional development Guidelines on frequency and duration of care
• Queensland Chiropractic Registration Board Recency of practice
• South Australian Chiropractors Registration Board Ongoing competency model for maintaining registration

New COCA member services & endorsed products

• Dixie Cummings – Recliner and massage chairs range.
• Therapod – V3 Ergonomic task chair.

Members are no doubt aware that any monies received from these endorsement and marketing activities are indirectly returned to you, as COCA is a not-for-profit organisation.

Other COCA achievements and initiatives launched during 2006/07

• Chiropractic & Osteopathy, COCA’s open access internet journal turns 2 years old. COCA agrees to cover the cost of publishing articles or research accepted by the Editorial Board from COCA members.
• Professional Indemnity & Public Liability insurance premiums slashed! Aon broking services together with QBE insurances once again put together the most innovative and wide ranging insurance cover for professions in the marketplace – for the lowest premium in the marketplace.
• Dr Craig Liebenson D.C. visits Australia for a one day COCA workshop. Title: Utilising Neuro-musculoskeletal Rehabilitation in your clinic.
• Outreach to students COCA provides students with practical resources and information seminars at all universities.
• Donations and academic student awards
  COCA supports new graduates with academic prizes.

Finally, COCA will continue to bring you the most informative and useful continuing education seminars series throughout next year and in the years to come.