International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy AssociationCode of Ethics
Preamble
This ethics code provides a common set of values upon which members build their
professional and scientific work and to provide education to members and
non-members alike. The code is intended to provide the general principles
to cover most situations encountered by members. It has as its primary goal
the welfare and protection of the individuals and groups with whom members
work. Members aspire to the highest possible standards of conduct, respect
and protect human and civil rights. They do not participate in, or condone
unfair discriminatory practices.
Competence
Members shall strive to maintain the highest standards of competence in their
work. Members shall provide only those services and use only those techniques
for which they are qualified by education, training or experience. They shall
maintain knowledge of relevant scientific and professional information related
to hypnosis and recognize the need for continuing education.
Integrity
Members seek to promote integrity in the teaching and practice of hypnosis.
In these activities members are honest, fair and respectable of others. To
the extent feasible, members attempt to clarify for relevant parties the
roles they are performing and to the function appropriately in accordance
with those roles. Members rely on scientific or professionally derived knowledge
when making professional judgments or when engaging in professional endeavors.
Consultations and Referrals
Members arrange for appropriate consultations and referrals based on the best
interest of the client, with appropriate consent and subject to other relevant
considerations, which include applicable laws and contractual obligations.
When indicated and professionally appropriate members cooperate with other
professionals in order to serve their client's best interest.
Fees and Financial Arrangements
As early as feasible in the professional relationship, the member and client
reach an agreement specifying the compensation and billing arrangements.
Member's fee practices are consistent with the law. Members do not misrepresent
their fees.
Informed Consent
Members discuss with the client as early as feasible in the relationship appropriate
issues, such as the nature and anticipated path
of wellness, fees and confidentiality. Members obtain appropriate informed
consent for hypnosis-related procedures.
The language is reasonably understandable to all participants.
Maintaining Confidentiality
Members have a primary obligation and take reasonable precautions to respect
the confidential rights of those with whom they work or consult; recognizing
that confidentiality may be established by law, institutional rules, professional
or scientific relationships.
Terminating the Professional Relationship
Members do not abandon clients. A practitioner may terminate a professional
relationship when it becomes reasonably clear that the client: no longer
needs the service; is not benefiting from the service; or is being harmed
by continuing the service.
