What should a chiropractor do if a patient refuses to sign consent forms?

When a patient refuses to sign consent forms, it is essential for a chiropractor to document the refusal accurately and explain the implications of this decision to the patient. This approach ensures that the chiropractor maintains a professional and ethical standard in patient care, recognizing the patient's autonomy while also providing them with clear information about the potential consequences of not consenting to treatment.

By documenting the refusal, the chiropractor can create a record that provides evidence of the patient's decision and the discussions that took place, which can be vital for legal and ethical reasons. It's important to inform the patient that without consent, they may not receive the treatment they seek and that there could be risks involved in proceeding without proper consent. This transparency fosters trust and supports the patient's right to make informed decisions about their health care.

Proceeding with treatment without consent could lead to serious legal repercussions and ethical violations. Meanwhile, contacting legal authorities immediately or advising the patient to find another provider might not be appropriate responses, as they could escalate the situation unnecessarily without addressing the consent issue directly.