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CODE OF PRACTICE
The aim of this Code of Practice is to set out the basic standards, which the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists expects its members to maintain. The Code of Practice lays down the 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 also be reflected in the equipment, furniture and premises.
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1.0 Insurance
1.1 A practising member must ensure that her/his professional practice is fully covered by professional indemnity, professional malpractice and public liability insurance. If products are sold without a consultation, or if members have a separate business dedicated to aromatherapy products, they should ensure that suitable additional insurance cover is arranged. Members can take advantage of the IFPA insurance scheme, and this determines the level of cover deemed acceptable. Those taking out separate insurance must ensure the cover provided is at least equivalent to the IFPA scheme.
2.0 Premises
2.1 Consultation and treatment rooms must be clean, adequately lit, properly ventilated and in a good state of general repair.
2.2 A washbasin with hot and cold water supply properly connected to public drainage should be available. Soap, preferably containing antiseptic, and some means of hand drying should also be available.
2.3.1 If the consultation and treatment rooms are not directly accessible from the street all entranceways and stairways should be kept adequately clean and well lit.
2.3.2 An appropriate sign indicating that an aromatherapist is in practice may be placed at the main entrance.
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3.0 Personal Hygiene
3.1 The aromatherapist must ensure that her/his health and personal hygiene are such as to prevent any risk to a client.
3.2.1 The practitioner must not eat, drink or smoke whilst at practice.
3.2.2 The aromatherapist must be aware of the elements of public hygiene and local safety byelaws, rules and specifications that apply to aromatherapy.
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4.0 Furniture
4.1 Massage couches and chairs etc must be sturdy and safe, and should be kept clean.
4.2 Table tops and other work surfaces must have an impervious surface, which can be cleaned and disinfected at regular intervals.
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5.0 Client Register
5.1 A card index or other suitable means should be set up to register clients’ names, addresses and other relevant information, including dates of attendance.
5.2 Good records should be maintained and should be kept in a secure location for a period of time specified periodically by the Federation, so that continuity of client care is possible, and case history information can be made available to another aromatherapist should the client move away from a practice.
5.3.1 These records should include up-to-date progress reports and records of any referrals and tests carried out by other practitioners, and should be capable of being understood by any other therapist taking over or assisting in the care of that client. It is important that the client sign the record card at the initial consultation as being a true account of his/her present medical condition.
5.4 Clients have the right to inspect their records.
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6.0 Important Notes
6.1 It is the responsibility of the practising aromatherapist to observe any byelaws with regard to the therapy undertaken. 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 the practice premises.
6.2 Members must be wary of giving advice on skin and bodily ailments, diet, etc, and are expected not to presume a specialist knowledge outside the limitations of their own specialised knowledge.
6.3 It is the responsibility of a practising aromatherapist to bear in mind her/his own standard of training and level of knowledge, as well as any insurance limitations when deciding how the essential oils are to be used for each individual client.
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7.0 Liaison with other Professionals
7.1 Liaison with the client’s doctor may increase better understanding between individual aromatherapists and their local doctors. Gradually, if contact can be established with a number of practitioners in various spheres, e.g. dermatology, homeopathy, dietetics, reflexology, acupuncture etc. clients’ conditions may be greatly assisted, the standing of aromatherapy enhanced and better care provided. It is advisable to retain written documentation of any such contact e.g. letters to and from GPs and therapists
7.2.1 Many doctors are co-operative if asked if they would be agreeable to making referrals, and every such liaison serves to strengthen the ideals which we seek to achieve.
7.3 By lecturing to other professional bodies and by increasing contact, greater awareness of the therapeutic nature of aromatherapy can be communicated.
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