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SAPA |
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Professional Aromatherapy |
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SAPA Code of Ethics and Practice |
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1.0 INSURANCE 1.1 It is suggested a practicing member obtain liability insurance in order to be registered with the SAPA. It is also suggested that members obtain adequate business insurance coverage.
2.0 PREMISES 2.1 Aromatherapists must provide a private change and treatment area and access to washroom facilities. 2.2 Aromatherapists should cover the client during treatments so the treatment progresses in an atmosphere of care and trust. 2.3 Massage tables must be sturdy and safe. All equipment and supplies should be regularly cleaned and disinfected.
3.0 PERSONAL HYGIENE 3.1 Aromatherapists must ensure that health and personal hygiene are such so as not to endanger the client. 3.2 Aromatherapists must not smoke, eat or drink alcoholic beverages, or be under the influence of alcohol or hallucinogens during treatments. 3.3 Aromatherapists must be aware of the elements of public regulations as they relate to local safety by-laws, rules and specifications with their specific locale.
4.0 CLIENT REGISTER 4.1 Aromatherapists are required to record all case histories and treatment files of clients, and keep them for a minimum of three years. 4.2 Aromatherapists must strictly respect patient confidentiality. 4.3 Aromatherapists require a waiver from the client if the client’s medical doctors have advised against aromatherapy treatment. 4.4 If a negative or unintended effect occurs, this must be recorded in clinic notes, and treatment terminated if the client requests.
5.0 TREATMENTS 5.1 Aromatherapists are trained to assess clients - not to diagnose any medical conditions. 5.2 It is recommended that essential oils should be avoided in applications concerning internal use. 5.3 Sexual harassment is strictly forbidden. This conduct includes: i. Touching a client with sexual intent. ii. Verbalizing to client in a sexual manner. 5.4 Aromatherapists have the right to refuse treatment to a client due to risk of infection, sexual harassment, intoxication or verbal abuse. 5.5 Client shall be informed of the nature of the treatment, oils being used, the intended effects and home care use. Verbal consent to proceed is necessary. 5.6 If the aromatherapist feels that the client may experience unpleasant effects (due to the treatment) after they leave the premise, the therapist has a moral obligation to inform the client. 5.7 The aromatherapist has no moral or legal right to override the opinions of the medical, naturopathic, chiropractic or registered massage therapist professions. 5.8 If the aromatherapist practices other therapies, it should be made clear that the other therapy is not part of a standard aromatherapy treatment, but is incorporated by the aromatherapist as part of their own practice.
6.0 CONDUCT 6.1 The SAPA believes that sexual relationships between aromatherapist and client are morally incorrect. 6.2 Aromatherapists must follow the laws of the land. There must be no discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sexual orientation or to those developmentally challenged. 6.3 Aromatherapists must not make any false claims about their qualifications or make false claims about aromatherapy.
7.0 LIAISON WITH OTHER PROFESSIONS 7.1 Aromatherapists should recognize the need to refer to other members of the health care system when warranted. 7.2 A member must not try to entice a client to leave another aromatherapist, and should refrain from offering personal opinions about other associates or professionals.
8.0 IMPORTANT 8.1 Every aromatherapist is required to attend a minimum of two, six hour continuing aromatherapy education and related approved workshops, conferences or courses per year. 8.2 Aromatherapists shall be free to advertise their professional services, providing it does not bring discredit to the profession.
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