CA 109: Professional Boundaries & Ethics for Chiropractic Assistants

CA 109: Professional Boundaries & Ethics – In the chiropractic clinical setting, trust is the currency of care. This 1-hour course provides chiropractic clinical assistants with a comprehensive understanding of ethical responsibilities, legal considerations, and professional conduct. This course is a core component of the Certified Chiropractic Clinical Assistant (CCCA) Program.

CA 109: Safeguarding Integrity in the Chiropractic Clinic

Professionalism extends far beyond clinical skill. CA 109 equips the Chiropractic Assistant (CA) with the knowledge needed to navigate real-world interactions with patients, providers, and coworkers while maintaining strict ethical standards. From understanding the nuances of informed consent to recognizing federal workplace protections, this training ensures assistants can protect patient dignity while safeguarding the practice from liability.

Course Topics

• Foundations of Professional Boundaries: Understanding the clinical relationship and the importance of patient trust.
• Informed vs. Implied Consent: Protocols for ensuring patients understand and agree to clinical procedures.
• Examination Protocols: Maintaining professional conduct and patient dignity during clinical assessments.
• The Role of the Chaperone: When and how to utilize a chaperone to support a safe clinical environment.
• Workplace Conduct & Harassment: Identifying sexual harassment (Quid Pro Quo vs. Hostile Environment) and EEOC regulations.
• Ethical Self-Assessment: Tools for evaluating behavior and maintaining professional accountability.
• Legal Responsibilities: Understanding federal protections, reporting procedures, and the duty to report unethical behavior.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Define professional boundaries and their impact on patient safety and clinic reputation.
• Explain the role of informed consent in supporting patient rights and clinical transparency.
• Identify appropriate behavior during clinical examinations and recognize the need for a chaperone.
• Differentiate between types of workplace harassment and understand the legal reporting framework.
• Apply ethical self-assessment guidelines to maintain professionalism across all interactions.

Quick Course Details

• Course Type: Online
• Credit Hours: 1
• Instructor: Monte Horne, DC
• Format: Video, text, and downloadable study guide
• Certification: Part of the Certified Chiropractic Clinical Assistant (CCCA) curriculum

About the Instructor

Monte Horne, DC is the Founder of CCEDseminars and a pioneer in online chiropractic education. As a postgraduate faculty member and creator of the FCLB-recognized Certified Chiropractic Clinical Assistant program, Dr. Horne provides practical, high-integrity training designed to empower office staff and optimize clinical workflows.