The College of Healing follows the BCMA Code of Conduct:

INCLUDING GUIDANCE ON HOSPITAL VISITS

From the British Complementary Medicine Association document

"Code of Conduct and Guidance to Practitioners' (June 1992)

COPYRIGHT, THE BRITISH COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE ASSOCIATION.

 REVISED JUNE 1992

I N T R O D U C T I O N

Throughout this Document, the abbreviation BCMA will be used for the British Complementary Medicine Association.

1.   References in this document to the singular shall include the plural and vice versa. References to the masculine gender shall be construed so as to refer to the female gender for the sake of ease.

2.   'Registration Medical Practitioner' is the description recognised in law for the individual usually called the 'Doctor'. For the purpose of this Code the titles are interchangeable.

3.   Membership of an organisation forming part of the BCMA must be regarded as a guarantee to patients/clients, the medical profession and the Government of the practitioner's integrity, sincerity and ability.

4.   The role of the BCMA, its member organisations, and their individual members is to ensure that their therapy is understood, to help practitioners to achieve the highest standards of competence and performance and to help establish their therapy as a standard available to the NHS and/or private medicine.

5.   Alternative and complementary medicine is legal in Great Britain. Except as specified in Section 4 (not printed here) and below, it is at present unregulated by law.

6.   Government policy permits a doctor registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) to use or prescribe therapies (DHSS letter UNP/13 of 2.9.1985).

7.   The Government statement of 3rd December 1991 confirmed a Registered Medical Practitioner's right to delegate treatment of patients to specialists, including complementary therapists. Such treatment can be paid for either by either the Health Authorities of fund holding GP's.

8.   The Registered Medical Practitioner must remain in charge of the patient's treatment and clinically accountable for the care offered by the complementary therapist. The GMC's rules for doctors published in Professional Conduct and discipline: Fitness to Practice dated February 1991 (paragraphs 42 and 43) allow a doctor to delegate to persons trained to perform specialist functions, treatment or procedures provided that he (the doctor) retains ultimate responsibility for the management of the patient.

9.   Although Government and orthodox medical policy often use the words alternative and complementary medicine it is clear that under their rules any practitioner who abides by the BCMA Code of Conduct and accepts delegation from a Registered Medical Practitioner is 'complementary". The term 'complementary medicine' makes no pretensions of replacing conventional medicine and taking its place. The term 'alternative medicine' is misleading. Contrary to this, the term complementary medicine' informs the public that these therapies cannot and do not ever exclude conventional medicine and the Registered Medical Doctor from patient care and treatment.

10.   'Patients' Rights', the National Consumer Council Guide for NHS patients and doctors (published by HMSO) states under 'Alternative treatment within the NHS page 17', that 'patients in some NHS hospitals can request a particular therapy or practitioner - providing the doctor treating the patient is told'. At the present time such right applies only to healing. It is the intention of the BCMA to seek such a right for other therapies within the guidelines laid down by the Government as in 7 above.

11.   The rendering of emergency first aid to animals for the purpose of saving life or relieving pain is permissible. What constitutes an emergency must be a question for the judgement of the individual practitioner. The Protection of Animals ACT 1911 lays down an obligation that if an animal clearly requires treatment by a veterinary surgeon the owner must be made aware of this.

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C O D E   O F   C O N D U C T

This Code of Conduct is obligatory for practitioners belonging to member organisations of the BCMA. Member organisations are required to accept responsibility for compliance and for applying the Disciplinary Procedure. It is, however, open to constituent bodies to have additional provisions without in any way detracting from the clarity, force or intent of this Code.

1.1   Practitioners shall have respect for the religious, spiritual, political and social views of any individual irrespective of race, colour, creed or sex.

1.2   Practitioners shall at all times conduct themselves in an honourable and courteous manner and with due diligence in their relations with their patients/clients and the public. They should seek a good relationship and shall work in a co-operative manner with other healthcare professionals and recognise and respect their particular contribution within the healthcare team, irrespective of whether they perform from an allopathic or alternative/complementary base.

1.3   The relationship between a practitioner and his patient/client is that of a professional with a patient/client. The patient/client places trust in a practitioner's care, skill and integrity and it is the practitioner's duty to act with due diligence at all times and not to abuse this trust in any way.

