How frequently should a licensed DC re-evaluate patients treated by unlicensed individuals?

The requirement for a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) to re-evaluate patients treated by unlicensed individuals is governed by regulations aimed at ensuring patient safety and continuity of care. The correct interval for these re-evaluations is 30 days.

Re-evaluating patients at this frequency helps ensure that any adverse changes in the patient's condition are promptly assessed, allowing the licensed professional to intervene if necessary. This timeframe strikes a balance between adequately monitoring the patient's progress and not overwhelming the care process with too frequent evaluations. It supports the continuity of care and reinforces the accountability of the licensed practitioner in overseeing the treatment of patients, particularly when those patients are receiving care from unlicensed practitioners, who may have limitations in their scope of practice or services they can provide.

Choosing a different time frame, such as every 15 days or a month, could potentially lead to either excessive monitoring or inadequate oversight, undermining the goal of maintaining optimal patient safety and care standards.