If the supervising chiropractor has not yet arrived and a patient is scheduled for treatment, what should the CA do?

The appropriate course of action when a supervising chiropractor has not yet arrived and a patient is scheduled for treatment is to do nothing until the supervising chiropractor arrives. This ensures that patient safety and legal protocols are maintained, as chiropractic treatment should only be administered by a licensed chiropractor or under their direct supervision.

In a clinical setting, the chiropractic assistant plays a supportive role, but they do not have the authority to perform treatments or make clinical decisions. The safety of the patient is paramount, and waiting for the supervising chiropractor allows for proper assessment and treatment planning. Performing any treatment without the chiropractor could lead to legal liability and could compromise patient safety.

While notifying the patient of the delay may seem like an appropriate action, it does not address the critical need for proper supervision during treatment. Scheduling another appointment or simply taking the patient's information also does not align with the essential protocols for patient care in chiropractic practice. Therefore, awaiting the chiropractor's arrival is the correct and best practice in this scenario.