Under what condition can "free" services be advertised?

The correct answer emphasizes that "free" services can be advertised when there are no hidden fees involved. This is crucial because transparency is necessary in advertising to ensure that potential patients are not misled. If a service is offered as "free," it must be genuinely without any associated costs or obligations, which would typically include the absence of hidden fees that could surprise patients later and lead to trust issues.

In the context of healthcare, including chiropractic services, clear and honest advertising is essential to comply with laws and regulations that protect consumers from deceptive practices. Failing to disclose fees or conditions that could lead to charges makes the advertisement misleading. Therefore, the principle of full disclosure regarding the costs involved is paramount for maintaining ethical standards and legal compliance in advertising.

Other options don't fully align with legal standards for advertising free services. Limiting offers to new patients or responding to patient complaints about costs does not necessarily provide a complete basis for promoting services as free, as these conditions might still involve hidden costs or obligations that would conflict with the clear meaning of free services.