Code of Conduct and Ethics for Pranic Therapists

Introduction

This Code of Conduct and Ethics sets out standards for Sub-Licensees (Instructors) and Diamond Level Members of the Institute of Pranic Healing UK & Ireland (the Institute) in the advancement of best practice and public protection.

Other members of the Institute may choose to observe the Code on a voluntary basis.

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Code of Conduct  

When working with clients

1. The primary concerns must be the physical and emotional wellbeing of the client and providing an appropriate standard of service.
2. Pranic Healing is a complementary therapy to allopathic medicine.  Pranic Therapists are not permitted to diagnose a condition and clients should be advised to consult a medical professional as well as a Senior Pranic Therapist wherever appropriate.  In the event that the Pranic Therapist is also a medical professional they may diagnose a condition in their medical capacity to the extent that they are qualified, competent and insured to do so.
3. If a Pranic Therapist is unsure about the treatment plan, they should advise the client to consult a medical professional for a diagnosis. 
4. If the physical or mental condition of the client is not improving after a series of treatments under the prescribed treatment plan, the Pranic Therapist should either contact the Institute to consult with a Senior Pranic Therapist or advise the client to seek further medical investigation.
5. In consideration of the above it is important that a non-fanatical approach is adopted at all times.  Any communication with the client should reinforce that Pranic Healing follows an integrative approach with medicine and other health related modalities.
6. Each Pranic Therapist must work within their own range of competence.  This includes using supervision from the Institute in challenging cases or where the management of risk requires consultation with a more Senior Pranic Therapist. 
7. Supervision may only be given directly by the Institute or its authorised agent. Pranic Therapists must contact info@ukpranichealing.co.uk to make this request. Supervision should not be sought directly from other Pranic Therapists. 
8. Pranic Therapists must be committed to Continued Professional Development of their skills and knowledge.  Evidence of this will be required for the renewal of the Diamond Membership status each year.  Regular attendance at the Institute’s practice sessions, courses and meetings is strongly recommended.
9. Pranic Therapists must maintain a regular personal Arhatic Practice.  This is necessary to provide the physical, mental and energetic capacity needed to maintain a high standard of treatment for clients.  
10. Pranic Therapists should not treat clients when physically unwell themselves or when experiencing excessive emotions such as anger or depression.  This is to ensure the client receives the highest standard of treatment and best possible outcome.

Client Privacy

Pranic Therapists will

1. Keep accurate and appropriate records as required by their insurance provider and in accordance with current Data Protection Requirements.
2. Protect client confidentiality and privacy at all times.  It is permissible to share pertinent information about a case with the Institute for the purposes of supervision. The information shared should be limited to what is necessary in the circumstances. 
3. Communicate with clients in clear and straightforward terms in both verbal and written communication. This is particularly important in relation to protocols and treatment plans.  Remain factual; avoid jargon or terms that may create misunderstandings.
4. Inform clients clearly upfront of any terms of business, financial agreements, cancellation policy and complaints procedure to prevent any misunderstandings.

Good Business Practice

Pranic Therapists will

1. Maintain high professional standards with regard to 
   • the appropriateness and cleanliness and of venues (in the case of Seminars, Courses, Clinics, Meditation Classes and other promotional events) 
   • their personal appearance and manner
2. Use treatment plans and protocols in accordance with the teachings of the Institute of Inner Studies (IIS) and not on the basis of any other framework, modality or training.  A Pranic Therapist may draw on their expertise or training in other fields when communicating with a client, in so far as this is compatible with the teachings and practices of Pranic Healing.
3. When representing the Institute at any public event, including meditation groups, healing clinics and promotional events, any items for sale must either be purchased directly from the Institute or pre-approved by the Institute.
4. Respect the boundaries of the working relationship between Therapist and Client. Pranic Therapists must never exploit their privileged position to obtain personal advantage of any kind, including sexual, emotional or financial advantage.  It is permissible to accept gifts from clients provided they are of nominal value and are neither induced nor accepted in return for the promise of any benefit or gain.
5. Be mindful of the inevitable imbalance of power in the relationship between Therapist and Client.  Pranic Therapists will take all reasonable steps to avoid encouraging or creating a state of dependency or inappropriate familiarity with a client.  If the Therapist feels that professional boundaries have been compromised in any way by a client they are advised to seek advice from the Institute. 
6. Have the right to exercise discretion when deciding who they accept as clients, however, treatment must not be refused on any ground that would amount to unlawful discrimination.  Where appropriate, all reasonable efforts should be made to direct the person towards a suitable alternative Pranic Therapist.              
7. Revisit the treatment plan with the client once they have sufficiently recovered or if it becomes apparent that further progress within that client/therapist relationship is unlikely.  The treatment plan must be openly discussed so that the client is free to continue or discontinue as they choose.  Pranic Therapists are to refrain from prolonging treatment plans for financial gain.

Pranic Therapists will not

1. Give false or misleading expectations regarding the number of treatments required to achieve a particular outcome.
2. Enter into any contract to deliver a course of treatments where a particular outcome is implied or expressed. 
3. Request or accept payment in advance for a course of treatments, especially when a particular outcome is implied or promised.
4. Provide treatments in exchange for goods or services, including reciprocal arrangements for swapping Pranic Healing treatments for the same or another therapy.  For the avoidance of confusion about roles and responsibilities, Pranic Healing treatments should be made in return for a specified fee.
5. Make false, misleading or exaggerated claims about Pranic Healing or about their own skills, knowledge or experience.  Pranic Therapists will not claim that their skills are in any way superior to other modalities or practices.  All advertising and promotion in whatever form must be accurate, appropriate and truthful. 
6. Engage in any activity or communication in whatever form that may call into question the good standing of the Institute of Pranic Healing UK & Ireland or Pranic Healing as a whole.

Contractual Obligations

1. The content of the course material from the Institute of Inner Studies (IIS) must not be shared, taught or replicated in any format without the express permission of either the IIS or the Institute of Pranic Healing UK & Ireland (under license to the IIS).
2. Therapists who are permitted to use the marketing materials provided by the Institute of Pranic Healing UK & Ireland are bound by copyright laws and are not permitted to amend    the brand logo or material in any way, other than as agreed with the Institute.

Ethics

The values, principles and moral qualities that underpin this Code are based on the Virtues as taught within the Institute of Inner Studies. In the course of their activities Pranic Therapists may be faced with ethical dilemmas or unprecedented situations.  In addition to the practices outlined in this Code the following principles must be followed at all times. 

Breaches of the Code of Conduct and Ethics

Any concerns about breaches of this Code will be dealt with in accordance with the Institute’s Complaints Procedure.  Complaints may be raised by an individual or by the Institute itself.

Breaches of the Code may vary widely in nature and severity.  The Institute’s response to a breach may therefore also be varied and will always be proportionate to the situation in question.

In serious cases, material breaches of this Code may result in the Therapist’s membership or sub-license being suspended or terminated. 

Members of the Institute who choose to observe the Code on a voluntary basis are not subject to the Institute’s Complaints Procedure.