Advertising, Professional Conduct, and Fee/Ownership Restrictions
Domain 6: Advertising, Professional Conduct, and Fee/Ownership Restrictions
This domain tests how a chiropractic practice may market itself, charge patients, and structure ownership. The exam targets truthful advertising, prohibited fee arrangements, and the corporate-practice boundary.
Core rules
- Advertising must be truthful and not misleading. Claims of guaranteed cure, unsubstantiated superiority, or false specialty status are prohibited.
- Testimonials and compare-price advertising must not create a false impression. The licensee remains responsible for advertisements even when a marketing company drafts them.
- Fee splitting with a referral source is prohibited. Paying a percentage of fees for patient referrals can violate the statute and rules.
- Ownership and practice structure must respect Mississippi professional-entity and corporate-practice rules. A non-licensee management company may provide administrative services but may not control clinical judgment or improperly share professional fees.
- Professional conduct includes honesty with patients and payers, avoiding exploitation, and maintaining boundaries.
Worked example
A chiropractor signs a marketing contract under which a website company receives 20 percent of fees from patients who book through the site. The arrangement looks like advertising but is a percentage-of-fees referral payment. Even if the company is not a health provider, the fee split can violate Mississippi restrictions and must be restructured.
Traps
Do not assume a disclaimer cures a misleading ad. Do not let a management company control clinical schedules or treatment decisions. Do not call a fee split a 'marketing fee' when it is paid per patient or per service.