What action should be taken if the supervising chiropractor is not present and a patient requires treatment?

Delaying treatment until the chiropractor is present is the appropriate action to ensure patient safety and compliance with legal and ethical standards in chiropractic care. When a supervising chiropractor is not available, it's crucial for chiropractic assistants to adhere to the established protocols that guide patient care. This involves waiting for the chiropractor to perform an assessment and ultimately determine the treatment plan.

Providing treatment without the chiropractor's presence could expose the patient to unnecessary risk, as the chiropractor is responsible for diagnosing and directing treatments. Consulting with another healthcare professional does not replace the need for the supervising chiropractor's input, as the specific needs of the patient within the chiropractic context may not be fully understood or addressed by a different provider. Documenting the absence of the chiropractor, while important for record-keeping, does not address the immediate need for patient care.

By choosing to delay treatment, the integrity of the practice is upheld, and the rights and safety of the patient are prioritized.