for treatment only if a patient is referred by a doctor.

However, on Friday they said the move would not be reversed and the meeting would be to explain the reasons behind the decision and to listen to the chiropractors' views.

At the beginning of the month the Health Insurance Association of Bermuda, which represents all but one health insurance company, elected to enforce a clause calling for people seeking treatment outside mainstream medicine to get a referral from a medical doctor.

It was taken as more and more people sought treatment outside hospitals, leading to escalating pay-outs and insurance premiums.

However, the move enraged chiropractor Dr. Donald Ray, who claimed his business was being badly affected. It also upset chiropodists on the Island who also claimed their business would be hit.

On Friday, the Association met to discuss the decision and agreed unanimously to keep it in place, although members agreed to seek a meeting with the chiropractors and chiropodists.

Mr. Nicholas Warren, the Association's President, said: "What we are trying to do is protect employers from escalating costs. I don't know if there is a middle ground on this matter.

"But I will listen to their points of view and hopefully they will listen to me and perhaps we can reach some sort of a solution.'' As well as the chiropractors and chiropodists, professions such as physiotherapists and dietitians are affected. However they have a much closer relationship with doctors and there will be no problem getting a referral.

"There was no-one at the meeting who stood up and asked for the decision to be reversed. We all realise it is not an ideal solution, but at the moment it is the only option available to us,'' added Mr. Warren.

Dr. Ray said he was not surprised by the decision, but still disappointed and he criticised the Association over the way it handled the matter.

"We got a letter on May 31 saying that referrals would be needed as of June 1. No good reason was given and we did not get any notice, even a person being dismissed from a job gets some notice,'' added Dr. Ray.

"There is nothing much to say to Mr. Warren. I have spoken to him and he knows my viewpoint.''