1.4   Proper moral conduct must always be paramount in practitioners' relations with patients/clients. They must behave with courtesy, respect, dignity, discretion and tact. Their attitude must be competent and sympathetic, hopeful and positive, thus encouraging an uplift in the patient's/client's mental outlook and belief in a progression towards good health practices.

1.5   All practitioners visiting hospitals will comply with the guidelines laid down by the BCMA and appended to this Code.

1.6   Practitioners must never claim to 'cure'. The possible therapeutic benefits may be described; 'recovery' must never be guaranteed.

1.7   Practitioners should ensure that they themselves are medically, physically and psychologically fit to practise.

1.8   Discretion must be used for the protection of the practitioner when carrying out private treatment with patients/clients who are mentally unstable, addicted to drugs or alcohol, or severely depressed, suicidal or hallucinated. Such patients/clients must be treated only by a practitioner with relevant competency. A practitioner must not treat a patient/client in any case which exceeds his capability, training and competence. Where appropriate, the practitioner must seek referral to a more qualified person.

1.9   Registered medical practitioners and members of other health care professions remain subject to the general ethical codes and disciplinary procedures of their respective professions.

1.10   The aim of the BCMA membership is to offer a service to patients/clients as well as a service and therapeutic modalities to, and with, the medical profession. Practitioners must recognise that where a patient is delegated to them by a Registered Medical Practitioner, the GP remains clinically accountable for the patient and for the care offered by the practitioner.

1.11   Practitioners must guard against the danger that a patient/client without previously consulting a doctor may come for therapy for a known disorder and subsequently be found, too late, to be suffering from another serious disorder. To this end new patients/clients must be asked what medical advice they have received. If they have not seen a doctor, they must be advised to do so. Since it is legal to refuse medical treatment, no patient/client can be forced to consult a doctor. The advice must be recorded for the practitioner's protection.

1.12   Practitioners must not countermand instructions or prescriptions given by a doctor.

1.13   Practitioners must not advise a particular course of medical treatment, such as to undergo an operation or to take specific drugs. It must be left to the patient/client to make his own decision in the light of medical advice.

1.14   Practitioners must never give a medical diagnosis to a patient/client in any circumstances; this is the responsibility of a registered medical practitioner. However, many practitioners gave a 'gift' of diagnosis and of discovering dysfunctions in the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects. In this case the practitioner may make mention of any disorder which he may discover, and advise the patient/client to see the doctor for a medical diagnosis and record this action.

1.15   Practitioners must not use titles or descriptions to give the impression of medical, or other qualifications unless they possess them and must make it clear to their patients/clients that they are not doctors and do not purport to have their knowledge or skills.

1.16   Practitioners are forbidden to diagnose, perform tests or treat animals in any way or give advice following diagnosis by a registered veterinary surgeon or to countermand his instructions.

1.17   Practitioners must not attend women in childbirth or treat them for ten days thereafter unless they hold an appropriate qualification in midwifery.

1.18   Practitioners must not practise dentistry unless they hold an appropriate qualification.

1.19   Practitioners must not treat venereal disease as defined in the 1917 ACT (i.e., syphilis, gonorrhoea, soft chancre). If the practitioner becomes aware that a patient may be suffering from a Notifiable Disease, the patient must not be allowed to come into contact with other people, but be given a note to take to their doctor explaining the need for medical attention. A list of Notifiable Diseases is at Addendum 1 to this Code.

1.20   Patients suffering from AIDS may be treated at the discretion of the practitioner.

1.21   Practitioners must not use manipulation or vigorous massage unless they possess an appropriate professional qualification.

1.22   Practitioners must not prescribe remedies, herbs, supplements, oils etc. unless their training and qualifications entitle them to do so.

1.23   At the present time no alternative or complementary therapy is approved as 'medical aid' under the law. It is a criminal offence for a parent or guardian not to seek 'medical aid'. The practitioner should secure a signed statement from a parent or guardian who refuses to seek medical aid as defined under the law in the following format:

I have been warned by..............................................that according to law I should consult a doctor concerning the health of my child - .......................................... (name of child).

Signed ..................................................(parent or guardian)

Signed by witness .....................................(signature of person witnessing)

Practitioners should be aware that they are at risk of legal proceedings if they treat a child under the age of sixteen without prior consent from the child's parent or guardian. This also applies to young people between the age of sixteen and eighteen.

