IRMA Code of Ethics

IRMA Code of Ethics

A MEMBER OF THE INSTITUTE OF REGISTERED MYOTHERAPISTS OF AUSTRALIA SHALL:

• Respect at all times the rights and dignity of the patient, and give the best treatment of which he/she is capable, irrespective of race, creed, nationality, politics or social status.
• Maintain at all times the highest standard of professional competence, and strive continually to update and extend his/her professional knowledge and skill.
• Maintain the premises from which he/she operates in a suitable hygienic and professional manner and in accordance with any current council regulations.
• Maintain at all times professional confidentiality of all personal information entrusted to them by the patient, except where the patient consents to inter professional communication.
• Upon referral of a patient by a medical practitioner, scrupulously carry out the instructions given at the time of referral.
• Refer to the appropriate health professional, any person who presents with a problem or condition which is outside the member's competence and professional expertise.
• Recognise the extent and limitations of his/her competence, and undertake only those activities which are within the scope of his/her professional expertise.
• Accept the responsibility of confirming with the patient whether or not he/she is currently receiving treatment from another health practitioner.
• Not to state or present misleading information with regard to skills or qualifications which the member does not possess.
• Not to use the title "Doctor" or initials "Dr." on statement of their own name, business address, card, letterhead or published article, unless entitled to do so by virtue of the award of a medical degree, Doctor of Philosophy, or equivalent degree.
• Co-operate with members of the health care and related professions so that the best interests of the community are served.
• Be aware of his/her legal responsibilities.
• Not to act in a way that would be detrimental to the Myotherapy profession, or in any way bring the profession into disrepute.
• Not to denigrate the name of IRMA, its Board of Directors, or any member of IRMA.
• Obtain the approval of IRMA before speaking or acting on behalf of IRMA.
• Shall be entitled to use the initials IRMA, the name of the Institute in full, and the approved logo of IRMA in advertising as a Myotherapist in a manner as approved by the Board of Directors.
• A student member is allowed to use the initials IRMA or the name of the Institute in full when advertising as a Massage Therapist, upon application to, and the discretion of the Board of Directors.
• Adhere to this Code when undertaking clinical research.
• Agree to be bound by the Rules of the Association.

Rules of Association

 a) Breaches of the code or conduct unbecoming a member, or prejudicial to the interests of IRMA by a member may incur suspension or termination of membership with IRMA.

b) That upon receipt of a complaint alleging breach of the Code or conduct unbecoming a member or prejudicial to the interest of IRMA by a member, the Secretary shall within 14 days of receipt of the complaint refer it to the Board of Directors who shall convene a special meeting for the purpose of examine the complaint.

c) Where the Board of directors is of the view that a complaint may have substance, it shall serve upon the member notice of the subject of the complaint by registered mail together with a notice giving seven days notice of a meeting convened in accordance with Rule 7.03 for the purpose of considering and determining the complaint;

d) The notice referred to in (c) herein shall advise the member of the subject of the complaint, that he/she shall have an opportunity of being heard at that time, or alternatively, of providing written submissions to the Board of Directors.

e) The Board of Directors shall determine the complaint having regard to the evidence presented before them and, where appropriate, with regard to inquiries made by them, and put to the member (the subject of the complaint).

f) Should the Board of Directors determine that the member has breached the Code of Ethics and/or has been guilty of conduct unbecoming to a member or prejudicial to the interest of IRMA and is accordingly to be subject to a penalty the member shall be so advised in accordance with Rule 7.05 and the appeal procedures set out in Rule 7 of the Rules of the Association shall then be applicable.


Implications of Code of Ethics

The object of the Code of Ethics is to enjoin a general code of professional conduct upon every person who is a member of the Institute of Registered Myotherapist of Australia. Its purpose is to maintain the dignity and prestige of the Myotherapy profession. Myotherapy is a collective term describing the various soft tissue manipulations and supplementary techniques used by the Myotherapist in the treatment of muscle dysfunction.

This Code of Ethics should be observed by Myotherapists in the exercise of their profession, and they should be mindful that their conduct should be based upon their obligations to their patients, fellow Myotherapists and other health professions. The principles of this Code are to be considered in conjunction with, but not instead of, any relevant Acts, Ordinances or Regulations regarding the practice of Myotherapy in an Australian State or Territory of practice. This Code of Ethics will be revised from time to time to meet changing needs and prevailing conditions in the practice of Myotherapy.