What principle must be adhered to in patient documentation?

The principle that must be adhered to in patient documentation is the confidentiality of the patient's medical history. This is foundational to healthcare practice and is reinforced by laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, which establishes national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient's consent.

Maintaining confidentiality ensures that patients feel safe to disclose personal information, which is critical for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Additionally, it builds trust between the patient and healthcare provider, which is essential for a successful therapeutic relationship.

While transparency with financial information, public access to records, and regular updates to documentation have their own importance in different contexts, these do not hold the same weight as the obligation to protect a patient’s confidentiality. Safeguarding medical information is paramount to ethical practice in chiropractic care and the broader medical field.