Do not assume legislators understand how provider contracting works, or that you are not allowed to speak about contracts with your colleagues that are not explicitly part of your tax ID.
Lori Grassi WSCA Executive of Legislation and Policy
WSCA Board of Directors Sets 2026 Legislative Priorities
As we look ahead to the 2026 legislative session, the WSCA is focused on two key priorities that reflect both our profession’s values and the realities faced by our members: reintroducing contract fairness legislation and advancing animal adjusting laws to support integrated care with veterinary professionals. These efforts are not just about policy—they are about protecting livelihoods, expanding opportunities, and reinforcing the professional autonomy that all practitioners deserve.
Priority No. 1: Reintroducing Contract Fairness For over two decades, our members have faced stagnant wages under contracts that offer no real opportunity for negotiation. These adhesion contracts are designed to favor one party— typically large corporate employers—leaving individual providers with no meaningful ability to advocate for fair terms. Worse, many of these agreements include evergreen clauses, which automatically renew year after year, perpetuating inequitable conditions unless action is taken within narrow, often impractical windows.
This is not a matter of business convenience—it is a structural imbalance that undermines professional dignity and financial stability. There is no negotiation when the contract terms are non-negotiable. We are reintroducing legislation that will establish basic fairness in contract terms, ensure providers have the ability to review and renegotiate, and prevent perpetual auto-renewal without clear consent and explanatory details of how the agreements have changed from the previous version.
Invite legislators to meet with you—either at your office or over a cup of coffee—to hear firsthand how these contracts impact your ability to earn a living. Explain that your pay has not kept pace with inflation or the cost of living for twenty years, and without legislative reform, this erosion of value will only continue.
Priority No. 2: Advancing Animal Adjusting Our second priority for 2026 focuses on animal chiropractic care. We are advocating for legislation that allows licensed chiropractors to adjust animals and build practices that include animal care. This is an opportunity to not only broaden our professional scope but also to enhance the quality of life for animals and support the veterinary community.
Animal adjusting is a specialized skill, and many chiropractors have pursued advanced training to serve this niche. However, outdated or restrictive regulations prevent them from practicing these skills. Our proposed legislation would create a clear, cooperative framework that benefits chiropractors, veterinarians, animal owners—and most importantly, the animals themselves.
Building a Strong PAC for a Stronger Voice
2026 is a pivotal election year. With all House seats up for election, and multiple open seats across the state this fall, it is imperative that our profession has a seat at the table during campaign season. To do that, we must build a robust PAC balance that allows us to support candidates who understand and advocate for our issues. Remember, if you are not at the table, YOU ARE ON THE MENU!
Legislative success is not won on the floor alone—it is shaped by relationships, early support, and the ability to engage with candidates during their campaigns. Every contribution to our PAC helps ensure we are not just reacting to laws—we are helping to write them.
Join Us in Advocacy We encourage every member to get involved. Whether it’s hosting a legislator at your clinic, contributing to the PAC, or sharing your contract experience, your voice matters. Together, we can reshape policy in a way that reflects the professionalism, skill, and integrity of our work.
For meetings with lawmakers, resources on how to advocate, or information about our legislative agenda, please contact me, or your District Board representative.
Let 2026 be the year we reclaim fairness and expand our future. Donate to the PAC:
www.washingtonchirotrust.org/donate Don’t Miss Education on Building and Running a Cash Practice
at the Upcoming Connect ’25 Conference At this fall’s Conference, the WSCA is preparing to offer targeted educational sessions focused on building and running an effective cash practice. As reimbursement models continue to shift and contractual limitations remain a challenge, many chiropractors are exploring cash-based models to reclaim autonomy and enhance profitability. These sessions will provide practical tools, compliance strategies, and marketing insights to help our members succeed outside of traditional insurance frameworks. Whether you’re considering transitioning to a cash practice or looking to optimize your current approach, this education will empower you to build a thriving, patient-centered business. Look for this content in the special Conference Section of this issue of Plexus.
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