What does 'malpractice' refer to in chiropractic practice?

'Malpractice' in chiropractic practice refers to the failure to provide adequate care, which can result in harm to a patient. This concept encompasses a range of professional conduct that does not meet the accepted standards of practice within the profession. When a chiropractor does not adhere to these standards—for instance, by failing to diagnose correctly, providing improper treatment, or neglecting to follow up with patients—they may be considered to have committed malpractice.

Providing inadequate care is particularly significant because it pertains directly to the duty of care that chiropractors owe to their patients. This includes maintaining up-to-date knowledge of techniques, performing appropriate examinations, and ensuring that the treatments offered are safe and evidence-based.

The other options relate to aspects of professional conduct but do not specifically define malpractice. Advertising aggressively might concern ethical marketing practices, working long hours does not in itself indicate poor care, and failing to meet educational requirements pertains more to licensure than to the delivery of patient care. Therefore, the definition of malpractice clearly aligns with the concept of providing insufficient or improper medical care.