The registered member has specific obligations towards those who come seeking their help

• To keep all client information confidential except when a client may be referred to a registered health care provider with a patient’s written consent.

• To prominently display diplomas, accreditation and any other qualifications relating to the practice of natural medicine in the workplace.

• To not misrepresent their Scope of Practice or the nature of their professional services by extending a promise to cure.

• To provide general information during every visit relating to fees and other professional services provided and to respond fully to all questions regarding any aspect of such fees and services.

• To complete a detailed patient case history and discuss recommendations and advice as to how natural medicine treatment may be beneficial to the patient.

• To be ethical in the undertaking of treatment, mindful of the limitation of their knowledge, experience, and Scope of Practice.

• To maintain a good rapport with other Natural Medicine Practitioners©, and to not engage in unethical discussions concerning patients or other professionals in public and to provide moral advice and assistance when consulted on any matter relating to natural medicine being mindful not to compromise their Scope of Practice.

• To make every reasonable effort to be available and accessible to ill patients requesting his / her services.

• While Natural Medicine Healthcare may be paramount to the patient’s recovery, the Practitioner cannot demand that the patient forego any other treatment provided by a Regulated Health Professional as a condition of service. The Practitioner however, should inform the patient as to the positive or negative effect of conventional treatment undertaken at the same time as the natural healthcare treatment.

• At all times the Practitioner must collaborate with other health care providers in any given case where this is agreed to by the patient.

• The patient has the right to be interviewed, examined and treated in a safe and private setting in a manner which respects the values, personal beliefs and customs of the patient.

• Individuals not directly involved with the patient’s care shall not be present, nor shall any person observe the patient through remote viewing or listening facilities or by audio or video recordings unless the patient consents for use in natural medicine research or education.

• The patient has the right to participate actively in all decisions regarding treatment, the right to seek a second opinion at any point and may seek assistance when continued care is beyond the Scope of Practice of the member or when there is a conflict of interest personal, financial or otherwise.

  • The patient has the right to access their files which must be maintained for at least 5 years following the last visit. The files must contain accurate records of all contact with the patient, including at least the following:

  • Patient’s name, address, telephone number, date of birth and medical history, dates, and details of the patient's interview, evaluation, recommendations, treatments provided and consent for treatment. 

• When a patient is referred or transferred to another Practitioner, a copy of the patient’s file should be provided to the new practitioner. In cases of consultation, you can request a copy of the patient file from the referring practitioner to ensure continuity of treatment.

• While respecting the wishes of the patient, interventions of a third party should not be tolerated except in the case of minors, individuals with special needs or where it is required by law.

The Practitioner must keep in mind the obligation of professional confidence:

• Patient information cannot be disclosed except by written permission of the client or where it is required by law.

• The Practitioner must not reveal the reason for a patient’s visit except where it is required by law.

• The Practitioner must not use confidential client information for personal gain.

• The Practitioner can request comparable payment for services within the profession as a whole. Payment should not be demanded in advanced, however, any outstanding payments should be collected by the next visit. The collection of delinquent payments should be handled professionally and ethically where possible, resorting to judicial procedures only when absolutely necessary.

• The Practitioner may also offer their services free of charge where their conscience so dictates. 

• The Practitioner must not abuse his/her position of trust by engaging in reprehensible or immoral acts with any patient, in particular, all sexual contact between Practitioner and patient is illicit.

• The registered member is required to refer clients to appropriate healthcare practitioners when patient care is beyond their scope of practice.

All members must adhere to The Scope of Practice and the Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct and the general standard of membership and must remain in their scope of practice.

The practice of Natural Medicine involves preventative and therapeutic promotion of health through natural, non-invasive methods including the differential assessment of human body systems and treatment of all aberrant body conditions. TM/CAM-Naturotherapy and Natural Medicine, may be used as an adjunct or supportive science that integrates traditional natural therapy - including botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, metaphysical sciences, traditional and eastern medicines,  which can be used alongside modern medical diagnostic sciences and standards of care.

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The medical research base of natural medicine practice consists of empirical documentation of treatments using case history observations, patient records, and summaries of practitioners' clinical experiences. While the Scope of Practice clearly defines the modalities for each practitioner, it is important to recognize that the interests of the patient should be paramount in all acts undertaken by the Natural Medicine Practitioner© in the exercise of his / her profession, in the promotion of Natural Medicine and in the undertaking of research and the publication of such research papers.

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