Code of Ethics

RAoA Code of Conduct and Ethics

This Code of Ethics describes the professional standard of conduct and practice expected of all RAoA Members to preserve and enhance the reputation of the Association, the practice of reflexology and to protect the general public.

Duty of care

The primary professional duty of a practitioner is to competently assist the client to optimum health within the circumstances of the client’s condition and within their scope of practice.

The practitioner shall always maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and duty of care to the client.

Under no circumstances shall a practitioner knowingly undertake any action or treatment that would adversely affect the health of a client or fellow human being.

Professional conduct

A practitioner shall:

Show respect for the religious, spiritual, political and social views of any individual irrespective of race, age, sex, colour, ethnic origin, differing abilities, sexuality, creed, marital status, culture, political views or social standing.
Behave with courtesy, respect, dignity and discretion. Their attitude must be competent and sympathetic, hopeful and positive, thus encouraging and uplifting the mental outlook of the client and a belief in a progression towards good health practices.
Not enter into an intimate or sexual relationship with a client whilst the client is under his/her care.
Recognise a responsibility to give the generally held opinions of the relevant discipline when interpreting and conveying knowledge to clients or to the general public and where one presents any personal opinion which is contrary to the generally held opinion of the discipline to clearly indicate that this is so.
Not provide false information regarding rebates from health funds or compensation authorities.
Not be motivated by self-interest and provide services to the client only as long as a beneficial response is received.
The client has the right to be protected from over-servicing.
Where a practitioner identifies that a condition is outside his/her knowledge and/or skill, he/she is required to seek advice from a qualified colleague and where applicable make the necessary referral to a more qualified professional through the treating medical practitioner.
Never claim to “cure”. The possible therapeutic benefits may be described as “recovery”, but this must never be guaranteed.
At no time take part in or promote any activity, verbal or otherwise, which will reflect improperly or denigrate the standing of reflexology or the Association within the general community or in any professional circles.
Ensure that they are medically, physically and psychologically fit to practise.
Not attend to a client or clinic whilst under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other substance that would impair his/her judgment.
Not smoke or consume a tobacco product in the clinical setting.
Not use their professional connections or affiliations in an unconscionable manner.
A practitioner shall not knowingly breach the Commonwealth Therapeutic Goods Act and Regulations or the equivalent state legislation.
Be aware of notifiable diseases pertinent to his/her state or territory legislation.
The behaviour of all RAoA members in public is to be of a high standard as representatives of the Association.

Confidentiality

A practitioner shall not disclose information obtained in confidence from or about a client unless consent has been given.
Client records are to be kept confidential at all times and access restricted to the practitioner or assistant, except: in an emergency or other urgent situation where the information may prevent possible injury to the client or other person; or where required to do so by the law.

Client records

The public are entitled to expect that a practitioner will maintain a good standard of practice with full records.
This includes:

1. Name, address, telephone number and date of birth; details of health history pertaining to condition being treated
2. Dates of treatment
3. Details of treatment and results
4. Details of review dates for communication with treating medical practitioner and claims administrator if the client so desires.

Client records are to be kept for a minimum period of five years in a safe and secure storage.
Disclosure of information:
1. Client records will be limited in access to the practitioner providing treatment.
2. Clients will be provided with access to records on request.
3. The review of details of health history by way of legal report will be limited to the compensable condition treated.
4. All discussions in relation to a client’s condition will be documented on a progress sheet, eg. treating doctor, rehabilitation counsellor or employer contact.

Advertising

A practitioner shall not advertise or lay claim to secret or exclusive methods of treatment.
Practitioners shall not use titles or descriptions which give the impression of medical or other qualification to which they are not entitled.
A practitioner shall only advertise in a proper and professional manner for the purpose of informing members of the general public as to their location details and areas of specialised practice.

Stationery

A practitioner is responsible for the issue of his/her own receipts and his/her own personal receipt books.
A practitioner shall not allow their receipt books to be shared or used by other practitioners (including unqualified practitioners).
Under no circumstances shall a practitioner allow his/her provider numbers to be quoted or used by another practitioner (including unqualified practitioners).
Receipt books should be kept in a safe and secure manner.
Any alleged evidence of fraudulent use of receipt books will be investigated by the Association and the appropriate disciplinary action taken.
It is not acceptable for a practitioner to plead ignorance regarding the above guidelines for issuing of personal receipts.

Breach of Code of Ethics

A breach of any aspect of this Code of Ethics will make the RAoA member subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the mechanism described in the Complaints Procedures of the Reflexology Association of Australia.

Professional Indemnity Insurance cover

It is a condition of membership of the Reflexology Association of Australia that all professional members have adequate Professional Indemnity Insurance cover.

Scope of practice

When you visit a professional and qualified reflexologist, there are constraints around what they or may not do.

Reflexologists offer health care services within and limited to their qualifications and training.
Professional reflexologists are required to participate in relevant continuing professional training in techniques, research and clinical practice.
An integral part of practice is referral to more appropriate health care services when required.
Reflexology practitioners do not prescribe pharmaceuticals.
Confidentiality and security of all client information is essential.
Reflexologists must practice within the definition of the Constitution and Code of Ethics and Practice set by RAoA.
Reflexologists have a responsibility to obey the laws of local, state and federal governments.
Reflexology aids relaxation and stress and pain relief. It is never promoted as a cure-all.
Client’s choices and decisions will always be fully respected.
Reflexologists will always discuss treatment protocol with clients before proceeding.
Suggestions, education, support and encouragement may be provided to assist clients.
Reflexologists may provide information and education promoting health and awareness to clients and the community.
Hygiene and safety are always a priority
Reflexologists embrace social, cultural and religious consideration without prejudice.
Maintaining a high quality of self-wellbeing as well as preventative measures is highly important.
Reflexologists contribute to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle with adequate time for relaxation.

Legal and regulatory obligations

Reflexologists are expected to work within the requirements of, and comply with infection control, health and safety, privacy, complaints mechanism policies, discrimination act, sexual conduct and all other relevant state legislation, including working with children and fair trading.