645—43.2(147,272C) Principles of chiropractic ethics. The following principles of chiropractic ethics are adopted by the board for the practice of chiropractic in this state.
	43.2(1) These principles are intended to aid chiropractic physicians individually and collectively in maintaining a high level of ethical conduct. These are standards by which a chiropractic physician may determine the propriety of the chiropractic physician’s conduct in the chiropractic physician’s relationship with patients, with colleagues, with members of allied professions, and with the public.
	43.2(2) The principal objective of the chiropractic profession is to render service to humanity with full respect for the dignity of the person. Chiropractic physicians should merit the confidence of patients entrusted to their care, rendering to each a full measure of service and devotion.
	43.2(3) Chiropractic physicians should strive continually to improve chiropractic knowledge and skill, and should make available to their patients and colleagues the benefits of their professional attainments.
	43.2(4) A chiropractic physician should practice a method of healing founded on a scientific basis, and should not voluntarily associate professionally with anyone who violates this principle.
	43.2(5) The chiropractic profession should safeguard the public and itself against chiropractic physicians deficient in moral character or professional competence. Chiropractic physicians should observe all laws, uphold the dignity and honor of the profession and accept its self-imposed disciplines. They should expose, without hesitation, illegal or unethical conduct of fellow members of the profession.
	43.2(6) A chiropractic physician may choose whom to serve. In an emergency, however, services should be rendered to the best of the chiropractic physician’s ability. Having undertaken the case of a patient, the chiropractic physician may not neglect the patient; and, unless the patient has been discharged, the chiropractic physician may discontinue services only after giving adequate notice.
	43.2(7) A chiropractic physician should not dispose of services under terms or conditions that tend to interfere with or impair the free and complete exercise of professional judgment and skill or tend to cause a deterioration of the quality of chiropractic care.
	43.2(8) A chiropractic physician should seek consultation upon request, in doubtful or difficult cases, or whenever it appears that the quality of chiropractic service may be enhanced thereby.
	43.2(9) A chiropractic physician may not reveal the confidences entrusted in the course of chiropractic attendance, or the deficiencies observed in the character of patients, unless required to do so by law or unless it becomes necessary in order to protect the welfare of the individual or of the community.
	43.2(10) The honored ideals of the chiropractic profession imply that the responsibilities of the chiropractic physician extend not only to the individual, but also to society where these responsibilities deserve interest and participation in activities that have the purpose of improving both the health and well-being of the individual and the community.
[ARC 7968C, IAB 5/15/24, effective 6/19/24]