It will be the intent of each individual Therapist to establish and maintain an office environment that is conducive to developing and conducting a safe and effective therapeutic relationship with their clients.
Records keeping.
(a). It is the Therapist's duty to keep adequate records of each client, which are relevant to the therapy process. The Therapist will keep records with a minimum of the date, time, client's name, length of session, and notes on what therapeutic methods were utilized and general comments relevant to the therapy session as needed, and ending with the notes with the Therapist's name and initials of credentials. Each page of clinical notes are signed by the Therapist and dated as to ensure an accurate record of each therapy session.
(b). The information keep in records should also differentiate areas of fact and areas of opinion, in order that no misinterpretation or misuse of the information in the files is possible. Also, unless the Therapist is licensed to do so by the Health Professions Act of their State, Province, or Country, Therapists do not diagnose or treat diagnosable illnesses unless licensed to do so by their particular Province, State, or Country. Stating opinions is fine on clinical notes as long as the notes clearly state it is the Therapist's opinion of what he/she observes. Only licensed professionals may diagnose and treat illness and/or disease; therefore, referrals to licensed practitioners may be necessary in times of uncertainty of the Therapist.
(c). The Therapist is ultimately responsible for keeping all files and data of each client in a safe, secure, and in a locked cabinet, and also the locked cabinet is to be placed in a secure locked room.
Continued Care.
(a). It is the Therapist's responsibility to see that client care is continued during the referral process. If a referral is indicated, the Therapist sees that the clients needs are met until such time as: the client themselves has discontinued the services of the Therapist or until such time as another Therapist has begun to care for the client.
(b). The therapist will consult and/or notify the client about discontinuation of services and the implication thereof, in either case, of the Therapist or client discontinuing services.
Conflicts of interest.
(a). Where as; a conflict of interest or dual relationship is defined as a relationship in which the person, Therapist, or office worker enters into a relationship outside the context of therapy, the actual delivering of therapy, or office administration. The Therapist must remain vigilant to the fact that the possibilities of dual relationships exist in the real world. It is understood that the Therapist, or office worker, does not behave or act in any way that will or might lead to a conflict of interest or dual relationship whenever possible.
Advertising.
(a). The Therapist or advertising representative will not knowingly misrepresent qualifications, specialties, associations, affiliations, therapeutic modalities, or program success in any way. It will be the duty of the Therapist to present a fair and accurate representation of him/herself, the clinic, staff, and their capabilities.
Business Practice.
(a). For all practical purposes, therapy is a type of business. In order for the therapist to maintain their practice and be available for clients in a private practice setting the therapist should educate themselves about marketing and business practices.
(b). The private practice Therapist also has responsibilities to their business. The therapist must be knowledgeable about the business of therapy. Ethical business practice should be implemented where and whenever possible.
(c). Clients are to be made aware of all fee schedules and costs before the sessions begin. The client is to be informed of costs of therapy at the time of the initial consultation or first session, and is to be notified of any changes to the fee schedule as the therapy progresses.
(d). It is expected that the Therapist be allowed to make a reasonable and good profit from his venture as a private Therapist if the market allows. The Therapist may charge fees, which are in accordance to ethical business standards, education, services rendered, degrees earned, and/or using the fee scale from his/her own professional organization.
(e). The clients of the Therapist are also expected to meet their obligations to reimburse the therapist a fair and adequate fee for the service rendered before or after the therapy session has ended, depending on the specific agreement between client and Therapist. It is the Therapist's right to be duly compensated for services and therapy rendered. The Therapist can inform the client that therapy may not proceed until service fees are paid in full, or at the Therapist's discretion. At such time of non-payment of fees, the Therapist has the right to collect fees through ethical means such as invoices sent and/or collection agencies. Also, when fees are not paid for services rendered the Therapist may choose to end the therapeutic relationship. The Therapist may then refer the client to another Therapist or agency who may offer fee support, sliding scales, free services, or give a referral to a government agency which may offer services to disadvantaged individuals.
(f). The Therapist is responsible for keeping up-to-date with all laws of the land in their Province, State and/or Country, in regards to the professional business he is operating. The business side of the practice will also be run in a fair and ethical manner in regards to clients and employees.
Acceptance of the Professional Code of Rights and Responsibilities for Member's in Good Standing
This code is intended as a professional code of ethics for the member Therapist, to be understood and followed while a member in good standing of the Professional Board of Hypnotherapy, Inc.
The up-to-date paid membership dues of the Therapist are proof of the Therapist's understanding and agreement to follow the ethical intent of this document. The member in good standing agrees to the terms listed in this Professional Code of Rights and Responsibilities.
Failure to follow ethical therapeutic and business practices as outlined in this Professional Code of Rights and Responsibilities may lead to the Therapist being expelled from the PBH, Inc.. Should a complaint be made by a client, or a violation witnessed: the President or Vice President and an Advisory Board Member will follow the protocol in the Member Guidelines to establish an inquiry and a decision will be made as per the regulations set forth in that document.
For Inquiries Please Contact:
Email:
dreastman@shaw.ca
Attn: Alan R. Eastman, BA, MA(c), DCH.
Professional Board of Hypnotherapy, Inc.
#203, 4909 B - 48 Street
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
T4N-1S8.
References:
(1991). Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists. Ottawa: Canadian Psychological Association.
Vesper, Joyce H., Gregory W. Brock. (1994). Ethics, Legalities, and Professional Practice Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1991.
