Upholding Chiropractic Integrity
Life Chiropractic College West is proud to share that it played a pivotal role in helping defeat Montana House Bill 929 (HB929)—a bill that would have granted chiropractors the authority to prescribe medication. The legislation, widely opposed by chiropractic professionals nationwide, was officially abandoned on the final day of Montana’s legislative session, marking a significant victory for drug-free chiropractic care.
HB929 advanced through early stages of the Montana legislature but ultimately failed in multiple committees. Its final chance for passage was extinguished on April 24, when the House declined to take it up during a procedural “blast motion.”
From the start, Life West took a strong stance against the bill. President Dr. Ron Oberstein testified twice before Montana lawmakers, offering powerful testimony that underscored the philosophical and clinical risks of allowing prescription authority within chiropractic. He was joined by several Life West alumni who also gave testimony, highlighting the unity and clarity of purpose among chiropractic professionals committed to preserving the profession’s natural, drug-free roots.
“As the world’s largest natural, drug-free health profession, chiropractic must remain rooted in its unique identity,” said Dr. Oberstein. “Having the opportunity to speak directly to lawmakers about the risks of introducing prescription rights was critical. This bill threatened to blur the lines between chiropractic and medicine in a way that could compromise both patient trust and professional clarity.”
“Having the opportunity to speak directly to lawmakers about the risks of introducing prescription rights was critical. This bill threatened to blur the lines between chiropractic and medicine in a way that could compromise both patient trust and professional clarity.”
Life West alumni Dr. Austin Davis, Dr. Brandon Blank, Dr. Scott Matz, Dr. Hugo Gibson, Dr. Don Gibson, and Dr. C. Claude Basler—along with many other Montana-based chiropractors and their patients—worked tirelessly to communicate with legislators. Their voices, supported by chiropractors from across the U.S., proved instrumental in defeating the bill and defending the sacred heritage of the chiropractic profession.
The decision to reject HB929 reflects the profession’s unified commitment to staying true to its foundational philosophy. Life West remains steadfast in its mission to graduate chiropractors who are both clinically excellent and philosophically grounded, prepared to lead with integrity in a healthcare landscape that increasingly values natural healing and whole-person care.
To learn more about Life West and its role in advancing chiropractic without compromise, visit www.lifewest.edu.
