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Principles
of Practice
Code
of Ethics
Scope
of Practice
Standards
of Practice
Code
of Ethics
As a member of Texas Reflexology Association, a Reflexologist
shall communicate with an open mind and a peaceful presence while
recognizing that his/her relationship to the client is a serious
responsibility. The art and science of Reflexology is an Honorable
one. Therefore, as a professional Reflexologist, I shall:
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Maintain
the highest standard of professional, honest and ethical behavior at
all times.
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Work
with the best interest of the client in mind.
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Establish
and maintain trust in the client-practitioner relationship.
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Ensure
client safety and comfort.
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Work
within the client’s comfort zone and pain tolerance.
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Protect
client privacy and trust.
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Maintain
anonymity of the client when discussing client cases with other
professionals, unless written consent is obtained.
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Regard
the client's confidences as inviolable within the constraints of the
law.
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Perform
only those services for which I have been specifically trained.
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Not
delegate the care of a client to an untrained person or to a
practitioner who is not experienced, qualified, or competently
trained to provide the necessary service.
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Not
diagnose, prescribe, or treat for any specific problem or condition
unless specifically trained and permitted by law to do so.
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Not
engage in sexual or other harassment or exploitation of clients,
colleagues or anyone under your guidance, tutelage or employ.
Scope
of Practice
Reflexology
is a science based on the premise that there are zones and reflex areas
in the feet and hands which correspond to all glands, organs, parts and
systems of the body. The physical act of applying specific
pressure using the thumb, finger and hand techniques to these reflex
areas results in the reduction of stress which promotes physiological
changes in the body.
This
definition gives a general view of the nature of our scope of practice.
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The
basis of reflexology has a long established tradition, as have many
other health care professions. Just as massage practitioners should
not infringe on the traditional territory of reflexology by way of
regulation or practice, neither should reflexology infringe on the
practice of any other modality, be it massage, acupressure,
chiropractic or other forms of bodywork. Specific techniques
and areas of application define the unique quality of reflexology as
opposed to any other practice. This traditional practice of
reflexology may seem limiting on the surface, but it is what allows
the practitioners the freedom to practice their profession without
interfering with or being interfered with by practitioners of other
professions.
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To
adequately define reflexology, parameters must be set as to where on
the client's anatomy the Reflexologist can work. Tradition
aside, the definition of reflexology states that "there are
zones and reflex areas...etc.," with “zones” being the
operative word. While these zones exist throughout the body,
they are most accessible within the feet and hands. To
practice reflexology on areas other than the hands, feet and
referral areas, would constitute infringement on the territory of
other health-care practitioners.
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Reflexology
is a hands-on-practice. Client safety as well as efficacy of
application can best be served by the use of the practitioner's
hands, fingers, and thumbs. Tactile sensory feedback is one of
the major principles governing the practitioner's awareness of
subtle changes that may indicate areas to be investigated.
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The
use of oils, lotions, and creams before or during the application of
reflexology is strongly discouraged as its use only serves to blur
the lines between reflexology and massage as well as interfering
with sensory feedback.
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The
desire of Reflexologists to employ every method at their disposal to
help their clients is well understood. Mixing modalities,
however, carries with it the added responsibility of being fully
trained, licensed, and/or certified in whatever auxiliary system is
employed. In addition, the practitioner has the added
responsibility of making the client fully aware of the fact that the
services provided include modalities that are outside of the
reflexology scope of practice.
Standards
of Practice
The
practice of good ethics is directed not only toward the welfare of the
individual client, but also to the reputation of the field of
Reflexology. The following is a statement of standards and ethics for
Reflexologists, including standards of ethical and proper professional
behavior.
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Truthfully
and accurately represent your education, training and experience
relevant to your practice.
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Communicate
with the public in a truthful and accurate manner. Do not use
false, inaccurate or misleading information in any personal
statements, testimonials, any type of graphic representation, or
identification with any professional organization. Any
credentials, training, or claims must be verifiable.
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Communicate
your individual policies regarding scheduling, fee structure,
cancellations, or other business practices, to the client before or
at the first appointment.
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Ascertain
the client's expectations prior to or before beginning the first
session and clarify any misconceptions or misunderstandings.
Maintain
your office in a professional manner:
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Obtain
client consent form, history and client disclosure/informed choice
statement before first session begins.
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Document
each session.
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Maintain
all business records (financial, client, staff) in a current,
organized and confidential manner.
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Display
appropriate professional certificates and memberships.
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Wear
neat and clean professional attire.
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Wash
your hands and fingernails thoroughly before and after each session.
Use
clean linens for each client.
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Adhere
to contraindications guidelines for reflexology.
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Continue
to recommend reflexology to an individual only as long as a clear
benefit is observed by the client.
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Abide
by all federal, state and local laws governing reflexology practice.
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Act
in the public's best interest when health care and safety are
affected by an incompetent, unethical or illegally practicing
reflexologist.
Notify
the Board of Directors of TRA if you:
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Are
convicted of a crime related to your profession as a reflexologist.
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Continue
to practice when you are no longer competent to do so due to
physical, mental, or emotional impairment from the abuse of alcohol
or other substances.
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Fail
to cooperate with the governing body at any point from the beginning
of an ethical complaint through the completion of all proceedings
with regards to that complaint.
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Work
for the repeal and/or revision of laws which are detrimental to the
legitimate practice of reflexology.
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Respect
all health care practitioners who operate ethically and help them in
their understanding of what reflexology is. Work amicably with
these practitioners to promote health and natural healing.
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Maintain
your well being in such a way as to promote the professional nature
of reflexology.
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Keep
the standard of your professional work current and as high as
possible by continuing your reflexology education and training, and
by attending professional conferences.
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Promote and
support the profession of reflexology by participating in local,
state or national organizations which promote these standards of
ethics and practice for reflexology.
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