Chiropractic informed consent acts as an added layer of protection in risk management. Inadequate or missing informed consent could lead to legal complications and financial burdens for your practice.
The term “Standard of Care” governs our actions in the healthcare field. In chiropractic practice, scientific evidence and best practices must guide our decision-making processes for evaluating the risks and benefits of treatment options.
The law mandates informed consent in healthcare, stemming from the 1914 Schloendorff vs. The Society of the New York Hospital case. Ethically, it ensures patient participation in understanding the risks and benefits, thereby making an educated decision.
Documentation of informed consent must include:
For patients under 18, parents or legal guardians must give informed consent, termed “informed permission.” Certain exceptions like emancipated minors are there, and the specifics may vary by state laws.
Ensure your informed consent documents are comprehensive, clear, and tailored to your patient’s level of understanding. The documentation should indicate a two-way conversation and culminate in a signed agreement to proceed with the treatment.
Risks associated with chiropractic treatment are generally low. However, it’s crucial to provide clear, understandable information to patients about all potential risks and treatment alternatives, thus fulfilling the true essence of informed consent.
Including risk management, compliance, and ethics in your practice policies isn’t just legally sound—it’s also good business. Following the appropriate federal and state guidelines in your chiropractic informed consent procedures can offer an additional layer of protection against financial and legal setbacks.
To enhance your understanding and application of chiropractic informed consent, consider enrolling in chiropractic CEU courses. CCEDseminars offers a variety of courses that can help you stay updated on the latest best practices in chiropractic care, including the critical area of informed consent.
For more information on chiropractic CEU courses and how to better secure your practice against legal challenges, visit CCEDseminars.