Code of Ethics for Alternative Medicine Practitioner I

The Alternative Medicine Practitioner's primary purpose is to restore, maintain and optimize health in human beings.

The Alternative Medicine Practitioner acts to restore, maintain and optimize health by providing individualized care, according to his/her ability and judgment, following these principles of Naturopathic Medicine.

The Alternative Medicine Practitioner shall endeavor to first, do no harm; to provide the most effective health care available with the least risk to his/her patients at all times. (Primum Non Nocere)

The Alternative Medicine Practitioner shall recognize, respect and promote the self-healing power of nature inherent in each individual human being. (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)

The Alternative Medicine Practitioner shall strive to identify and remove the causes of illness, rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms. (Tolle Causum)

The Alternative Medicine Practitioner shall educate his/her patients, inspire rational hope and encourage self-responsibility for health. (Doctor as Teacher)

The Alternative Medicine Practitioner shall treat each person by considering all individual health factors and influences. (Treat the Whole Person)

The Alternative Medicine Practitioner shall emphasize the condition of health to promote well-being and to prevent disease for the individual, each community and our world. (Health Promotion, the Best Prevention)

II

The Alternative Medicine Practitioner shall acknowledge the worth and dignity of every person.

The Alternative Medicine Practitioner shall safeguard the patient's right to privacy and only disclose confidential information when either authorized by the patient or mandated by law.

The Alternative Medicine Practitioner shall act judiciously to protect the patient and the public when health care quality and safety are adversely affected by the incompetent or unethical practice by any person.

The Alternative Medicine Practitioner shall maintain competence in naturopathic medicine and strive for professional excellence through assessment of personal strengths, limitations and effectiveness and by advancement of professional knowledge.

The Alternative Medicine Practitioner shall conduct her/his practice and professional activities with honesty, integrity and responsibility for individual judgment and actions.

The Alternative Medicine Practitioner shall strive to participate in professional activities to advance the standards of care, body of knowledge and public awareness of naturopathic medicine.

The Alternative Medicine Practitioner shall respect all ethical, qualified health care practitioners and cooperate with other health professions to promote health for the individual, the public and the global community.

The Alternative Medicine Practitioner shall strive to exemplify personal well-being, ethical character and trust worthiness as a health care professional.