1.24   Advertising must be dignified in tone and shall not contain testimonials or claim a cure or mention any disease. It shall be confined to drawing attention to the therapy available, the qualifications of the practitioner and offer a general service together with necessary details.

1.25   All practitioners of member organisations of the BCMA must ensure that their name appears on an approved public register of practitioners of their therapy held by the association to which they belong, to confirm that they are fully qualified to practise and that the organisation to which they belong abides by the BCMA Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedure. Their membership of such an organisation, and its address, should be displayed in their place of practice.

1.26   Before treatment practitioners must explain fully either in writing or verbally all the procedures involved in the treatment including such matters as questionnaires, likely content and length of consultation, number of consultations, fees etc.

1.27   Practitioners must act with consideration concerning fees and justification for treatment. Practitioners should not be judgmental and they should recognise the patient's/client's right to refuse treatment or ignore advice. It is the patient's/client's prerogative to make their own choices with regard to their health, lifestyle and finances.

1.28   Practitioners must ensure they keep clear and comprehensive records of their treatments including the dates and advice given. This is especially important for the defence of any negligence actions as well as for the efficient and careful practice.

1.29   In determining whether or not any record of the nature of any treatment administered is reasonable, it shall be for the practitioner compiling the record to show that on the basis of his notes he can demonstrate what treatment was undertaken and whether that treatment was competently and reasonably undertaken.

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C O N F I D E N T I A L I T Y

1.30   Practitioners, their assistants and receptionists have an implicit duty to keep attendance's, all information, records and views formed about patients/clients entirely confidential. No disclosure may be made to any third party, including any member of the patient's/client's own family, without the patient's/client's consent unless it is required by due process of the law, whether that be by Statute, statutory instrument, order of any court of competent jurisdiction or howsoever otherwise.

1.31   Practitioners must ensure that they comply with the Data Protection Act.

1.32   No third party, including assistants and members of the patient's/client’s family, may be present during the course of a consultation with an adult without the patient's /client's express consent.

I N S U R A N C E   A N D   P R E M I S E S

1.33   All practitioners must be adequately insured to practise. Normally this will be through their therapy association. Private insurance is permitted and, if adopted, practitioners must provide evidence of this to their Association. The insurance policy must state provision for the public and employee (if personnel are employed) liability and indemnity as well as the provision for professional treatments.

1.34   All practitioners shall ensure that their working conditions are suitable for the practise of their work therapy.

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D I S C I P L I N E

1.35   Practitioners will follow and abide by decisions made under the disciplinary procedures appended to this Code (not printed here).

GUIDANCE  FOR  PRACTITIONERS VISITING  HOSPITALS  TO  PROVIDE  TREATMENTS

2.1   The hospital is responsible for the patient.

2.2   Practitioners may only treat patients in hospital with permission from the hospital authority including the ward charge nurse.

2.3   Practitioners should not wear clothing (e.g. white coats) which give the impression that they are a staff member of the hospital. They may have some form of identification such as a lapel badge.

2.4   Where permission is given to provide treatment on the ward, this must be carried out without fuss or interruption to other patients and ward staff.

2.5   If other patients request treatment, the permission of the ward charge nurse, nursing officer (and if relevant, the patient's doctor) must first be obtained.

2.6   Practitioners must never undermine the patient's faith in hospital treatment or regime.

2.7   Where credentials are requested, practitioners must produce their association's current membership card or other proof of membership and permission to visit

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CHO APPENDICES TO THE CODE OF CONDUCT

INTRODUCTION

CHO adopted BCMA's Code on 1/4/93. This appendix applies solely to members of the CHO's Associations. Compliance with its provisions is mandatory like the rest of the Code.  Insurance cover is voided by non-compliance.

APPENDIX 1  -  GENERAL

HEALING AND THE LAW

1   It is essential that every healer, particularly any healer who practices a therapy outside healing as defined in this Code, understands and OBSERVES the law as it relates to healing practice. Disregard of the law may result in serious legal difficulties for the healer.

2   The law is enshrined in a series of Acts and Statutory Regulations principally associated with the medical and pre medical professions. In case of doubt the healer should state the facts to the Secretary of their Association and seek guidance.

ADDITIONAL PRINCIPLES

3   Healers must never offer clairvoyant reading during a healing session.

3.1   Healers should only heal in a conscious state of attunement. Trance conditions are neither recognised in law nor covered by CHO's insurance. Any individual concerned will be held personally responsible. If for example a patient suffers an injury while receiving manipulative treatment from an entranced healer it could result in a successful claim for damages against that healer.

