Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics

The NAHAH Association is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct and ethical practice. All members, including trainees, are required to adhere to this Code of Conduct.

The document below outlines the standards expected of NAHAH members and offers guidance on how those standards should be met.

Clients and former clients who believe that a Member of the Society has failed to provide the standards of service expected by the NAHAH, having raised their concern with the Member and received no satisfaction, may contact the NAHAH for advice on making a formal complaint.

1. Respect and Non-Discrimination
  • Respect for all: Members shall respect the religious, spiritual, political and social views of every individual irrespective of race, colour, creed, sexual orientation or gender.
  • Courtesy and cooperation: Members must conduct themselves in an honourable and courteous manner and work co-operatively with other healthcare professionals, recognising and respecting their contribution.
  • Equality: Members shall not discriminate against clients or colleagues and will treat all individuals with dignity and respect.
  • Professional relationship: The relationship between a member and a client is professional. Clients place trust in the member’s care, skill and integrity; members must not abuse this trust.
  • Moral conduct: Proper moral conduct must always be paramount. Members must behave with courtesy, respect, dignity, discretion and tact.
  • Boundaries: Sexual activity or relationships with clients are inappropriate and unethical.
  • Avoiding claims: Members must not claim to “cure”; possible therapeutic benefits may be described but recovery should never be guaranteed.
  • Fitness to practise: Members must ensure they are medically, physically and psychologically fit to practise.
  • Honesty in credentials: Members must not misrepresent their qualifications or use titles suggesting medical status unless legally entitled to do so.
  • Client’s best interests: Members must always act in the best interests of their clients and maintain clear professional boundaries.
  • Home visits: Home visits or hypnotherapy sessions should only take place when appropriate safeguards are in place (for example, ensuring a responsible person is present).
  • Know your limits: Members must not treat any client beyond their competency; where necessary, they should refer the client to a more qualified professional.
  • Respect medical advice: Members must not countermand instructions or prescriptions given by a doctor and must not advise on specific medical treatments; clients must make their own decisions in light of medical advice
  • Explain treatments: Before treatment, members must explain fully—either in writing or verbally—all procedures involved, including questionnaires, likely content and length of consultation, number of sessions, and fees.
  • Written consent: Members must obtain the client’s informed consent, especially when the client has an existing medical condition.
  • Right to refuse: Clients have the right to refuse or terminate any aspect of the treatment, and this right must be made explicit at the beginning of the relationship.
  • Confidentiality: The relationship and all knowledge of the client are treated as confidential and may only be disclosed with the client’s specific consent or in cases where there is clear evidence of serious danger to the client or others.
  • Secure records: Records of sessions must be kept confidentially and appropriately; clients should be able to inspect their records.
  • Anonymisation: For supervision, research, teaching and publication purposes, the identity of clients must be concealed.
  • Data protection: Members must comply with applicable data protection and privacy laws when storing or transmitting client information.
  • Scope of practice: Members must practise only within the limits of their competence and training.
  • Seek support: Members should monitor their own competence and seek additional support or supervision where required.
  • Ongoing learning: Members are encouraged to maintain and extend their knowledge and skills appropriate to their practice through ongoing education and training.
  • Fitness to practise: Members must ensure they are medically, physically and psychologically fit to practise and to provide safe services.
  • Responsible advertising: Advertising must be dignified and shall not contain named testimonials or claims to cure any disease. Extravagant claims and unfair comparisons must be avoided.
  • Use of credentials: Members must display their certificate of membership at their normal place of work and have a copy available when working in multiple locations.
  • Association identity: Members must not use the Association’s name or logo in a way that implies endorsement of services beyond those for which they are qualified.
  • Observe the law: Members must practise within the law and uphold legal requirements relevant to their work.
  • Scope and qualifications: Members must not diagnose, perform tests or treat animals without specific qualifications and must not carry out procedures such as dentistry, obstetric care or medical treatments unless appropriately qualified.
  • Consent from guardians: Members must not treat minors or those without capacity without appropriate consent from a parent, guardian or legal representative.
  • Do not diagnose: Members must not provide medical diagnoses unless qualified to do so; this is the responsibility of a registered medical practitioner.
  • Conflicts of interest: Members must be aware of and address any potential conflicts of interest or dual roles with clients.
  • Clear boundaries: Boundaries regarding fees, time, number of sessions, treatment techniques and limits must be made explicit.
  • Client self-determination: Members must acknowledge the client’s right of self-determination and respect the client’s right to refuse or terminate treatment.
  • Avoid dual roles: Practitioners must avoid dual roles that could impair professional judgment or increase the risk of exploitation.
  • Handling complaints: Any complaint should first be addressed directly to the practitioner and, if necessary, escalated through the Association’s complaints process.
  • Cooperation: Members must co-operate with any investigation conducted by the Association and abide by the findings or sanctions.
  • Disciplinary action: Failure to comply with this Code may lead to disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of membership.
  • Acceptance: Members accept that by signing this Code they agree to abide by its contents and any future amendments.
  • Signing the Code: All newly qualified members must sign this Code of Conduct as a condition of membership.
  • Updating: Members must keep abreast of revisions to the Code and integrate changes into their practice.
  • Regular review: The Code will be reviewed regularly to ensure it meets legal requirements and reflects current best practice.
  • Questions: Questions regarding the interpretation of this Code should be directed to the NAHAH Ethics Committee.