ABSTRACT
The title of this chapter suggests that public policy offers a mechanism for effecting change. Another way of viewing the matter is to consider how public policy can be used to prevent change from happening. For example, as the first session of the 107th Congress drew to a close, HR 2792—the Disabled Veterans Service Dog and Health Care Improvement Act of 2001—was passed by the House of Representatives in late October 2001. If enacted, the legislation would make it possible for chiropractic care to be provided to veterans through all Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers. Physical therapists oppose this expansion on the grounds that proposed new chiropractic services will reduce funding for other needed services such as those furnished by physical therapists. If the latter group is successful in its efforts to block the bill from becoming law, the proposed change will not occur.
