The IICT Code of Ethics

Introduction

1.1 This Code has been compiled by the Director of the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT) and relates to the standards of practice for all practitioners holding professional membership with the IICT.

1.2 This Code of Ethics is the professional base standard expected of all practitioners so as to preserve and enhance the reputation of the IICT and the public at large.

1.3 This Code applies to all practitioners who are, or who become, members of the IICT.

1.4 The IICT Director reserves the right to amend the Code of Ethics as and when it is deemed necessary. Should amendments be made, all IICT Members will be informed of these changes.

Propriety

2.1 Client, student and public welfare shall take priority over self interest of members, employers and colleagues.

2.2 Confidentiality of client information must be observed at all times. In the case where client information is shared, consent must first be obtained from the client or legal guardian. Legal and contractual limits must be made clear to clients where appropriate.

2.3 IICT Members shall not behave in any manner that may bring the IICT or the members’ profession into disrepute.

2.4 All IICT Members will, at all times, maintain ethical standards and show politeness and consideration to their clients. Members will conduct themselves professionally so as to comply with generally accepted standards of moral behaviour and decency.

2.5 Should any IICT Member be found to have transgressed any items of the Code of Ethics, their IICT Membership shall be revoked.

Competence

3.1 All IICT Members shall conduct their professional practice with reasonable skill and learning. In no way shall any IICT Member misrepresent their level of training, expertise, experience, or qualification.

3.2 IICT Members shall not attempt to offer work or advice beyond their level of competence or training.

Responsibility

4.1 All IICT Members must be personally responsible for professional decisions and must give due consideration to the foreseeable consequences of their actions within their field of expertise.

4.2 When working with, or for, other persons or organisations, all IICT Members shall maintain the highest standard of professional integrity.

4.3 All IICT Members must recommend clients seek expert medical attention or psychological help, in the event that a client requires assistance that falls outside of the individual practitioners’ level of expertise, field/s of experience and/or qualifications.

Consulting

5.1 Clinical, consulting and evaluative information must be kept confidential and may only be communicated for professional purposes with the consent of the client, or as may be required by law.

5.2 If client records are kept by the practitioner, these shall be stored and disposed of in a confidential manner.

5.3 When clients are unable to give informed consent, due to age, medical condition, psychological state etc, consent is required from the client’s Legal or Enduring Guardian prior to treatment.

5.4 Minors must be accompanied for treatment by a parent or guardian, or written permission for such treatment must be obtained by a parent or guardian.

Client Relationship

6.1 All IICT Members shall respect the client’s physical/emotional state, and shall not abuse clients through actions, words or silence, nor take advantage of the therapeutic relationship.

6.2 IICT Members shall in no way participate in sexual activity with a client. IICT Members must consider the client’s comfort zone and honour the client’s requests as much as possible within personal, professional and ethical limits. Members must acknowledge the inherent worth and individuality of each person and must not discriminate against clients or fellow practitioners.

6.3 In the event that a IICT Member and consulting client within their said profession should wish to participate in an intimate sexual relationship, any professional services must be terminated and the client be referred to another practitioner of the said profession.

6.4 Financial arrangements must be made in advance and be understood by clients, ensuring they safeguard the client’s interests. All fee structures, cancellation penalties (if any) and other relevant information or conditions must be clearly displayed by the practitioner to the client, prior to treatment commencement.

Professional Conduct, Development & Insurance

7.1 Breaches of the IICT Code of Ethics must be attempted to be informally resolved directly with the complainant prior to contacting IICT for formal grievance proceedings. Members in dispute may wish to find an agreed mediator to facilitate a suitable outcome for all parties.

7.2 In the event that breaches cannot be informally resolved, the complainant should inform the IICT in writing to begin the formal grievance process.

7.3 In no way shall an IICT Member disparage, nor publicly criticise, another IICT Member.

7.4 All IICT Members shall keep their professional skills and knowledge current per the guidelines of the members’ profession.

7.5 All IICT Members are required to obtain and maintain Public Liability Insurance within three months of becoming an approved member. Insurance can be obtained through IICT’s recommended broker or another provider of the member’s choosing. Insurance must be obtained to an appropriate level under the provisions and protocols of the practitioners’ profession.

Advertising

8.1 All IICT Members are permitted to advertise themselves as such (per their approved membership level) for as long as their membership remains current. For those who cancel their membership or allow it to expire, all IICT seals, logos and references to IICT must be removed from their website, social media and/or promotional materials immediately.

8.2 IICT Members shall not make claims or statements which may bring their profession or the IICT into disrepute.

8.3 No IICT Member shall falsely imply sponsorship or verification by any organisation which has not given their consent to do so.

8.4 All IICT Members shall ensure that any advertising mentioning the IICT name shall be ethical and reserved in nature. In no way shall any member make exaggerated or misleading claims in their advertising bearing the IICT name.

8.5 IICT Members shall make every attempt to inform prospective IICT Members of our Code of Ethics and the provisions and costs of becoming an IICT Member. In no way shall any member attempt to mislead, nor coerce, another into joining the IICT. In all cases, members will direct the prospective client to the IICT website where the IICT’s Code of Ethics, guidelines for membership, and application can be obtained.

8.6 IICT Members must only advertise themselves in accordance with the membership level and modalities approved on their IICT Membership. In the event a member is providing services outside what is included in their IICT Membership, these services must be advertised separately to the IICT name.