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Case ended 20 April 2023

A chiropractor was found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct in relation to failing to provide adequate care for a patient. Specifically, they

  • did not obtain or record an adequate case history before treatment
  • recommended a plan of care that was excessive, as it did not contain any planned reviews or reassessments of the patient.

When the patient raised concerns that his condition was not improving, the chiropractor did not carry out a review of the treatment, nor did they refer the patient to their GP or other healthcare provider in the best interests of the patient.
Chiropractors are reminded that Standard C4 of the code requires that you must:

develop, apply and document a plan of care in full agreement with the patient. You must check the effectiveness of the care and keep the plan of care under review. A more formal reassessment of the effectiveness of the plan of care must be undertaken at intervals that suit the patient and their needs. All subsequent modifications to the plan of care must be discussed and agreed with the patient and properly documented.

The chiropractor was given a nine month conditions of practice order requiring them to

  • regularly meet with a mentor
  • prepare and follow a Personal Development Plan addressing the areas of their practise that were found to be lacking
  • submit to a clinical audit by the GCC

They will be subject to a review hearing shortly before the expiry of the order to consider whether their practice has developed to an acceptable level and full reinstatement to the register.

Case ended 11 May 2023:

The PCC found the allegations were not proved against an individual accused of failing to ensure a hygienic and safe environment for treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Registrants are reminded that, although there is no longer any requirement for enhanced protocol beyond the requirements of The Code to treat patients in a hygienic and safe environment (A6), they should continue to exercise their professional judgement, in conjunction with their patients wishes, in determining whether it is appropriate to see any, and each, patient.

Further details of recent decisions are published on the website along with notices of upcoming hearings.