All Members of the British National Register of Advanced Hypnotherapists must agree to abide by the following Code of Ethics and Conduct 1992 Amended 1993 and 2005.
For the purpose of this section the terms Therapist and Practitioner are interchangeable, denoting any member of the NRAH whatever their discipline.
1. All therapists/practitioners whatsoever their discipline will at their own expense maintain and ensure that their Professional Indemnity Liability Insurance is up to date and cover is for a minimum of two million pounds (£2.m).
2. Members will never say, do, carry out, or otherwise perform any word or action, by deed or by inference, so as to bring into disrepute the good name of a colleague, the NRAH, or the use of hypnosis as a form of therapy. Personal or professional criticism of a colleague whatsoever their discipline or organisation will not be tolerated. All therapists are to be considered as colleagues not competition. However, everyone retains the right of reply.
3. When advertising or promoting their services, therapists will not exaggerate their skills nor offer treatment for problems for which they are not qualified to treat. No exaggerated claims shall be made.
4. It is the therapists responsibility to comply with the rules from time to time laid down by the Committee for the Code of Advertising Practice, governing the content matter of such advertisements.
5. Practitioners have a Duty of Care towards any person presenting themselves for treatment. Patients shall be treated with respect and caring concern. If this is not possible, therapy must be terminated without delay.
6. It is the therapists duty to discharge the patient from treatment at the earliest possible moment, consistent with the good care of the patient, and not to keep the patient in therapy longer than is necessary.
7. Therapists must be aware that there are limits to their own competence. Treatment shall not continue if the therapist has no hope of a successful outcome. At such times it is the duty of the therapist to refer the patient on to another therapist. This will be seen as a sign of professional maturity.
8. The patient / practitioner relationship must be kept on a professional basis. Therapists must not exploit patients financially, sexually or in any other way. It is the responsibility of the therapist to ensure that this rule is adhered to. No exceptions will be made.
9. All therapists shall maintain accurate records of all patients for a minimum period of six years after completion of treatment. All records must be stored in a secure place under lock and key. Note: this minimum period may be superseded by statutory requirements. It is the therapists responsibility to ensure compliance with relevant laws.
10. Practitioners shall not prescribe drugs or advise their termination unless medically qualified to do so.
11. All therapy shall be aimed at developing and promoting the personal growth of the patient, by stimulating choices and outcomes open to him or her.
12. The confidentiality of your patients shall be respected at all times. If the practitioner is faced with a conflict of patients confidentiality or legal obligation, the issue shall be decided by the judgment and the conscience of the practitioner. The practitioner would be advised to conform to legal requirements.
13. When a person displays undiagnosed symptoms of bodily discomfort or medical problems, never use the effects of Hypnosis or Suggestion to eliminate these symptoms unless you are medically qualified or authority has been obtained in writing from a qualified Medical Practitioner. This Clause shall be deemed to have particular effect in matters pertaining to pain management. Always refer such patients to their medical practitioner.
14. Patients suffering from physical complaints shall be encouraged to seek medical advice.
15. It is illegal to record on tape/cd any therapy session either in full or in part without the expressed and preferably written permission of the patient.
16. Written permission of the patient would be required for a therapist to publish a case history, and only then if the names and details are altered to conceal the patients identity.
17. Therapists must dress in a professional manner that is becoming of our profession.
18. All Certificates, Letters of Accreditation issued by the NRAH shall remain the property of the NRAH and shall be returned to the NRAH as and when a Membership or Fellowship ceases, or upon the written request of the NRAH Management.
19. If a patient complains about a therapist, the therapist is obliged to assist the patient by advising them of the address of the NRAH in the first instance. If it is relevant, the complaint will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee. If both parties agree in the first place to abide by the decision of the NRAH Disciplinary Committee then that decision will be binding on both parties.
20. Therapists must at all times promote the professional use of Hypnosis as a therapeutic method.
21. All members agree to ongoing professional development. This involves obtaining a minimum of 30 training credits in any 12 month period. Training must be in related subjects to the members own discipline.
22. Before starting any therapy, always discuss what it is the patient wants and their expectations of the eventual outcome of therapy. It is important that the patient and the therapist are both very clear about what they are trying to achieve.
23. Never treat a person under the age of 16 without the written permission of a parent or legal guardian. You must also have the permission of the child before you commence any treatment. When treating an under aged patient, you must always have a parent or guardian present.