Professional Conduct, Ethics, and Disciplinary Process
Discipline protects the public
Idaho’s Board may act on grounds such as unprofessional conduct, incompetence, fraud or misrepresentation, impairment, sexual misconduct, boundary violations, and practicing beyond scope. Sanctions can include reprimand, probation, restrictions, suspension, revocation, fines, and continuing education. The process is administrative: complaint, investigation, notice, hearing, decision, and appeal. Licensees have due-process rights, but the Board’s public-protection purpose shapes interim restrictions.
Conduct anchors
- Keep boundaries; avoid dual relationships that impair judgment.
- Do not exploit patients financially, sexually, or emotionally.
- Be truthful in advertising, billing, and licensure applications.
- Report adverse events and comply with subpoenas and Board inquiries.
- Do not abandon patients or practice while impaired.
Worked example
A chiropractor starts a romantic relationship with a current patient and continues treating her. Even if the patient “consents,” the power imbalance makes the conduct an ethics and boundary violation. The Board can discipline for unprofessional conduct; a consent form does not cure it. The proper step is to end the treatment relationship appropriately and refer.
Traps
Do not assume a private settlement ends a Board complaint. Do not ignore Board correspondence. Do not confuse the criminal standard of proof with the administrative standard. Confidentiality does not prevent mandatory reporting where law requires it.