My HIPAA compliant solution to address CAM Treatment Disclosure and Consent Form Requirement

The Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Treatment Disclosure and Consent Form Requirement is established under the Texas Administrative Code, specifically 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 171.2, as regulated by the Texas Medical Board (TMB). This rule mandates that physicians providing CAM treatments—defined as therapies outside conventional medical practices, such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, or other integrative approaches—must ensure that patients review and execute a standardized disclosure and consent form prior to initiating any such treatment. The form is a three-page document designed to promote transparency, document the treatment plan, and confirm patient understanding of potential benefits, risks, and alternatives.

Key elements of the form include:

• Identification of the patient's condition or diagnosis.

• Description of the proposed CAM treatments and their linkage to the condition.

• An assessment section covering conventional diagnostic methods, medical history, examination, prior treatments, and potential interference with other therapies.

• A disclosure section addressing treatment objectives, risks and benefits, underlying mechanisms, regulatory status of any drugs or supplements (e.g., FDA approval or exemption under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act), and a tailored treatment plan with periodic reviews.

• Signatures from both the physician and patient, with initials required for each applicable disclosure item.

The executed form must be maintained in the patient's medical record to ensure compliance and protect both parties. These requirements were updated in 2025 to standardize practices and replace more variable consent processes from prior rules.

For official details and resources, please visit the Texas Medical Board website at https://www.tmb.state.tx.us/.

Disclosure: This response provides general information only and is not intended as legal advice. For legal advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified healthcare attorney.

My Solution:

I use BoldSign with the BAA option for secure, affordable document signing.

After the first visit, I send the CAM Treatment Disclosure and Consent Form to the patient via BoldSign. I sign my portion first, then wait for the patient to complete theirs.

Once fully signed, I upload the executed document to the EHR.