What constitutes unprofessional conduct related to waivers?

Forcing a patient to sign a release from liability is considered unprofessional conduct because it violates a fundamental principle of patient autonomy and informed consent. Chiropractic practitioners, like all healthcare providers, are required to respect the rights of their patients. This includes not coercing patients into signing documents that could limit their rights or ability to seek recourse in the event of malpractice or harm.

Forcing a signature undermines the ethical obligation of healthcare professionals to ensure that patients fully understand the implications of such waivers. It is essential for patients to feel empowered to make their own decisions regarding their healthcare without pressure or intimidation from their providers. Informed consent requires that patients are free to accept or refuse treatment and any associated agreements at their own discretion. Thus, coercive practices, such as forcing patients to sign waivers, are deemed unprofessional and can lead to disciplinary action against the practitioner.

In contrast, encouraging patients to sign releases, providing incentives for signing waivers, and not discussing waivers with patients may raise ethical concerns but do not equate to the same level of wrongdoing as forcing a patient to sign. Each of these scenarios can involve varying degrees of professional responsibility and ethical considerations but do not directly infringe upon the patient's rights in the same overtly aggressive manner