In the context of prescribing treatment to a friend, what is mandatory?

• A. A physical examination must be performed and a proper med record kept, identical to other patients.
• B. Edits to the chart are optional if the patient is a relative.
• C. The physician must fill out a family-relations form before care.
• D. The exam can be omitted if the patient agrees to informal notes.

Answer: (C)

When doctors treat a friend or family member, formal boundaries and potential conflicts of interest come into play. Because such situations can bias judgment or affect objectivity, many regulations require a clear, documented acknowledgment of the relationship before care proceeds. That is why filling out a family-relations form is mandatory before providing care—it creates an explicit record that the clinician recognizes the relationship and the associated considerations, helping to ensure decisions are made with appropriate accountability and oversight.

While a thorough exam and proper medical records are standard parts of care for any patient, the question highlights the specific mandatory step tied to treating someone you know personally. The other options imply skipping or downplaying essential practices (chart accuracy, full examination, or formal documentation), which are not appropriate or allowed in this context.