What must a chiropractor in Ohio obtain from a patient before beginning treatment?

A chiropractor in Ohio must obtain informed consent from a patient before beginning treatment to ensure that the patient understands the nature of the proposed chiropractic care, the potential benefits and risks associated with it, and any alternative treatment options that may be available. This process not only protects the patient's rights but also fosters a trusting relationship between the patient and the chiropractor.

Informed consent is a critical aspect of patient autonomy in healthcare, emphasizing that patients have the right to make educated decisions regarding their treatment. This requirement is foundational in both legal and ethical standards of practice within the healthcare field, including chiropractic care.

While obtaining medical history and insurance information can be important parts of the patient intake process, and a referral may occasionally be necessary in specific contexts, these are not legally required prerequisites for initiating treatment in Ohio. Informed consent specifically mandates that a chiropractor clarify and obtain acknowledgment of the treatment plan from the patient before commencing any therapeutic interventions.