If a chiropractor changes the adjusting technique, what must occur?

If a chiropractor changes the adjusting technique, what must occur?

• A. Re-consent the patient
• B. Do nothing
• C. Notify staff only
• D. Document in chart

Answer: (A)

When you change the method used to deliver care, you’re altering what the patient is consenting to. That shift can bring new risks, benefits, or expectations, so the patient must be informed and provide consent to the updated technique. This re-consent protects patient autonomy and meets ethical and legal standards for treatment changes. After obtaining consent, you should document the new consent and the details of the technique in the chart. Merely doing nothing, notifying staff without the patient’s agreement, or recording the change without consent does not satisfy the requirement to obtain informed consent for the new approach.

When you change the method used to deliver care, you’re altering what the patient is consenting to. That shift can bring new risks, benefits, or expectations, so the patient must be informed and provide consent to the updated technique. This re-consent protects patient autonomy and meets ethical and legal standards for treatment changes. After obtaining consent, you should document the new consent and the details of the technique in the chart. Merely doing nothing, notifying staff without the patient’s agreement, or recording the change without consent does not satisfy the requirement to obtain informed consent for the new approach.