If your supervising chiropractor leaves for a home emergency, what are you allowed to do according to regulations?

In the scenario where a supervising chiropractor leaves for a home emergency, the proper course of action according to regulations is to close the office. This is based on the understanding that, as a chiropractic assistant, one must operate under the supervision and direction of a licensed chiropractor. When the chiropractor is not present, it is essential to prioritize patient safety and care standards.

The rationale for closing the office is rooted in the legal and ethical obligations of healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive appropriate care. Without the supervising chiropractor on site, you are not authorized to make clinical decisions or provide treatment, which could lead to potential risks for patient safety and liability issues for both the assistant and the chiropractor.

Options such as continuing to work with patients, waiting for the chiropractor to return, or calling another provider for assistance do not align with the protocols and regulations governing chiropractic practice. Continuing treatment without the chiropractor present could jeopardize both the patients' well-being and the legal standing of the practice. Therefore, taking the responsible step of closing the office is the necessary action to uphold professional standards.