S.C. Code Regs. § § 25-7

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 11, November 22, 2024

Section 25-7 - Code of Ethics

A. Doctors of Chiropractic shall be guided by the highest standards of moral conduct. Chiropractors shall exemplify professional qualities in all dealings with patients, the general public and other members of the profession.

B. The Doctor of Chiropractic reserves the option to establish a chiropractor/patient relationship.

(1) A chiropractor/patient relationship requires that the chiropractor make an informed judgment based on training and experience. This will require that the chiropractor:

(a) discuss with the patient the analysis and the evidence for it, and the risks and benefits of various treatment options; and

(b) ensure the availability of the chiropractic coverage for patient follow-up care.

C. The Doctor of Chiropractic owes a duty to maintain the highest degree of skill and care by keeping abreast of all new developments in Chiropractic to improve knowledge and skill in the Science, Art and Philosophy of Chiropractic.

D. A Doctor of Chiropractic holds in confidence all information obtained at any time during the course of the chiropractor/patient relationship except where required by law or to protect the welfare of the patient or community.

E. A chiropractor may not assume to speak for the chiropractic profession. The chiropractor should qualify remarks as a personal opinion and not necessarily that of the profession.

F. The commission of an act of sexual misconduct or sexual relations by a chiropractor with a patient is unprofessional conduct and cause for disciplinary action pursuant to Section 25-6 of this chapter. Sexual misconduct is defined as engaging in, soliciting or otherwise attempting to engage in, any form of sexual relationship, activity or contact with a current patient, or with a former patient who has received a professional consultation, diagnostic service or therapeutic service within the past ninety (90) days.

S.C. Code Regs. § 25-7

Amended by State Register Volume 17, Issue No. 4, eff April 23, 1993; State Register Volume 23, Issue No. 6, eff June 25, 1999; State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 4, eff April 24, 2009; State Register Volume 37, Issue No. 6, eff June 28, 2013; State Register Volume 44, Issue No. 06, eff. 6/26/2020.