How is malpractice defined in the context of a chiropractor's practice?

In the context of a chiropractor's practice, malpractice is defined as failing to provide patient care at an acceptable standard. This definition emphasizes the professional obligation of chiropractors to meet certain benchmarks of care that are recognized within the industry. When a chiropractor does not adhere to these standards, it can lead to harm or adverse effects on a patient's health, which constitutes malpractice.

Professional standards are usually established through guidelines, training, and common practices in the field. These standards help ensure patient safety and effective treatment. If a chiropractor’s actions significantly deviate from these accepted practices and result in injury or worsening of a patient's condition, this failure to maintain an acceptable standard of care is what characterizes malpractice.

The other options pertain to different aspects of professional ethics and conduct but do not define malpractice in the clinical sense. For instance, not adhering to treatment protocols can be a part of malpractice, but without the context of causing harm through inadequate care, it isn’t a full definition. Overcharging patients deals with ethical billing practices rather than clinical competence, and refusing to treat patients, while potentially unethical, also doesn't directly equate to malpractice without the context of inadequate care leading to harm during treatment.