Code of Ethics

The IMTQA Code of Ethics expresses the profession’s ethical ideals. These ethics underpin the Code of Conduct, which sets minimum standards of professional conduct for members.

Principles

1. First, do no harm

Recognize where a patient is not responding adequately to treatment and discuss and review options with the patient including the option of referral to another health practitioner.

Members shall maintain a safe environment suitable for their practice.

Members will not lead patients into financial or emotional distress.

Members will not mislead the patient with regard to exaggerated or unsubstantiated promises of clinical improvement, particularly when the patient is vulnerable (e.g. cancer, chronic pain).

2. All treatment shall be for the benefit of the patient

Treatment shall be reasonably necessary. Reasonably necessary treatment is treatment which aims to benefit the physical, emotional or psycho-social health and wellbeing of the patient/client.

Frequency and nature of treatment will be determined by considering the individual needs of the patient, independent of the financial, personal or business interests of the practitioner.

3. Members should assist the patient in making an informed decision considering all risks and benefits of TQ

Autonomy refers to the right of the patient to make their own decisions regarding their health care.

Treat your patient/client with compassion and respect at all times.

4. Members shall act fairly in all dealings with their patients, other professionals, their peers and the community

Members shall not engage in misleading or dishonest advertising.

Members shall treat other professions with professional respect and courtesy.

Members shall not represent as a qualified medical professional, unless they possess the necessary qualifications.

5. Members shall hold patient information confidentially

Health information is often of a sensitive and intimate nature, which a person may not ordinarily disclose. Patients/clients disclose this information in order to benefit from its use. Personal information should be used sensitively and only for its intended purpose Members will keep up to date on their statutory obligations regarding privacy and patient/client access to their health records.

The member’s privacy policy will detail the manner in which the practitioner cares for the patient’s/client’s confidential information.