Md. Code Regs. 10.43.13.04

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 10.43.13.04 - Relationship with Patient

A. A chiropractor shall:

(1) Use professional judgment in the use of evaluation and treatment procedures;

(2) Decline to administer treatment if the chiropractor believes that a treatment is contraindicated or unjustified;

(3) Terminate a professional relationship with a patient in an appropriate manner, such as:

(a) Providing the patient with sufficient notice to permit the patient to obtain the services of another professional;

(b) Assisting the patient by providing referrals if appropriate; or

(c) Continuing to provide emergency treatment to the patient if treatment is required before a reasonable time has passed to allow the patient to obtain the services of another health care provider;

(4) Maintain a written record of treatment of the patient under the chiropractor's care for at least:

(a) 5 years after the termination of treatment; and

(b) 5 years after the patient becomes 18 years old, if applicable;

(5) Make the written records of treatment available to the patient upon request, in compliance with applicable laws for disclosure of medical records;

(6) Make arrangements for another professional to provide for the needs of the patient during anticipated absences when the chiropractor is unavailable to the patient;

(7) Make referrals only to other qualified and duly licensed health care providers;

(8) Accurately inform the patient, other health care professionals, and the public of the limitations of the practice of chiropractic;

(9) Adequately assess the patient to determine if contraindications against chiropractic treatment exist and refer the patient to an appropriate health care practitioner;

(10) Exercise independent professional judgment in the treatment or evaluation of the patient regardless of whether the patient was referred by another health care provider;

(11) Ensure clear and concise professional communications with patients regarding:

(a) Nature and duration of treatment;

(b) Diagnoses;

(c) Costs;

(d) Billing; and

(e) Insurance; and

(12) Administer fair and equitable fees to patients regardless of status or insurance.

B. A chiropractor may not:

(1) Accept a client for treatment, or continue unnecessary treatment, when the patient cannot be reasonably expected to benefit from the treatment;

(2) Receive remuneration from, or provide remuneration to, or split a fee, for either making or accepting a referral of the patient to or from another health care provider;

(3) Make a guarantee or promise about the efficacy of a particular treatment, the chiropractor's practice, or the result of a treatment unless supported by scientific principles accepted by the profession; or

(4) Exploit the professional relationship by:

(a) Continuing treatment unnecessarily; or

(b) Charging for a service:

(i) Not provided; or

(ii) Different from those actually provided.

Md. Code Regs. 10.43.13.04

Recodified from .04 effective 43:26 Md. R. 1446, eff. 1/2/2017