| Therapist/Customer relationship |
| 1. |
Therapists must establish clear professional boundaries and maintain a professional relationship with OSMC Customers conducting themselves in a courteous and dignified manner at all times. |
| 2. |
Therapists must treat people as individuals and be respectful of the religious, political, cultural and social views not discriminating in any way against any individual. |
| 3. |
Therapists must be open and honest, act with integrity and uphold the reputation of your profession at all times and not in any way abuse the trust the Customer places in the Therapist’s care and skill.
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| 4. |
Therapists must not enter into a sexual relationship with a Customer and should be careful not to say anything or act in any way that may be interpreted as having any sexual or inappropriate implication.
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| 5. |
Therapists should not act in any way that might be interpreted as an attempt to gain any kind of preferential treatment or personal advantage.
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| Professional working standards |
| 1. |
All information given to Customers regarding treatments must be accurate and honest and in no way misguiding as to the therapeutic benefits they possess. |
| 2. |
Therapists must take responsibility for treatment decisions and be personally accountable for actions and omissions in their practice. Therapists must always be able to justify their decisions based on sound theoretical knowledge |
| 3. |
Therapists must only provide treatments and give advice within the realms of their qualifications, insurance and competency. They must not give the impression they hold medical or other qualifications that they do not and must never give a medical diagnosis unless medically qualified to do so.
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| 4. |
Therapists must not sell, prescribe or administer remedies or other products unless they are qualified and insured to do so.
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| 5. |
In circumstances where evidence comes to light before or during the course of treatment whereby the Therapist suspects a condition that they are not qualified to treat, they must seek referral to an appropriately qualified person.
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| 6. |
Therapists must never advise against instructions or prescriptions given by a medical practitioner
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| 7. |
When a Customer is under the care of a registered medical practitioner the therapist should seek the consent from that medical practitioner before providing complementary treatment if the pre existing condition is likely to be affected by the treatment. |
| 8. |
Therapists should recognize that it is the Customers prerogative to choose their treatment pathway. Therapists should stay impartial and not judge a customer’s decision to refuse treatment or ignore professional advice. Therapists should make recommendations but ultimately respect the choice of the Customer
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| Self preservation |
| 1. |
Therapists have a moral and legal duty to protect themselves from harm and should therefore ensure that they are physically and psychologically fit to practice and take reasonable measures to protect their own wellbeing and physical safety whilst working
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| 2. |
Therapists are legally accountable for all aspects of their practice and shall be aware of and understand any legal requirements concerning their work |
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| Health and Safety |
| 1. |
All reasonable steps should be taken to ensure that working conditions are suitable for the practice of the treatment. If mobile, therapists should check with the Customer prior to their visit the suitability of the working area available. |
| 2. |
Therapists must at all times abide by the health & safety rules and regulations at the premises attended |
| 3. |
Therapists have a moral and legal duty to protect their Customers from harm. Customer safety is paramount and all efforts must be made to ensure a Customer comes to no harm whilst being treated by the therapist. |
| 4. |
Therapists are expected to practice high standards of hygiene, take all efforts to minimize risk of cross infection. |
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| Keeping records |
| 1. |
Therapists are expected to consult with the Customer prior to treatment and keep accurate records including pre existing medical history, date of treatment, consent to treatment, treatment given, advice and aftercare given |
| 2. |
All records should be kept safely and securely for a period of 7 years, even if the therapist ceases to practice, for insurance purposes |
| 3. |
Therapists should ensure that they comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 which provides regulation of the processing of information relating to individuals, including the obtaining, holding, use or disclosure of such information. |
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| Confidentiality |
| 1. |
Therapists are obliged to maintain the privacy of the Customer at all times. |
| 2. |
All records, information and conversations should be kept entirely confidential and not disclosed to any third party without the Customers consent except in extreme circumstances where it is required by law to do so |
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| Treatment of Children |
| 1. |
Therapists must seek consent to treat children under 16 years of age from a parent or legal guardian |
| 2. |
The parent or legal guardian should be present throughout the consultation and treatment |
