NRRI STUDENT CODE OF ETHICS
Introduction:
Only students attending diploma courses in reflexology at schools accredited by the National Register of Reflexologists (Ireland) - hereinafter referred to as the NRRI - over eighteen years of age and having paid the current membership fee, are eligible for NRRI student membership.
Student membership is valid for the period of the course which is current at the time of joining.
This Code of Ethics has been executed to regulate the attitude and conduct of student members towards clients, the general public and fellow reflexologists, to uphold the highest professional standards of practice, and to provide a basis for discussion in the resolution of complaints.
Student members must present a united front to the public and should not imply criticism of colleagues either in writing or verbally, in the presence of clients or of the general public.
- Acceptance and observation of this Code of Ethics is a condition of membership.
- Student members must recognise that as reflexologists their primary obligation is towards the client and must practise their skills to the best of their ability for the benefit of the client. The comfort and welfare, culture and customs, values and spiritual beliefs of the client must always be given appropriate priority. Reflexologists must behave with integrity, courtesy and discretion. Their attitude must be competent and sympathetic, hopeful and positive, thus encouraging an up-lift in the patient's mental outlook and belief in a gradual progression towards wholeness.
- Student members must restrict their extra-mural practice of reflexology to close family and friends, and to the regulatory requirements of Case Histories, at all times in close consultation with their tutors.
- Student members must take guidance from their tutors regarding contra-indications for reflexology treatment.
- When giving treatment to a person under eighteen years of age it is advisable to seek prior permission from a parent or guardian, and also to request the presence of a third party on whose integrity the reflexologist can rely.
- A member who is qualified to practise another therapy in conjunction with reflexology may do so only with the prior agreement of both the school tutor and the client, and must make it clear to the client that such secondary therapy is not part of the reflexology treatment. Aromatherapy oils may not be used before or during a reflexology treatment.
- Accurate and detailed records of treatment must be kept, but any knowledge acquired in a professional capacity during consultation or during the course of treatment may not be divulged to a third party without the client's consent, other than to the student's tutor in the regular course of training and except when required by law.
- Medical diagnoses must not be made or implied. The reflexologist may offer an attempt to achieve a certain measure of healing and homeostasis, but recovery must never be promised and no claim should be made to have effected a cure.
- No unqualified advice should be given, and implements must not be used.
- A "Complaints Procedure" is available to students and clients, and anyone wishing to avail of that service should bring the matter to the attention of the Registrar in writing, for it to be placed before the NRRI Executive Committee for their consideration.
- Any proposed addition, deletion, or amendment to this Code of Ethics will be considered by the NRRI Executive Committee whose final decision will be notified to the members.