Code of Ethics

Preamble
This ethics code provides a common set of values upon which members build their professional and scientific work and to provide education to members and non-members alike. The code is intended to provide the general principles to cover most situations encountered by members. It has as its primary goal the welfare and protection of the individuals and groups with whom members work. Members aspire to the highest possible standards of conduct, respect and protect human and civil rights. They do not participate in, or condone unfair discriminatory practices.

Competence
Members shall strive to maintain the highest standards of competence in their work. Members shall provide only those services and use only those techniques for which they are qualified by education, training or experience. They shall maintain knowledge of relevant scientific and professional information related to hypnosis and recognize the need for continuing education.

Integrity
Members seek to promote integrity in the teaching and practice of hypnosis. In these activities members are honest, fair and respectable of others. To the extent feasible, members attempt to clarify for relevant parties the roles they are performing and to the function appropriately in accordance with those roles. Members rely on scientific or professionally derived knowledge when making professional judgments or when engaging in professional endeavors.

Consultations and Referrals
Members arrange for appropriate consultations and referrals based on the best interest of the client, with appropriate consent and subject to other relevant considerations, which include applicable laws and contractual obligations. When indicated and professionally appropriate members cooperate with other professionals in order to serve their client's best interest.

Fees and Financial Arrangements
As early as feasible in the professional relationship, the member and client reach an agreement specifying the compensation and billing arrangements. Member's fee practices are consistent with the law. Members do not misrepresent their fees.

Informed Consent
Members discuss with the client as early as feasible in the relationship appropriate issues, such as the nature and anticipated path of wellness, fees and confidentiality. Members obtain appropriate informed consent for hypnosis-related procedures. The language is reasonably understandable to all participants.

Maintaining Confidentiality
Members have a primary obligation and take reasonable precautions to respect the confidential rights of those with whom they work or consult; recognizing that confidentiality may be established by law, institutional rules, professional or scientific relationships.

Terminating the Professional Relationship
Members do not abandon clients. A practitioner may terminate a professional relationship when it becomes reasonably clear that the client: no longer needs the service; is not benefiting from the service; or is being harmed by continuing the service.