# COMAR Title 10 — Maryland Department of Health

## Subtitle 43 — Board of Chiropractic Examiners

### Chapter 13 — Code of Ethics

#### Regulation .06 Records, Confidentiality, and Informed Consent.

*COMAR 10.43.13.06*

A chiropractor shall:

A. Respect and maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the patient;

B. Disclose the patient’s records or information about the patient only:

  (1) In accordance with the consent to treatment form signed by the:

    (a) Patient; or

    (b) Parent or guardian of a minor patient or incompetent patient; or

  (2) As required by law.

C. Adequately safeguard confidential patient information, including storage and disposal of records;

D. Provide sufficient information to a patient to allow the patient to make an informed decision regarding treatment, including:

  (1) The purpose and nature of an evaluation or treatment regimen;

  (2) Alternatives to treatment;

  (3) Side effects and benefits of a treatment regimen proposed and alternatives to that treatment;

  (4) The estimated cost of treatment and alternatives to treatment;

  (5) The right of the patient to:

    (a) Withdraw from treatment at any time, including the risks associated with withdrawing from treatment;

    (b) Decline to participate in treatment if an aspect of the treatment will be recorded, documented, photographed, observed, or otherwise used in an educational program; or

  (6) Terminate any treatment contract at any time, for any or no reason, with no fee or penalty incurred;

E. Obtain the full informed consent of a patient participating in a human research program, without communicating a direct or implied penalty for the patient's refusal to participate in the program and with due regard for the patient's autonomy and dignity;

F. Comply with applicable federal and State laws for human research programs; and

G. Promptly and efficiently respond to any patient or Board request for records.