On which basis can a chiropractor not refuse treatment?

A chiropractor's refusal to treat a patient on the basis of race or national origin is not only ethically unacceptable but also illegal under various anti-discrimination laws. In Massachusetts and across the United States, healthcare providers, including chiropractors, are obligated to provide care without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or national origin. These laws are in place to ensure that all individuals have equal access to healthcare services, promoting fairness and equity in medical treatment.

When it comes to the other options, professional affiliations, a patient’s financial situation, and type of insurance coverage can all influence a chiropractor's decision to accept or decline a patient. For example, some practitioners may decline to treat individuals who are not part of their professional network or who have financial constraints that make payment difficult. Similarly, if a patient has insurance that the chiropractor does not accept, this may lead to a refusal of treatment. However, these reasons do not hold the same legal weight as discrimination based on race or national origin, which is explicitly prohibited.