What does gross malpractice involve?

Gross malpractice refers to a serious violation of the standards of practice within the medical or chiropractic field that demonstrates a blatant disregard for patient safety or well-being. Treating a patient while under the influence of substances is a clear example of gross malpractice, as it significantly impairs a practitioner’s ability to provide proper care and poses a direct risk to the patient's health.

This type of behavior undermines the trust that patients place in healthcare providers and is unacceptable under any circumstances. The ethical and professional standards of chiropractic practice demand that practitioners maintain a level of competence, judgment, and responsibility that ensures the safety of their patients.

In contrast, the other scenarios, while they may involve malpractice or negligence, do not rise to the level of gross malpractice. Making a mistake in a diagnosis, failing to charge appropriate fees, and neglecting to keep accurate patient records indicate errors or lapses in professional conduct but do not fundamentally endanger a patient to the same extent as treating while impaired. Thus, these issues may represent forms of negligence or malpractice but lack the extreme recklessness involved in gross malpractice.