CODE OF PRACTICE

May 1991

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this Code of Practice is to set out the basic standards which the International Federation of Aromatherapists expects its Members to maintain. This Code of Practice lays down minimum standards necessary for Members of the Federation. Clients who attend a registered Aromatherapist expect a professional approach by the practitioner and this professionalism should be reflected in the equipment, furniture and premises.

INSURANCE

Adequate public liability and professional insurance must be held by all practising members.

PREMISES

1. Consultation and treatment rooms must be clean, adequately lit properly ventilated and in a good state of general repair.
2. A wash basin with hot and cold water supply and properly connected to public drainage is essential and should be located in the work area. Soap, preferably containing antiseptic, and some means of hand-drying should be available.
3. If the consultation and treatment rooms are not directly accessible from the street, all entrance ways and stair ways should be adequately lit and kept clean.
4. An appropriate sign indicating that an Aromatherapist is practice may be placed at the main entrance.

PERSONAL HYGIENE

The Aromatherapists must ensure that their health and personal hygiene are such as to cause no danger to a client.

The practitioner must not eat, drink or smoke while at practice.

The Aromatherapist must be aware of the elements of public hygiene and local safety-by-laws and specifications in connection with Aromatherapy.

FURNITURE

1. Massage couches and chairs etc. must be sturdy and safe. They should be kept clean and disinfected.
2. Table tops and other work surfaces must have an impervious surface which can be cleaned and disinfected at each session.

CLIENT REGISTER

A card index or other suitable means should be set up to register clients' names, addresses and other relevant information including dates of attendance.

If good records are maintained, continuity of client care is possible and case history information can be made available to another Aromatherapist if the client moves away from a practice.
A standard card is useful and this should include up-dated progress reports and records of any referrals and tests carried out by other practitioners and should be capable of being understood by any other Member, taking over or assisting in the care of that client. It is important that the client signs the initial circulation notes.

IMPORTANT NOTES

1. It is the responsibility of the practising Aromatherapist to observe any local by-laws with regard to the therapy under-taken. All necessary legal (pharmaceutical and cosmetic) requirements must be complied with in regard to all materials used and stored, purchased complete or assembled and labelled on practice premises.
2. The Federation expects Members not to presume a specialist knowledge outside the own training. Members must be wary of giving advice on skin and bodily ailments outside the limitations of their own specialised knowledge.
3. No Aromatherapist shall use essential oils for internal ingestion or internal application nor shall any aromatherapist advocate or promote such use of essential oils unless the practising aromatherapist has medical qualifications or the equivalent qualifications the natural therapies and holds an insurance policy which specifically covers the internal ingestion and internal application of essential oils.

LIAISON WITH OTHER PROFESSIONS

Liaison with the client's doctor may increase better understanding between individual Aromatherapists and their local doctors. Gradually, if contact can become established with a number of consultants in various spheres, e.g. dermatology, homoeopathy, dietics, reflexology etc., clients' conditions may be greatly assisted, the standing of aromatherapy is enhanced and more satisfactory conclusions are attained. Many doctors are co-operative if asked if they would be agreeable to receiving referrals and every such liaison serves to strengthen the ideals which we seek to achieve. By lecturing to other professional bodies and by increasing contact, greater awareness of Aromatherapy aims and objectives can be communicated.

CONTROLS ON P.R., ADVERTISING AND ARTICLES PROMOTING IFA

An I.FA. Member who wishes to advertise, promote or give a press release will submit their promotion to the Council before publication. This will enable the Council to keep a high standard on the promotions scene, safeguarding from any misinterpretation and stopping the use of the Federation name for personal or commercial promotion. All such material should be sent to the Secretary 6 weeks prior to printing and publishing.

See I F,A. Code of Ethics & brochure for other information

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Page created 3 January, 2002.  Last updated 09 October, 2007 12:57:21 +1000