Restrictions relating to chiropractic advertising
Key Points
- A statement has been issued reminding chiropractors that their advertising must comply with the requirements of the National Law or they risk disciplinary consequences
Background
A small number of chiropractors have been the subject of disciplinary proceedings as a result of making claims to consumers regarding benefits of chiropractic treatment where there is insufficient scientific evidence to support these claims.
The Chiropractic Board of Australia has recently issued a statement emphasising that chiropractors need to ensure that their advertising complies with the requirements of the National Law or they risk disciplinary consequences. The Chiropractic Board of Australia has provided clear instructions in relation to making claims where there is insufficient scientific evidence in support of those claims.
The statement targets claims that there is a relationship between spinal manipulation and the treatment of a number of organic diseases and infections; or that spinal problems may have a direct role in various organic diseases and infections. This includes claims made in relation to the benefits of spinal manipulation to treat developmental and behavioural disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, asthma, infantile colic, bedwetting, ear infections and digestive problems.
The statement also reminds chiropractors (and patients) that chiropractors are not trained to (and should not deliver) any direct treatment to an unborn child. Chiropractic care must not be represented or provided as treatment to the unborn child as an obstetric breech correction technique.
Conclusion
The statement highlights the need for patients to be adequately informed when making health care choices. Chiropractors must ensure that any statements and claims made in relation to the care that they provide are not false, misleading or deceptive or create an unreasonable expectation of beneficial treatment.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
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