About the Council on Forensic Sciences (CFS)

The Council on Forensic Sciences (CFS) is a not-for-profit organization, which establishes educational and training parameters for the practice of forensics. Participants in their educational and training programs are offered transcriptable credits through CCE approved chiropractic colleges which are applicable to board certification. On August 30, 2002, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) House of Delegates (HOD) adopted bylaw amendments that established the Council on Forensic Sciences (CFS) as a subsidiary of the Council on Chiropractic Orthopedics (CCO).

• Disability determination systems or programs
• Impairment rating systems
• Independent medical examinations
• Functional (work) capacity and physical assessment (Federal) systems
• Return to work and fitness for duty (DOT) assessment
• Fraud and abuse investigation
• Maximum medical improvement
• Causation

The CFS recognizes the American Board of Forensic Professionals (ABFP) as its certifying board. The ABFP is the only national chiropractic organization which operates and administers board certification (300+ hours diplomate) and re-certification for forensic, impairment rating, and Department of Transportation (DOT) programs. The ABFP is a member of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA) and is progressing towards reaching a compliant status with the standards set forth by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) guidelines.

Council on Forensic Sciences, education in forensic sciences for forensic examiners. Impairment rating systems, Independent medical examinations, Fraud and abuse investigation, Functional (work) capacity and physical assessment (Federal) systems, Return to work and fitness for duty (DOT) assessment

CFS Mission

The Council on Forensic Sciences (CFS) establishes and promotes educational and training parameters, improves skill sets and encourages collaboration in the practice of forensics (application of medical facts to legal issues and/or proceedings).

The CFS provides graduate and postdoctoral needs-based and evidenced-influenced educational activities, training, tools and technology recommendations to meet the current and future needs of the forensic examiner in the fields of disability determination systems or programs, impairment rating systems, independent medical examinations (IMEs), functional (work) capacity and physical assessment (Federal) systems, return to work and fitness for duty (DOT) assessment, fraud and abuse investigation, compliance issues, post payment audits, ethics issues, documentation formulation, informed consent and/or expert witness activities.

This mission is accomplished by promoting high standards in professional ethics and quality of examination and by carrying out a dynamic strategic plan to help ensure the professional growth and success of Doctors of Chiropractic and other professionals.

CFS Goals

Educational Goals

1. To develop, promote and direct educational programs in forensics.
2. To sponsor seminars and courses for professionals to include transcriptable credits.
3. To publish books, manuscripts, and articles dealing with forensics.
4. To offer educational programs that will provide the necessary knowledge, skill sets and training opportunities for alliances/affiliations/organizations.
5. To establish alliances/affiliations with complementary organizations.

Research Goals

1. To assist the American Board of Forensic Professional (ABFP) in formulating a job task analysis.
2. To assess the standards of professionals in the field of forensic science.
3. To assess educational and training opportunities in forensics.
4. To evaluate the utilization of forensic examiners by the justice system.
5. To determine the current status of forensic examiners in different professions.
6. To determine the effectiveness of forensic educational and training programs in affording new employment opportunities for board-certified forensic examiners having appropriate skills and educational background.

CFS Endorsements

The CFS endorses the Objective Scientists Model for forensic examination, expert evidence based on the Reference Manual of Scientific Evidence, American Board of Independent Medical Examiners protocol for Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs), National Association for Disability Evaluating Professionals (NADEP) and Council on Forensic Sciences (CFS) protocol for Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCEs) and professional policies of the American College of Medical Quality (ACMQ) and American Chiropractic Association (ACA).

CFS does not endorse, guarantee, or warrant the work or opinions of any individual member's qualifications, abilities, or expertise to provide information and educational opportunities. The objective of CFS publications and sponsored activities is to provide, deliver and conduct educational and training opportunities. The views expressed by the authors, publishers, or presenters are their own views and do not necessarily reflect those of CFS. The CFS does not assume any responsibility or liability for its members' or subscribers' efforts to apply or utilize the information, suggestions or recommendations made by the organization, publication resources, or activities.

For additional information contact:

Terrance M. Eyerly, DC DABFP
Secretary, ACA Council on Forensic Sciences
110 Butler Drive
Hazleton, Pennsylvania 18201
Phone: 570-455-5822
Fax: 570-455-5053
Email: tmedc@eyerlychiropractic.com
Website: www.eyerlychiropractic.com

CFS 2010-2011 Officers

Guideline of Conduct

1. The forensic examiner shall perform duties in accordance with the applicable law(s) and shall observe the highest of ethical and moral principles, evidence-influenced standards/guidelines and policies of professional practice.
2. The forensic examiner shall at all times act with integrity, truthfulness and honesty.
3. The forensic examiner shall observe diligence in the discharge of professional responsibilities.
4. The forensic examiner shall exhibit competence at all times in the discharge of professional responsibilities.
5. The forensic examiner shall at no time divulge confidential information in an inappropriate or unlawful manner and shall exercise the care required for confidentiality and privacy consistent with the applicable legal jurisdiction.
6. The forensic examiner shall not maliciously injure the reputation or professional practice of providers, employers, insurers, claimants, or other parties.
7. The forensic examiner shall divulge and report appropriately when faced with potential conflicts of interest.
8. The forensic examiner shall try to remain unbiased and objective, so that trier of fact is served by accurate determination of the facts involved.
9. The forensic examiner shall thoroughly review and analyze the evidence in a case, conduct evaluations based on established scientific principles, methodology, facts and evidence-influenced knowledge and training, and render opinions which have a demonstrably reasonable basis and are within the forensic examiner's qualifications and scope of practice.
10. The forensic examiner shall not intentionally withhold or omit any findings or opinions discovered during a forensic evaluation or review that would cause the facts of a case to be misinterpreted or distorted.
11. The forensic examiner shall never misrepresent credentials, education, training, experience, or membership status.
12. The forensic examiner shall refrain from any conduct that would be adverse to the best interest and purpose of the Council on Forensic Sciences and/or the American Chiropractic Association.
13. The forensic examiner shall respect the rights of the examinee and other participants, and treat these individuals with dignity and respect.
14. At the forensic medical examination, the forensic examiner shall:
    
    A. Introduce themselves to the examinee as the examiner.
    B. Advise the examinee they are presenting for an independent medical examination and the information provided will be used in the assessment and presented in a report.
    C. Confirm with the examinee with the name of the entity requesting the examination.
    D. Advise the examinee that a limited doctor/patient relationship (diagnose, maintain confidentiality and divulge) will be established.
    E. Confirm informed consent and explain the examination procedure(s).
    F. Provide adequate draping and privacy if the examinee needs to remove clothing for the examination.
    G. Allow a family member or friend to attend non-psychiatric portions of the examination, if requested by the examinee, and if the other person does not interfere and is not disruptive.
    H. Refrain from derogatory comments.
    I. Close the examination by telling the examinee that the examination is over and ask if there is further information that the examinee would like to add.
15. The forensic examiner shall be prepared to address conflict in a professional and constructive manner.
16. The forensic examiner shall never accept a fee for services which is dependent upon writing a report favorable to the referral service.
17. The forensic examiner shall continue to study, apply, and advance scientific knowledge, maintain a commitment to continuing subspecialty education, obtain consultation, and use the talents of other healthcare professionals when indicated.
    
    Approved 09/01/09