Florida Chiropractic Laws and Rules (FCLR) Practice Exam

What must a chiropractor do when treating a minor patient?

1. Obtain verbal consent from the minor

2. Provide a detailed treatment plan to the minor

3. Obtain consent from a parent or guardian

4. Record the minor’s medical history without consent

The correct answer is: Obtain consent from a parent or guardian

When treating a minor patient, obtaining consent from a parent or guardian is essential for complying with legal and ethical standards. Minors are typically not considered capable of making fully informed decisions about their healthcare, which is why the law requires that a responsible adult, usually a parent or legal guardian, provide consent. This ensures that the adult understands the treatment being proposed and can weigh the benefits and risks involved on behalf of the minor. A healthcare provider, including chiropractors, must also follow documentation processes that demonstrate compliance with this requirement. Simply obtaining verbal consent from a minor is not sufficient because it does not meet the legal requirements for informed consent in the case of individuals who are not of legal age. Providing a detailed treatment plan directly to a minor does not substitute for the need for parental consent, nor is it appropriate to record a minor’s medical history without obtaining consent from a responsible adult. Thus, the requirement to obtain consent from a parent or guardian is both a legal obligation and a best practice in the healthcare field.