Are chiropractors permitted to refer patients to other providers?

• A. No referrals are allowed.
• B. Yes, as appropriate and within ethical guidelines, with proper documentation and disclosure.
• C. Only to physicians.
• D. Only with TBCE approval.

Answer: (B)

Referring patients to other providers when clinically indicated is a standard and ethical part of chiropractic practice. The main idea is that patient welfare comes first, and a chiropractor should recognize when care beyond their scope or expertise is needed. When a referral is appropriate, it should be made with the patient’s informed consent, and the rationale for the referral should be clearly documented. This documentation also notes what information is being shared and with whom, preserving continuity of care and supporting patient safety and privacy.

Referrals can be to physicians, physical therapists, specialists, or other qualified professionals depending on the patient’s condition. They do not require special approval from the board, and the obligation to refer is not limited to a single type of provider. Saying no referrals at all or restricting referrals to only physicians would ignore the real-world need for coordinated, multidisciplinary care in many cases, and requiring board approval for every referral would impede timely patient management.