Code of Conduct and Practice
General
1. It is the responsibility of the practising Aromatherapist to observe the Code of Practice, Conduct and Constitution of both their professional body and that of the Aromatherapy Council of Ireland.
Therapist
1.1 Members should endeavour to act in such a manner as to inspire public trust and confidence, uphold and enhance the good standing and reputation of Aromatherapy as a profession and safeguard the interests of the public.
1.2 The highest standards of conduct must be maintained at all times.
1.3 The Aromatherapist should practice their profession with integrity and dignity.
1.4 The Aromatherapist should not exploit their clients emotionally, physically, psychologically, sexually or financially.
1.5 Disclosure of client’s information without client’s written consent unless it is obliged by law and due process is followed.
1.6 Members must never claim to ‘cure’. The possible therapeutic benefits may be described but recovery must never be promised or guaranteed.
1.7 Advertising must be clear, honest and must not include inaccurate or false claims.
1.8 The Aromatherapist must never interfere with prescribed medication and must ensure that the client understands that treatment given is not a substitute for
prescribed medication.
1.9 Members must have adequate, current Professional Indemnity insurance to enable them to practice as an aromatherapist.
2.0 Members must ensure they comply with the Data Protection Act.
2.1 Members must ensure they keep clear, comprehensive and dated records of their treatments including particulars of essential oils and carrier oils utilised
during the course of the treatment.
2.2 Records must be kept for 7 years to comply with state legislation.
2.3 The Aromatherapist must never treat or make physical examination of a child under 16 except in the presence of and with the consent of a parent or guardian a parent or guardian.
2.4 All Aromatherapists working within hospitals, hospices and any other medical establishment must comply with the codes of conduct within that organisation at all times.
2.5 The Aromatherapist must ensure that her/his health and personal hygiene are
such as not to cause any risk to the health of a client.
2.6 Having taken due consideration to the Disciplinary Procedures in place with
CThA, IFPA, IMTA the Aromatherapy Council of Ireland have decided at this time to uphold and support these individual Association procedures. The ACI will refer members back or inform their Associations of discipline irregularities for the associations to sanction their members if required after due
process has taken place
2.7 Proposed treatments must be explained to clients who must consent to such
treatment
2.8 All Aromatherapists must have a current First Aid qualification. In the event
of a medical emergency medical help must be sought immediately.
Network and Referral
1.1The Aromatherapy Council of Ireland support and encourage referrals within the complementary field and medical professionals.