3.2   Trance healing is forbidden for all research projects, when healing is given as a service under arrangements with the NHS, and at public demonstrations.

3.3   Trance healing may be given to private patients who ask for it provided a responsible adult not in trance is present to safeguard both patient and healer. The presence of a third party does not absolve the healer from full responsibility for the result of their actions.

4   Healers sometimes say or do certain things because they are "impressed" to do so. Reason and common sense should always be applied to such impressions.

5   Healing must be given only in response to an invitation from the patient or their representative.

6   To avoid offending some patients healers must not raise the question of their religious beliefs unless this is invited by the patient.

7   When a healer is giving healing privately to a person of the opposite sex it is advisable for the healer to request the presence of a third party whose bona fides the healer and patient can accept.

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APPENDIX II  -  TREATMENT OF ANIMALS

1.   The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons recognises as ethically acceptable healing within the terms and spirit of this Appendix to CHO' Code of Conduct.

2.   The Law. The law in regard to animal treatment is substantially more restrictive than for the treatment of human patients. The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 prohibits anyone who is not a registered veterinary surgeon from practising veterinary surgery. 'Veterinary Surgery' is defined as including the diagnosis of the injuries and ailments of animals, tests performed on animals for diagnostic purposes, advice based upon that diagnosis and treatment.

3.   RCVS' Position. Nevertheless the RCVS recognises as acceptable in terms of the Act, the complementary treatment of animals by contact healing, by the laying on of hands, by radionic instrument and distant healing by thought transference or prayer in strict accordance with the provisions and spirit of this Code of Conduct.

4.   Action by Healers

a)   Before treating an animal the healer must seek assurance from the owner that the animal has been examined by a veterinary surgeon. The veterinary surgeon remains in charge of the case and the healer shall not countermand any instructions or medicines given by the veterinary surgeon. Similarly the healer shall neither suggest a medical diagnosis nor advise any course of veterinary treatment. For healing to be given in the knowledge that veterinary advice has not been sought is contrary to the provisions of this Code and is capable of leading to prosecution under the Veterinary Surgeons Act. (The Protection of Animals Act 1911 also imposes an obligation on anyone aware that an animal is clearly in need of veterinary treatment to advise the owner to obtain this.)

b)   The administration of first aid in an emergency for the purpose of saving life or relieving pain is permissible (Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 Schedule 3).

c)   No breach of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 is permitted.

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APPENDIX III  -  DEFINITION OF HEALING

The Confederation has authorised the following definitions of healing for use by Members.

1.   For the purpose of the CHO generally, and of the Healing Research Project in particular, the following definition applies.

"Healing is the beneficial effect which healers in CHO terms are believed to have on patients when, motivated by their own beliefs and following their normal practices, they administer healing in contact through the hands or at a distance by thought (or prayer) transference or by radionic instrument.”

2   For general use by members in relation to their own beliefs:

'A dictionary definition of healing is 'to make well'. To the extent that it occurs, healing is the transference of harmonising paraphysical energies. What energies are transferred depend upon the needs, beliefs, capabilities and procedures of the persons involved. Every living being is maintained by these energies which may be transferred in the presence of those concerned or at a distance’.

"Healing may be of one individual by another, of a group by one person, or of a group by a group, or of one person by a group, or it may be self induced."

Each member of the Confederation is free to further define healing in their own terms in relation to their own beliefs without in any way detracting from this Code. These are outside the range of responsibility of the CHO.

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CODE OF CONDUCT - ADDENDUM 1

NOTIFIABLE  DISEASES

Under the Public Health (Control of Diseases) Act 1984:-

Cholera

Plague

Relapsing fever

Smallpox

Typhus

Food poisoning

Under the Public Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 1988:-

Acute Encephalitis

Acute Poliomyelitis

Anthrax

Diphtheria

Dysentery (Amoebic or Bacillary)

Leprosy

Leptospirosis

Malaria

Measles

Meningitis

Meningococcal Septicaemia

Mumps (without meningitis)

Opthalmia Neonatorum

Paratythoid Fever

Rabies

Rubella

Scarlet Fever

Tetanus

Tuberculosis

Typhoid Fever

Viral Haemorrhagic Fever

Viral Hepatitis

Whooping cough

Yellow Fever

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