Md. Code Regs. 10.43.13.04

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 25, December 13, 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