Florida Chiropractic Laws and Rules (FCLR) Practice Exam

What acts constitute a violation of the chiropractic chapter and are considered misdemeanors of the first degree?

1. Practicing without a valid license

2. Using deceptive practices in treatment

3. Violation of the chiropractic-patient relationship

4. Failing to document patient visits

The correct answer is: Violation of the chiropractic-patient relationship

The correct response centers on the specifics of how violations within the chiropractic profession are defined under Florida law. A violation of the chiropractic-patient relationship is fundamentally critical to maintaining ethical standards and protecting patient welfare. This relationship encompasses trust, professionalism, and proper conduct between a chiropractor and their patient. Any act that undermines this relationship, such as exploitation or betrayal of patient trust, falls under serious infractions, leading to misdemeanor charges. In Florida, the law is particularly strict about maintaining a professional healthcare environment, and violations of this relationship not only harm individuals but can erode the integrity of the chiropractic profession as a whole. The legal framework is established to protect patients from misconduct and to ensure that chiropractors adhere to high ethical and professional standards. Practicing without a valid license, while also a serious violation, is classified differently as it pertains to the unauthorized practice of chiropractic. Similarly, using deceptive practices in treatment falls under fraud or malpractice rather than directly affecting the chiropractic-patient relationship itself. Failing to document patient visits can lead to administrative penalties or impacts on practice, but it does not specifically breach the foundational trust inherent in the chiropractic-patient dynamic as a violation would. Thus, understanding the weight of the chiropractic-patient relationship highlights why this option specifically