Recognizing Those Who Serve

Illinois has hundreds of State Boards and Commissions made up of hardworking individuals who often volunteer their time in service of public good. Many times these boards report directly to a particular state agency and provide specialized information on a variety of topics. The ICS has worked hard to ensure that the chiropractic profession’s voice is heard by having dedicated doctors placed in key positions on these boards. For example, the Illinois Medical Disciplinary Board and the Medical Licensing Board both require seven physicians serving staggered 4-year terms, and we have chiropractic representation on each board.

I have highlighted some of the major medical boards below, as well as spotlighting the indispensable chiropractic physicians who are volunteering so much of their time on behalf of the profession.

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Illinois Medical Licensing Board

Function: This Board advises the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and its Secretary on license qualifications and applications. When laws regarding physician licenses are passed, the department must often fill in some details of those laws by adopting rules through the rulemaking process. Not only does this board provide technical advice for rules regarding your license, but it must approve proposed rules drafted by the Department of Professional Regulation before the Department seeks final rule approval from the legislature. The Board also reviews medical license applications and examinations and may condition or restrict any license issued.

Chiropractic Representation: Dr. Douglas Matzner. Dr. Matzner graduated from National University of Health Sciences in 1981. Since then he has operated a highly successful broad-based practice out of Champaign, IL. Dr. Matzner is an ICS Past President, ICS Chiropractic Physician of the Year recipient, and also currently a Fellow for the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards.

Illinois Medical Disciplinary Board

Function: The Medical Disciplinary Board’s purpose is to consider allegations of misconduct or malfeasance by members of the medical professions and to recommend appropriate discipline to the Department of Professional Regulation’s Secretary. Members of this board must review investigative files to determine whether a case should be closed, resolved by conference or referred for formal hearing. The board conducts hearings and may recommend probation, suspension, revocation or other action of license.

Chiropractic Representation: Dr. Richard Fay. Dr. Fay maintains a practice in Naperville, has served on the Disciplinary Board since August 2010, and was recently elected by the Board as its Vice Chair. Another National University graduate and ICS Chiropractic Physician of the Year award recipient, Dr. Fay has also served as an ICS board member, liaison to BlueCross/BlueShield of Illinois, and as a member of the Medicare Carrier Advisory Committee.

Illinois State Board of Health

Function: This board advises the Director of the Department of Public Health on public health policy, health emergencies, and control of health hazards. The board is made up of 20 individuals, ranging from dentists to medical school facility to veterinarians, all appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. These individuals review IDPH rules and health program proposals and recommends solutions to public health issues.

Chiropractic Representation: Dr. Monica Schnack. Dr. Schnack is a native of Iowa and a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic. She worked for the Iowa Department of Human Services as a family therapist, abuse investigator and abuse investigation supervisor. Dr. Schnack is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician, a diplomate of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, an ICS Past President, and recipient of the ICS Chiropractor of the Year award. In 1989 she moved to Bloomington, IL and began her private practice.

Illinois Board of Acupuncture

Function: The Acupuncture Practice Act became effective January 31, 1997, making Acupuncture one of the professions most recently regulated by the Department. The Board is composed of seven members appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Professional Regulation. The Board is charged with providing expert knowledge and advice on administrative rules, disciplinary matters, and professional performance and conduct pertaining to the practice of acupuncture.

Chiropractic Representation: Dr. Kristine Tohtz. A National University of Health Science graduate, Dr. Tohtz has not only received her Diplomate in Acupuncture, but she also serves as Vice President of the American Chiropractic Association’s Council on Chiropractic Acupuncture (CCA). Dr. Tohtz is s a Certified McKenzie Practitioner from the prestigious McKenzie Institute and a Yoga Instructor through the Temple of Kriya Yoga.