Regulations and legal obligations of reflexology

Definition

Reflexology for the purposes of the Professional Reflexology Codes of Practice and Ethics shall be defined as the sedation and/or stimulation of reflexes of the hands and feet using only pressure provided by fingers and thumbs in a manner prescribed by the practitioners training, and the individual needs of the client.
This Code of Practice and Ethics is designed to encourage and uphold integrity and responsibility in the practice of Reflexology and to further the standing of our profession and of Professional Reflexologists.

• Members shall skilfully and caringly practice Reflexology for the benefit of the client / patient. Being aware of the client / patient relationship members shall develop listening skills and practice Reflexology with a caring attitude. The comfort and welfare of the client / patient shall have priority at all times.
• Members shall recognise the unique nature of the individual and shall have respect for all religions, spiritual, political and social views irrespective of race, colour, creed or sex
• A member may refuse to give treatment should they believe for whatever reason that to do so would not be in the best interest of the client/patient or practitioner, provided that the refusal is carried out in a professional manner.
• Members should not speak or write disrespectfully of fellow reflexologists either publicly or to clients.
• Members shall at all times conduct themselves in an honourable and courteous manner and with due diligence in their relations with their clients and the public. They shall work in a co-operative manner with other health care professionals and recognise and respect their particular contribution within the health care team, irrespective of whether they perform from an allopathic or complementary base.
• Members are responsible for continuing their personal and professional development by updating their training and conferring with colleagues with a view to increasing their knowledge and awareness.
• Members shall report research findings and clinical experience methodically and honestly. Speculative theories should be clearly described and defined as such.

2. Responsibility towards Clients or Patients

• A member shall recognise the responsibility he/she has towards a client/patient at all times.
• During an initial consultation with a client / patient an accurate description of Reflexology should be given.
• A statement of fees should be made before commencement of treatment.
• Full and accurate records of treatments given should be kept. The following details shall be included:-
• Name, address, telephone number,
• Name and Address of G.P.
• Relevant details of medical history
• Dates and findings of treatments
• Case histories may be used anonymously in connection with research or the furtherance of knowledge
• In practicing other therapies a member shall make clear to the client/patient that such therapies form no part of a Reflexology treatment.
• Members shall respect confidential information obtained in the course of professional practice except where disclosure is required by law. Members have an implicit duty to keep attendances, all information, records and views formed about clients entirely confidential. No disclosure may be made to any third party, without the client's express consent unless it is required by due process of the law, whether by Statute, Statutory instrument, or court order.
• The treatment of a client / patient shall be holistic.

3. Members shall not

• Diagnose a medical condition
• Claim to cure
• Use implements
• Prescribe or administer remedies, herbs, supplements, essential oils or other products unless their training and qualifications entitle them to do so.
• A member shall practice only within the limits of his / her professional training and competency. No unqualified advice should be given.
• Members shall not give the impression of medical training or other qualifications unless they possess them
• A member who suspects that a client / patient is affected by any condition, medical or otherwise, should advise the client to consult their medical practitioner.
• A member who suspects that they may be suffering from a communicable condition shall not continue to treat clients until such time as this is shown not to be the case.

4. Publicity

• Members shall seek to attract business fairly and professionally at all times.
• Advertising shall be moral, ethical, truthful, and remain within the boundaries of this Code of Practice and Ethics.
• Publicity shall be confined to drawing attention to the therapy available, the qualifications of the member and the offer of the member’s service(s) together with such details as are necessary for that purpose.
• Within member publicity no claim shall be made to cure or diagnose medical conditions.
• Members shall not seek to mislead, or to abuse the trust of, existing or potential clients / patients or to exploit any lack of knowledge.

5. The Practitioner

• The member must ensure that his/her professional practice is fully covered by insurance against possible claims made against him/her in respect of public liability and malpractice.
• A private treatment room with easy access to both toilet and hand washing facilities should be provided
• Premises and equipment must be clean, hygienic and suitable for the practice of reflexology
• Members should ensure that they themselves are medically, physically and psychologically fit to practise.
• Members shall adhere to, and conduct their practice within, the law both national and local pertaining to the country in which their practice is based.

Tutors of Reflexology should have been in professional practice for at least five years before becoming eligible to establish a Practitioners Training Course. Assistant tutors require three years professional experience. All Affiliated School tutors must be Professional Reflexology Members and hold a recognised teaching qualification.

This Code is not a substitute for those of other professional bodies to which a member may belong. Members are encouraged to join professional bodies especially with regard to other disciplines that they may practice.

In the event of a complaint against a Member this Code shall form the basis for an discussion or action.

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